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What to Wear: The Crisp White Shirt

29 May 2009 • Kimberly • Leave a Comment

image source: 4th and bleeker

I must stop all blasphemous thoughts (dearest Shini will know what I’m talking about) of pushing summer away when I ogle and drool over beautiful fall clothing – blazers, trousers, little sweaters, cropped jackets, black boots (no surprise there). So I’ve compromised.

The crisp white shirt. Iconic in every right, both in menswear and brought into women’s must-have basics list – that stands for everything from classicality, sophistication, a juxtaposition of masculinity and femininity, and of demure sensuality. A hint of the je ne sais quoi, and the casual, “oh, I just borrowed it from my boyfriend”,  b l a s é  attitude. 

So, when worn slightly frumpled, half tucked in with a few buttons left unbuttoned, it can either look a bit scandalous, or simply alluring. I have compromised, at last – a white button down worn with cut off denim for a could-be-fall, could-be-summer ensemble. A long gold chain, or a Y necklace would only add to the sensuality. Mm.

image source: tfs

image source: tfs

Okay. Maybe one more button buttoned, but a lacy bra peeking could have potential too.

Bisous,

La C.

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Filed Under: Inspiration, Inspiration du Jour, Style, What to Wear Tagged with: Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Style Tips

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  1. diamondsinchampagne says

    29 May 2009 at 12:27 am

    I have been searching for the perfect white shirt for AGES! Such a fab look

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  2. bruinette says

    29 May 2009 at 2:06 am

    LOVE the idea of the classic white button down. How could you wear it for a night out look?

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  3. najeema says

    29 May 2009 at 2:13 am

    Yeah, she’s definitely trying too hard in the last pic. I’ve also been on a button down shirt kick these days. I love your ideas to sex it up!

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  4. Belle says

    29 May 2009 at 2:17 am

    After you sent me that gorgeous image in reply to my email I straight away knew I had to find the perfect white shirt. Until last night I had a brain wave that saved me a few $$$ and remembered I bought myself a perfect white shirt when I was traveling Europe. And even better, I remembered where I stored it, waiting to be worn in Summer. So now I have a crisp white shirt Hallelujah!!

    Have a fabulous friday doll xxx

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  5. Brigadeiro says

    29 May 2009 at 2:28 am

    I have so many white shirts, love them! Shame I’m so lazy with ironing them… 🙂
    xx

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  6. sharon rose says

    29 May 2009 at 3:22 am

    Hi there-I love the casual chic, sexy way of wearing them, particularly with denim!

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  7. maja says

    29 May 2009 at 3:31 am

    🙂 i love the white-shirt-look. always fresh and classy 😉

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  8. Kim says

    29 May 2009 at 5:54 am

    I only have one crisp white shirt! It doesn’t get enough wear! Although I do need a loose, casual one too.

    Great post. Loving your work as always! x

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  9. Keith says

    29 May 2009 at 9:35 am

    I really love that first photo. I love white shirts. There’s so many ways they can be worn. Have a fantastic weekend.

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  10. MY Fashion Frenzy says

    29 May 2009 at 9:36 am

    Love it! Everyone MUST own a crisp white shirt.

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  11. Neira says

    29 May 2009 at 10:15 am

    love love love love the idea of a lacy bra peeking through a crispy white dress shirt..as a lover of lingerie i think every woman should do it!

    xoxo
    neira

    http://missneira.com

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  12. sharon says

    29 May 2009 at 10:31 am

    It’s actually quite hard to find a good white shirt, but it is such a great look!

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  13. anywhere I lay my head says

    29 May 2009 at 10:43 am

    I love it:) It’s so simple and yet so gorgeous ^^ I need to get one of those (no boyfriend to borrow from yet xD)

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  14. Tina {Luphia loves...} says

    29 May 2009 at 11:04 am

    so chic!! xx

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  15. Kelly says

    29 May 2009 at 11:35 am

    haha a white shirt is a necessary piece in every girl’s wardrobe

    xo k

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  16. Shini says

    29 May 2009 at 11:52 am

    I think we could just as well skip summer now!! Oh the times when I was young when I wanted nothing but summer… I guess the only layering I wanted was that extra cream on my icecream to smudge on my face…

    Great choice of the first shirt, I love when it’s soooo manlish big but when it still manages to fit your frame. Love it.

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  17. Miss G* says

    29 May 2009 at 12:10 pm

    I’ve just saw an article about the white shirt in a french magasine, and I don’t know why we don’t wear it more often. I love the second picture you chose!
    I wonder about your name “la couturier”, caus’ in french we say la couturière, so, is it a mistake or you chose to do like that… ?
    xo.

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  18. Couture Carrie says

    29 May 2009 at 12:21 pm

    Loves it!
    So sexy!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  19. juley says

    29 May 2009 at 12:39 pm

    Man I wish I could look THAT sexy in my white button downs.

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  20. diane says

    29 May 2009 at 12:46 pm

    My favorite is walking around barefoot in the morning with an oversized white men’s shirt and a pair of panties on.

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  21. iole says

    29 May 2009 at 12:47 pm

    A great pass partout for ever…
    xoxo

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  22. Meream says

    29 May 2009 at 1:15 pm

    Man, that is sexy! This reminds me to cut off one of my jeans so that I can have something to pair manly shirts with.

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  23. Ale. says

    29 May 2009 at 1:25 pm

    Simple yet sexy!

    Julia definitely rocks the whole look!

