Decisive Shirting
‘Too much choice is a nightmare’ read India Knight’s Sunday Times Style column and that really spoke to me; that feeling of being overwhelmed with the excess of choice to the point where even the simplest decision can feel like mental gymnastics. Tastes and trends change so rapidly, with shiny and new ideas for style, interiors and beauty pushing and pulling us in different directions; I know that when it feels too much I revert to what I know and trust. I’ve always valued the idea of a ‘capsule wardrobe' and investing, where possible, in pieces that will stand the test of time and changing trends. There is a lot of noise about how to create the perfect capsule wardrobe but there is no strict formula, it is about building a wardrobe of style blocks that can be re-built in a myriad of ways across the seasons: a trench-style coat, a tailored jacket, dark wash jeans, shirting, knitwear and layering basics is a start. Last week I was invited to host a spring styling event at shirt brand With Nothing Underneath’s (WNU) Elizabeth Street store, alongside British knitwear brand Blake LDN; at this time of year when it is bright but fresh, the need for layering is key to our changing wardrobe and temperatures. If you don’t know WNU, it really is a brand to know in terms of its quality, style and brand ethos. It started with the founder Pip’s need and want for that perfect shirt, one that fits, hangs and tucks in the right way, inspired by men’s tailoring and British heritage. If, like me, you love how effortlessly stylish and pulled together a well-cut shirt is, I implore you to go to the store to see, feel and try the different shapes, fabrics and details. There’s something confident with a shirt, perhaps it is that it is always on show, whether it is worn alone or covered in layers, it is always standing up, smart, proud and decisive. B Corp certified and striving to lead the way for a more sustainable fashion system from the materials they use to encouraging their customers to shop mindfully and care for their clothes for longevity, WNU is the brand you didn’t know you needed. For those in the cheap seats at the back, I thought I would pull my top 5 pieces from the brand, to give you an at-a-glance idea of how-to-style WNU.
The long line and dip-hem of the Boyfriend means it is easy to tuck but can also be worn long when you want a little more coverage in a slim or skinny trouser; the epitome of versatile and a wardrobe staple.
It’s subtle but the dropped shoulder on the Weekend shirt adds a point of difference, especially here with the contrasting stripes. Stripes are so spring and this style is so much more interesting than a Breton.
get shirty
get shirty
I have always been a fan of double denim and here it comes round again, tying into the Western story for spring ‘24. If you’re a little unsure try it with contrasting denims, like white on blue or tonal with pale blue on indigo.
This is such a special piece, just look, a dinner shirt in organza! Wear it with your finest bra to show some skin or layer with a lace silk camisole; this is such a cool choice for the evening with a leather trouser or tailoring.
Again, thinking to those dress-codes that need a little more, a silk shirt is a really easy way to introduce a silky, luxurious contrasting texture to an outfit, or in this case a vibrant colour. It doesn’t need more than statement earrings for some polish and heels (I have a very similar style in navy and have worn it so many times - it’s a failsafe!)