How To Rock Perfomance White Shirts This Fall
A classic white shirt isn’t a staple in every woman’s wardrobe, but it’s always been a favorite in mine. It’s one of my default looks that I feel confident wearing for most occasions so I decided to dig into how to style performance white shirts.
If you ever wondered what to wear with a performance white shirt…the answer is anything you like. Oversized ones even double as a bathing suit coverup in the summer and as a light jacket in the fall.
I prefer my white shirts to be non-iron because they travel well and just look crisper. This month I’m experimenting with some performance fabric white shirts because they marry form and function. They’re designed to keep the wearer comfortable, perform better than other fabrics, and look great doing it. Athleta is well known for its performance fabrics, and its styles aren’t just for athletics.
A classic shape is great, but a white shirt with unique detailing is always a plus in my wardrobe. I’ve had my eye on this white pleated back top from Altheta for quite some time and finally decided to give it a try. Wowza, do I love it!
This shirt makes quite a statement, it’s super comfy, and it’s perfect for travel. It’s made from a breathable fabric that has UPF (sun protection factor) 50 and is also water-repellant! It runs large, so I sized it down to an XS, and I think I could have also worn the small. It also comes in teal or black. I ordered the teal, but it went right back because it didn’t have the pizazz of this white.
It pairs well with slim jeans and pants or leggings. The back covers (your assets) everything, but the front isn’t quite as long…depending on your height, so choose accordingly. I love the sporty half zip, and the crisp fabric allows the collar to stand up nicely. I’m wearing it with my Banana Republic straight-leg jeans that are currently 40% off and my favorite Paul Green platform sneakers that are beyond comfortable.
While I was at it, I decided to try this oversized poplin shirt. It’s also made from a performance fabric with UPF 50+ for excellent sun protection, is breathable, and is water-repellant, all while being made from recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. This is oversized, so I ordered the XS and, again, could have probably worn the small too. Size isn’t that important in an oversized shirt, so I’d rather have more room thanThis shirt will be a real chameleon in my wardrobe that I can style in multiple ways. Here I’m wearing it tied at the waist with my Maeve faux leather crops. I’m really glad I got these pants because they’re super comfy. My boots are ancient from Eileen Fisher, similar here.
My white shirt collection is pretty large, but there’s always room for unique ones. Oxyclean is helpful for keeping the whites clean, but honestly, nothing works quite as well as Mrs. Stuart’s bluing. Just remember to dilute before using, or it will turn your shirts blue…ask me how I know:)
MORE UNIQUE WHITE SHIRTS
Are white shirts part of your wardrobe?
For those of you who have problems with shirts and pants being too long, my response is: learn to hem. Better still, learn to sew. It really is not that difficult. I learned to sew years ago in my childhood and have never looked back. I am 5 foot 2 inches, and yes, the fashion world simply does not provide enough items for petite people. This is quite ironic, since I noticed that both online and in-person at retailers petite sized are often the first items that run out! This is especially true for the more common sizes of 8, 10, 12, and 14 petite.
In any larger metropolis they offer quite a number of sewing classes. Sewing machines can be found in a large number of price ranges. Patterns and fabric are available both online and in retail outlets. Personally, I like to shop for my fabric in person, as getting the “feel” of the fabric is so important when matching it to the pattern. Again, sewing really is not that hard! If I could learn it as an 11-year-old, then any adult could learn it easily. You will find that once you own the basic machine and other small miscellaneous necessities, sewing a garment is much more economical than buying it. When you become good at it, no one will be able to determine that it is hand sewn! Plus, no one will have the same garment! It will become uniquely yours!
I’ve tried to love white shirts, in fact I have 2 hanging in my closet right now, but I never wear them. Each time I see a “classics” or “must have” or “basic’s list, I think I ought to have one. I buy one and it hangs. I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t love button up shirts in general. They’re too confining for me and even though they’re not so stiff anymore, I am still uncomfortable in them. Some people look great in white shirts, but aside from blogs, I rarely see anyone, (at least in my circle and out and about) wearing one. Oh well.
It never ceases to amaze me how you model so many different colors and styles, but manage to look beautifully stylish in every one of them. This white shirt post reminded me that I wanted to ask about styling a classic blue chambray button up shirt. I’ve had one for years, but haven’t worn it yet. If you wear it with blue jeans how do you keep it from looking too ordinary? Should it be paired with black or camel pants instead? Thanks for any ideas you might have!
I love to wear blue chambray with blue jeans. Try it with dark wash denim, so there is a contrast. And perhaps put a scarf at the neck in colors that flatter you. I also love chambray with black or camel. It’s a very versatile fabric, so have fun with it.
Gorgeous looks thanks Jennifer for the ideas. I am so tempted by the jeansā¦.l bought a great white shirt for petites at AYR crisp cotton, one pocket, bliss. A little pricey but l wear it when l want to make a statement.
Thanks, Francesca. Today I’m just sharing old and new things from my own wardrobe š I adore my AYR shirt! I have the blue and white stripe…so classic.
Iām anxious to check out itās breathability too. Have fun
I thought of buying the Athetica white shirt but wonder about the back. What happens after you sit for awhile? I imagine even no iron will wrinkle some. What will the pleats look like after you wash it? Do they remain intact?
Mine is brand new so Iāll let you know. I expect some wrinkle but the pleats should be permanent.
I love a great white shirt. I just like a regular oxford type but the perfect one can be elusive. I love the oversize on you but I just can’t wear that.
Talbots makes a wonderful one as does Foxcroft. They also make petites if you need them.
Iāve been wearing a Ralph Lauren classic white Oxford shirt for years. Just bought a new one earlier this summer & sized up a bit to get a little oversized look.
I havenāt tried the Ralph Lauren but need to. His stuff is always great!
I, too, love the look of a white shirt (just not oversized). But ivory looks so much better on me that I havenāt been able to purchase. Any ideas about where I can find an ivory white shirt?
Ivory is less available but off white is plentiful. Often 100% cotton is not brilliant white. Iāll keep me eye out for some.
While I love the look, at 5ā0, unfortunately the options youāve highlighted today are a hard NO, since neither are offered in petite sizing. You model them with rolled sleeved but I can just imagine the length reaching several inches below the tips of my fingers, so eliminating wearing as a jacket option.
Sorry, you don’t like my outfits. These are just a few new things I’ve added to my personal wardrobe.
I love an oversized white shirt and particularly one with interesting details. I’m 5’7″ so I have the height to carry it off.
Interesting that you and Cindy chose the same shirt – great minds…
I envy you your extra inches, Yvonne! Cindy has such amazing style! Great minds or white shirt aficionados š
A style that I’m giving a pass … Once in a while I see an oversized shirt that I think I might try but really don’t see the appeal. Mostly the shirts looked borrowed from a husband or boyfriend. The Athleta one has pretty detail but is far too large — sit in the middle seat in an airplane, and it’s in all three seats – LOL
Iāll let you know next time I travel š
Ditto Janet
White, just leaves me washed out as ivory or off white is more flattering on me. Not as easy to find good ivory shirts! Love the look tho.
Agreed, ivory shirts are much harder to find. Iāll keep my eyes open for some.
Good morning, Jennifer. That white shirt with the pleated back is a show stopper! Unfortunately, since I am 5’1″, I doubt if it would look good on me. I do like the oversized shirt look, though. I will have to experiment, perhaps with a petite big shirt.
Itās very long on me at 5ā4ā and could certainly overwhelm easily. I wish more things were made in petite