Long and shirt of it

No matter how many drool-worthy gowns, minis or hot pants we may buy, the charm of a classic shirt remains unwavering. But, sorry ladies, this summer that simple shirt you’ve had for ages, which goes with everything, just won’t cut the bill. Style gurus are reconfiguring the wardrobe classic that comprises feminine ruffles and frills along with sculptural and deconstructed silhouettes to establish the new shirting rule.  

“The shirt has an extremely long history that transitions from underwear to workwear, and its constant allure is that you can play on all these references,” says designer Amy Billimoria, adding, “A white shirt is like a clean slate and the mission this summer is to create something contemporary that easily bridges the gap between wardrobe essential and style statement.”

Designer Gautam Gupta suggests opting for architectural fluted collars and cuffs with a hint of crisp Victorian aura, shirt dresses and oversized tunics that are otherwise almost ascetic in their simplicity. “Also, for women who are not so much into bling, this is an ideal trend. The reworked shirt possesses a dichotomy that can easily take you from desk to dinner with endless styling options. So, go crazy,” he adds.  

Designer Aashima Behl agrees. “There are so many ways to slay this trend. It’s all about treating an everyday item with right imagination. The shirt is a classic and can instantly update an outfit and make simpler pieces in your wardrobe work harder to achieve an effortlessly cool look. One of my current favourites is the high-waisted vintage denim, layered over a polo-neck top. You can pair it with a regular denim if you aren’t into the high-waisted look. Or go for a skirt for the elegant touch. For a sophisticated approach, wear heels instead of flats. Also, a long shirt can be worn as a dress. Just add all the needed sparkle or embellishment to make it look girly.”

According to designer Ridhima Bhasin, while the shirt is being reworked, one needs to do the same to one’s thinking. Keep the essence of the DNA intact — the collar and cuffs, for example. But rearrange, customise and recut the rest of it to transform the style into something new and exciting. She says that the core design components of the shirt will remain the buttons, cuffs, collar and crisp cotton and this is a language we all know and can converse in, but if there’s some new vocabulary to learn, one should be game for it. “Play with volume and unexpected details. These, when added to a shirt, provide a new and artful twist.”

“I think a shirt dress is one of the most classic wardrobe staples any woman can own. Dress it up, dress it down or wear it to the office all week long, just have fun with its versatility,” she lastly adds.