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  24. michtseng says

    29 May 2009 at 2:18 pm

    sex.

    why have you inspired another want for my wardrobe.
    lovelove, but so upsetting that there’s so much wanting in my life. :

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  25. Cafe Fashionista says

    29 May 2009 at 2:19 pm

    There is nothing more luxurious and sexy than a crisp white shirt. I myself have been on a search for one that fits loosely – it’s oh so much more lovely when it isn’t completely fitted. 🙂

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  26. Becs says

    29 May 2009 at 2:32 pm

    I’m in need of a white button-down long-sleeve shirt. I only have a short-sleeve one, and it’s just not the same. I love it paired with denim cut-offs, and I’m thinking it would be fab over a pair of black leggings and killer strappy heels. Fab post as usual! Hope you have a great weekend!

    xo, Becs

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  27. Charlotte says

    29 May 2009 at 2:50 pm

    I adore!

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  28. Vanessa says

    29 May 2009 at 3:06 pm

    The white T-shirt. The epitome of the word: sexy. 😉

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  29. Tamara says

    29 May 2009 at 3:12 pm

    I am really into this “just borrowed it from my boyfriend” thing lately 😉 It’s funny, though I am not sure he thinks the same!

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  30. Sherin says

    29 May 2009 at 3:30 pm

    I want to try the crisp white shirt look, with an open button and the shirt roughly tucked in. It looks so cool and I’m sure a guys shirt will be great to wear over the summer.

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  31. Gisela says

    29 May 2009 at 4:16 pm

    I’ve been searching for the right one for years! Soft to the touch yet looks crisp and molds to the body. Good luck to me, lol!
    xo!
    -Gisela
    http://www.heightsoffashion.typepad.com

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  32. Alize Morand says

    29 May 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Gorgeous! But it’s a really tough one to get right. Not too tight (seeing between buttons is awful) not too big, not too see-through, good quality cotton.. I’m still looking for THE one! Julia looks really sensual in hers! As ever.

    Bisous!

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  33. phuong says

    29 May 2009 at 6:55 pm

    i really like the first pic! i love to wear my blouse like that too! great post =D

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  34. Brigadeiro says

    29 May 2009 at 7:39 pm

    PS. Can’t remember if I already wrote this, but I left some awards for you in my penultimate post 😉 titled ‘Elle Fashionista Questionnaire & Interview at Dream Sequins’ 🙂
    xx

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  35. Tess says

    29 May 2009 at 11:11 pm

    LOVE the crisp white shirt it is an absolute must have for any person, male or female. It can be so simply sexy with a nice pair of jeans. I really need to invest in a new one.

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  36. Shin says

    30 May 2009 at 4:17 am

    I could never get enough of white shirts! They’re so classic and perfect with anything for any season. That picture of Julia is just so stunning! xxoxoxo

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  37. Girl Next Blog says

    30 May 2009 at 6:43 am

    Julia Restoin-Roitfeld is soooo gorgeous! I love her style.

    And I’ve been seeing that Moschino belt everywhere lately.

    xx

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  38. Candy-forest says

    30 May 2009 at 7:07 am

    Cool pictures!=) Everyone(men and women) sould own a white shirt!=)

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  39. Isa says

    30 May 2009 at 8:10 am

    It’s one of my favorite tricks for almost-summer time, I love that blasé-look you describe so well, and a simple shirt could do the piratesque look, the just-awake look, the hippie, the wasp, the….. oh, I love white shirts !!
    Plus, Julia looks per-fect.

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  40. qin says

    30 May 2009 at 9:31 am

    Ah yes, a white shirt is a must!!

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  41. 4evershop says

    30 May 2009 at 11:05 am

    white shirts and classic black dresses are in my must have list

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  42. savvymode sg says

    30 May 2009 at 12:09 pm

    a gal can never have too many great white shirts. OMG i have 3 moschino belts from the first pic. : ) i guess i can use them again uh….

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  43. Allison says

    30 May 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Julia looks perfect in this outfit…. her ability to take a classic white shirt and still make it fashionable and sexy is brilliant.
    I love the idea of pairing a white shirt with shorts for a more appropriate summer look! So fun 🙂

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  44. Mimi says

    30 May 2009 at 12:55 pm

    I adore the crisp white shirt, it is a must have for every woman

    xo

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  45. Mo says

    30 May 2009 at 1:57 pm

    very lovely. i wore My older brother’s Ralph Lauren (crisp and white) for my 16th birthday. It rocked.

    xoxo Mo

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  46. Daniel says

    30 May 2009 at 5:39 pm

    She´s so sexy, it hurts!

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  47. Sasha says

    30 May 2009 at 6:48 pm

    absolutely fantastic

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  48. Little Bow Prep says

    30 May 2009 at 7:39 pm

    It looks great on her, but I fear the rumpled-ness would make me look sloppy 🙁

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  49. Libby says

    30 May 2009 at 8:57 pm

    Ahh, yes the typical white shirt at it’s best1 I agree about the last pic, maybe one button buttoned more but yes the lacy bra does have a scandelous potential!
    XOXOXO
    Libby
    http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

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  50. kristine says

    30 May 2009 at 9:24 pm

    completely amazingggggg.

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  51. thebaglady says

    30 May 2009 at 11:00 pm

    I love how you write about the classic button down as something classic yet new.

    Faaabulous!

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  52. Johanna - MyShoebox.se says

    31 May 2009 at 3:46 am

    A white shirt i a true basic, but I haven´t found the perfect one yet 🙂

    Please let me know when you´ve done the tag 🙂

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  53. Laura says

    31 May 2009 at 11:19 am

    This shirt is something that should be an integral part of any girls wardrobe!
    Nice post.
    x Laura
    http://stylecoaching.blogspot.com

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  54. Raquel says

    31 May 2009 at 1:09 pm

    simple, classic, fresh and sexy! great!
    xx

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  55. budget chic says

    1 June 2009 at 2:42 pm

    What’s up with the white shirt, its like a black dress….it a wardrobe staple.

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