While tiered gowns and elaborate showstoppers are plentiful on the catwalk, a new style movement has taken the reins, giving you a seriously awesome alternative to your everyday work blouse.
Spearheaded by niche labels like Jacquemus and Monse, the spotlight is very much on unique shirting at the moment. Typically blue or monochrome and pinstriped, these shirts are far from your average button-downs. They may only have one sleeve, or contrasting fabrics placed in seemingly random places. One hemline may fall six inches shorter than the other, or, there may be bows that cinch in the fabric at the waistline.
If you fear this look may be too alternative to suit your personal style, try achieving it with an existing one from your wardrobe. You can do this by leaving the bottom three buttons unbuttoned, instead tying the two shirt-tails together in a knot.
Or, close your shirt in a manner so that the buttons do not match up to their corresponding buttonholes – instead skip the top button, and work your way down.
Leave the top five buttons undone and shrug the collar off your shoulders, or wear your shirt completely backwards.
Next time you’re in a store, about to buy yet another printed blouse that’s a cookie-cutter silhouette of the other shirts in your wardrobe, stop yourself, and look for something out of the ordinary.
The experimental shirting pieces that I speak of aren’t too hard to find on the high street – your local H&M, Zara and Mango stores are sure to house some.
If you’re an avid online shopper, check out the label Lost Ink at Asos.com. It’s new-season shirts feature exaggerated trumpet sleeves, ruffled waists and lace-up sleeves, all on a traditional, collared, button-down shirt canvas of a cotton shirt.
