Why The Blue Shirt Is A Wardrobe Workhorse

Following on from last week’s khaki trousers post, I was having a think about other items in my wardrobe that never really go out of style but are sometimes overlooked in favour of more trend-led pieces. Of course, there are the basics, like a great white T‑shirt or the perfect pair of straight-leg jeans, but specific items are often subjective and depend on your own tastes and body type, whereas a blue shirt is more universal.

Your blue shirt can be any shape, really. Personally, I prefer a slightly oversized fit, and it can be any shade of blue, though this year’s hue is definitely a brighter cornflower-blue tone. It’s also a piece of clothing that can work for so many occasions. In fact, it’s very much a wardrobe workhorse, so let’s take a look at a few versions that have caught my eye recently, along with some ideas on how to wear them.

BRIGHT BLUE & DENIM

You can wear any shade of blue with your jeans, but I like to go for a bit of contrast so I don’t look too blocky. Don’t get me wrong – I’m a big fan of the double denim look, but it can be a bit ‘Canadian tuxedo’ if the colours are exactly the same. That said, a belt is your friend in this instance, helping to break up similar shades.

These shoes by Rothy’s have entered the chat this week, as I’ve been told they can be machine-washed if they get dirty! I’ve ordered a pair because this could be a game-changer. I shall keep you posted.

CORNFLOWER BLUE & RED

This is a combo that I love and wore a lot last summer. I’d urge you to try it too if you’re into your brights – I got so many compliments on it. And we all love a compliment, don’t we? More of them should be given and taken without fear. I tend to give mine to any fellow travellers who deserve it just as I’m stepping off the tube; it avoids any awkward looks afterwards. A quick ‘I love your jacket/skirt/shoes/hat’ as you skip out the door can make anyone’s day better.

LINEN ON YOUR HOLIDAYS

If you’re lucky enough to be going away somewhere nice and hot soon, let it be known that a blue shirt works just as well on the beach as it does around town. I never buy any specific ‘beach cover-ups’ (you know how I feel about buying items that can only be worn a couple of times a year – I don’t like them). Why would you need such a thing when you can just wear one of your oversized blue shirts?

I love this matching set from With Nothing Underneath – they really are the queens of the perfect shirt. And in my opinion, their shirts are definitely worth the money: they wash well, the styles are classic and the quality is excellent. If you’ve not bought from them before, you can use my code KATE10 for 10% off.

PALE BLUE & TRACK PANTS

For a casual look that doesn’t feel like you’re off to the gym, pair your blue shirt with tracksuit trousers. Someone asked me about the ‘wrong shoe’ theory last week, and this is a perfect example of it. Wearing loafers with joggers feels wrong, but it somehow really works and elevates this look. If you wore trainers, it would be far more ordinary. It’s this kind of small change that really styles up an outfit.

OVERSIZED & WHITE JEANS

I think this is my favourite way to wear a blue shirt. I have now done my big coat/lightweight coat switchover – the puffer jackets are safely tucked away until the autumn, and I’m firmly back in barn jacket territory. White jeans are coming out of hibernation too. I might do a full post on them soon.

CRISP BLUE & GREEN

I really should wear my skirts more often. I get into such a rhythm of wearing jeans that I tend to neglect them, but I do love the look of a skirt, especially in spring, when you can still layer up your top half with a nice shirt and jacket.

Secret leggings might be on the cards for a few more weeks, though. For anyone new around here who doesn’t know this trick, it’s very simple: if you want the look of bare legs but without the chill factor, just cut down a pair of cheap leggings so they don’t show under the hem of your skirt or dress. You’ll wonder why you never thought of it before.

LINEN & CULOTTES

I’ve noticed quite a few culottes creeping into the shops for this spring/summer. These are perfect for those who like the look of a skirt but need to ride a bike, or simply don’t want to risk a breeze exposing their secret leggings to the world.

I hope you bring out your blue shirts this week. They are your friends for life.

K x

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