THE JOURNAL
There is little more elegant and genuinely stylish than when a man puts thought into every last detail of his attire. Whether through overfamiliarity or association, the formal shirt is sometimes (wrongly!) considered a dull item, but notice the difference that masterfully crafted cuff makes when peeking out from the arm of a suit jacket. Or a fine embroidered detail hiding under a sweater. Choosing a beautifully tailored shirt in a fine fabric lends any look – whether for work, a celebration or just everyday – an understated yet confident air of refinement.
01. The heritage Charvet striped shirt
Charvet’s founder, Mr Joseph-Christophe Charvet, opened the first shirt shop in the world in Paris in the 1830s. With that claim – and clientele ranging from royalty to politicians – it would be amiss not to include one of their fine Oxfords in this list. This classic variegated blue stripe with removable collar stays will have you looking just the part.
02. The sharp, slim-fitting CELINE HOMME white shirt
Every man needs a great white shirt (or four), and this one from CELINE HOMME is the first on our list. Channelling the brand’s Parisian aesthetic, it’s cut from crisp cotton-poplin and features a short cutaway collar, clear buttons and the Triomphe logo playfully embroidered low on the front.
03. The point-of-difference Bottega Veneta ticking striped shirt
Add a little softness to your rotation with Bottega Veneta’s brown ticking stripe cotton shirt. The box pleat in the back relaxes the silhouette ever so slightly, while the stiff elongated collar and V-shaped stitching on the yoke provide extra interest
04. The Gucci double-collar style
Can’t decide between a grandad collar and a spread collar? Formalwear favourite Gucci will let you have both. The comfortable cut is highlighted with details including exposed cuff buttons and logo embossing. Button up and tuck in for smart occasions, wear loose with the grandad collar at the weekend.
05. The Row’s oversized white shirt
With French seams, mother of pearl buttons and a minimalistic construction, this clean and bright oversized shirt will of course team perfectly with The Row’s louche tailoring. But it could just as easily cross into your casual wardrobe, perhaps with a cardigan and wide-leg trousers.
06. The fresh blue Jil Sander shirt
Jil Sander’s collections are all about purity and simplicity, whether that’s logo sweats, outerwear or tailoring. This cool blue and white striped cotton-poplin shirt is aptly named Thursday – just the kind of thing you need to brighten you up mid-week, either at the office or taking time for yourself.
07. The SAINT LAURENT eveningwear pick
Our final white shirt for your roster comes from none other than masters of French sleek tailoring, SAINT LAURENT. Slim fitting and with straight-pointed collar, this one is an ideal choice for formal events as it will slip nicely under a tuxedo or dinner jacket.