Shirts are not restricted to male dressing anymore, and as the trend gains steam among women fashionistas, style experts are pairing them with different separates to create new looks for the red carpet as well as casual daily wear options.
Globally, androgynous silhouettes are super hot right now, and this is the best season to invest in a couple of sexy sleek or oversized shirts for parties and casual outdoor scenes. Whether you are on a lovely date or boarding flights for a fun vacay, unbutton your shirt and roll up your sleeves, because flirty shirts are in fashion.
Runway approved
Internationally, brands like Armani, Versace, Dior, Gucci, and many more have Fall-Winter 2021 collections of colourful, printed, and solid shade shirts for women, with detailed pockets, sleek fit and slim cuts. The love for sultry shirts can be seen in their latest holiday campaigns, with models like Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner posing in décolleté shirts paired with double-breasted blazers or collar necklaces.
Designer Saaksha Bhat from the label Saaksha & Kinni says sexy shirts have become a staple in any woman’s wardrobe. “By undoing 2-3 buttons (more than 4-5 buttons can get dangerously low, it’s always better to leave something to the imagination!) and accessorising, you can turn a simple shirt into a glam look. You can have fun with accessories like neckties, necklaces, duster earrings, and jackets.” she suggests.
There are many ways to style sexy shirts. “You can wear a bustier —that way the shirt is low enough to be deemed risqué but also has the additional support of the extra layer. A shirt unbuttoned and tucked into a pencil skirt also creates an elegant yet sexy look. A blazer is a no-brainer to wear over a low-cut shirt— it adds extra sexiness by adding a conservative layer,” shares Saaksha.
Blast from the past
The 80s and early 90s were the golden years for experimental fashion, and the top models and actresses from that era created a stir with their bold shirt styling. Designer Pallavi Singhee of the label Verb says, “For me, an unforgettable ‘woman in a sexy shirt’ look was the 1980s Van Heusen ad campaign with the tagline ‘For a man to wear and a woman to borrow’ I feel leaving the top 2-3 buttons undone is very suggestive and looks sexy without being cheap. If one wants to keep buttons undone up to 10-11 inches, which is almost centre-bust, the look will go well with multiple long chains which cover the cleavage and add to sex appeal. Another option is to unbutton only up to 9 inches, just suggestive of a cleavage, and pair it with a choker. Also, a fully buttoned-up shirt looks very sexy if it’s the right fit.”
For fun dates, just go with a shirt dress with sneakers to project ‘flirty sexy’ and the right amount of ‘girly’, suggests Pallavi and adds, “Layering an oversized daddy shirt with a fitted pencil dress is another option. Long daddy shirts also work beautifully with crops and fitted tops with jeans. Long thigh shirts with barely visible hot pants are other sexy options.”
Role reversal
Designer Dheeru Taneja shares some interesting styling tips to recreate looks for different occasions. She says, “One can wear an oversized shirt along with ripped denim, a barrette and choker for an effortlessly chic casual look. For sexy date night dressing, go for an oversized crisp white shirt as a dress and add a broad buckle belt to highlight the waist. Open 3-4 top buttons to make room for multiple bold accessories on the neck, accentuating your bust. You can add a stack of wristbands and rings to enhance the look. Complete the image with high heels, pumps or thigh-high boots for the winter season.”
For a formal corporate look, Dheeru’s advice is to go for subtle styling packed with power detailing. “Pick a solid colour shirt and match it with pants in a contrasting colour and a blazer. Wrap a nice printed silk necktie scarf around the shirt collar or wind it around the neck and secure it with a double French knot. If you are fond of Indian wear, like sarees or traditional skirts, then ditch the typical blouse and pair it with a collared shirt for a smart look,” recommends the designer.
