The Great White Hope

Why doesn't every women own at least one great white button down? In my opinion it is important to own two white button downs. One should be casual and one more fitted. The casual one should be looser fitting across the chest, longer and have sleeves that can be rolled. This shirt can be worn with jeans and a cardigan for a casual day look, with jeans and pearls tucked in with a great black belt and ballet flats for another more day look. This casual white shirt can be thrown over leggings and jeggins and also paired with a your classic black pants to dress them down (keep in untucked in this case).

The more fitted white shirt looks great with a flouncy or flannel skirt, either tucked or untucked. This shirt makes jeans look put together and dressy. Add a great necklace and pointy Manolo's and you can go anywhere in this look.

When shopping for a white shirt go for fit first. Make sure the classic shirt is nipped in the waist and that it fits across the chest (no gapping around your chest). Look for sleeves that are long enough to be worn unbuttoned and rolled. Also, don't be afraid to try on men's shirts. I find that the men's department has more to choose from as far as style and size goes. Men's shirts are often constructed better. They seem to be a little boxier and heavier, also they often have french cuffs for cuff links!!!

The following are some of my picks for great white shirts. Also be sure to check out Anne Fountaine and Club Monaco (I was not able to download pics from those sites).