I’ve been writing a lot about food on a blog that’s supposed to be all about the clothes.  Let’s switch it up for a post or two and have a look at the clothes this blog is all about. 

This post is the first of a series I’m calling Closest Classics; reflections on those items that serve as a solid foundation for a versatile and functional wardrobe.

When I reorganized my closet the other week, I was surprised to discover how many white shirts I have.  Scattered throughout the closet before, they now hang together, long-sleeved to sleeveless, a bright spot in a dark corner.

The White Shirt Haberdasher Women's Shirt

The white shirt is a closet classic and a staple item in a well-planned wardrobe. All through high school, I wore a uniform: pleated kilt and a white blouse.  I had three blouses and had to do a wash in the middle of the week.  After I graduated I revolted against white.   The only white tops I wore were the concert and promotional t-shirts I worked out in.

I felt for most of my life big and geeky in white whereas in black I was cool and invisible.  I suppose that’s in keeping with the “black is slimming” thinking.  Well, the other side of that is that white is not slimming.  But that’s not true.  White can be slimming when used to effect, and, of course, the cut of the fabric as it fits the contours of the body is important.  The most un-slimming look is clothes that are too small.

Then I saw the light and fell in love with white.  I bought shirts with long-sleeves, short sleeves, and no sleeves; pleats, tucks and darts; shirts that are shaped, cropped, gathered, ruffled, and peasant; made out of bamboo, cotton, silk, linen.  And of course, the ubiquitous t-shirt.

The White Shirt Haberdasher, located in London, England, recognizes the importance of a fine white shirt, they offer same-day delivery to customers in the central London vicinity.  For a price.

At £135.00, they’re not cheap, but the text promises soft silkiness.  I wouldn’t know, I can only look.  I do like the French cuffs and the little black cufflinks, which are onyx and silver. Nice touch.  Same day delivery in Central London is £40.00.  I wonder how much to ship across the pond?

These checkerboard ones are onyx and mother of pearl and made for the men.  Dashing, but I like them too.

I recommend at least one in each style: oxford, silk dress, ruffle/peasant, t-shirt and camisole, more as your taste desires.  Always on trend a white shirt goes with everything and can spark up or moderate any colour combination in the spectrum.  If you have room for only one white shirt in your budget, invest in a good quality white oxford style shirt in a fitted style.

But if you have room for more, then the sky’s the limit on the styles and fabrics that come in white.  The selections below are from Jones New York, the leading retailer of clothing for women in the professional workforce.  You can see all their white shirts here.

The two directly above can transition from the office to an evening social gathering with little more than freshening up.  Bold accessories in silver and gold accentuate the simplicity of colour and sparkles against the dark contrast of black, as in the case of 3 of the images above.

The white shirt is often paired, to dramatic effect, with black pants or skirt, or under a jumper.  The look is crisp, clean and no-nonsense.  The white shirt transitions well to casual wear and can spark up denim no matter how faded and torn it may be.

When my father passed away he left behind a closet of white shirts.  More for the memory of him than to satisfy my need of more white shirts, I packed them all up and brought them home.  I have plans for a few of them, they are bigger than they need to be and a judicious tuck or pleat here, a snip and stitch there, and le viola!

Well, we’ll see.  Check back for pics.

Do you have a go-to white shirt in your closet?