Trend Alert - Wearing Your Business Shirt Outside Of Work

Wed, 22 Sep 10

The business shirt – a never fail classic sophisticated piece. A flattering fit for most with timeless style, this garment has universal appeal. Think The Devil Wears Prada or boys from the Boiler Room. The right fitted business shirt looks hot so why not extend this fashion outside the office? The versatility of the iconic white shirt was proved in Mr. & Mrs. Smith when Angelina Jolie tried to take Brad out in nothing but a white shirt and boots. What about Tom Cruise sliding around in the unforgettable Risky Business living room scene....

Business shirts come in variety of styles ranging from striped conservative sort to the modern fits and flamboyant finishes. A shirt can be seen with multiple textures, bold colours or pattern contrasts. They may even seem too good just for work so why not make the transition from day to night in your new business shirt? Don’t just limit the novelty to extending your business shirt wear into the evening. Pop your more stylish shirts on for a Saturday arvo drinks or a Sunday brunch – the possibilities are endless with this elegant piece.  Read our style tips for wearing what would typically be your work attire outside of the office....

Men

The multi-purpose of a business shirt for men is quite common. Follow our style tips for a fool proof wardrobe plan:

1. All day baby - Wear your usual plain blue or white shirt, tie and suit combo to a fine dining experience after work. Then lose the tie and suit jacket for a big night out following dinner. If you have a good quality cotton shirt this should see you throughout the night no sweat.
2. Play Check  – Go for a bold or simple check pattern instead of multi-check pattern like a tartan or plaid. Wear this with a tie to wok then leave it behind and head out for a few late arvo drinks with the boys. Opt for a more colourful check and pair it with jeans for the perfect weekend wear.
3. Formal affair – Men can now get all the luxurious options in a shirt that women have in dresses. From silky finish fabrics to sateen weave stripes and floral contrasts in the collar, cuff and button placket. From weddings and balls to conferences, there is so much to choose from.
4. Party time – There are now a range of bold colours, stripes and pattern contrasts in men’s shirts, which are great for the nightlife. Wear dress pants or dark denim jeans and team with your favourite polished leather shoes for a fool proof look at any nightclub door in town.

Women

It gets a little trickier with the ladies. It’s really all about making a statement. Read our guide for some serious women’s shirting fashion:

1. From day to night – Wear a flattering cut shirt in a plain colour or stripe with a showy touch like large collars or pointed button cuffs. Team slim fitting pants or a pencil skirt with your blazer. Take some trendy accessories with you to work, swap your blazer for these statement pieces and you have a ready-made outfit for the evening. Hint: wear your higher slick-looking heels to effortlessly take your look into the night.
2.  Wicked white shirt – if you’re going white then get the best money can buy with the highest quality two-ply cottons. There are many white shirts to choose from. Go for a feminine patterned self stripe or smooth sateen weave in a fitted style. Wear this with your suit, any shade of jeans or go ‘all white sheik’ with a pair of fitted white pants. There is never a bad occasion for a woman in a white shirt.
3. Check it out – This may not be for everybody but the modern cowgirl look can be very appealing if done the right way. Go for the full cowgirl experience with a tartan or plaid check to wear with your washed denim and knee high boots. Or you could tone it down to a modern bright coloured check or cute check with floral contrast - wear it with flat denim colours and ankle boot heels or a pair of fancy flats.
4. Classic glamour – Don’t limit your evening wear to dresses. Why not wear a sheer silky finish shirt in a dark colour or a women’s dinner shirt with dramatic neckline ruffles. Match it with a feminine high waisted shirt and belt for the ultimate in classic elegance.