Every basic wardrobe list mentions a good white shirt. I love the ease of reaching for a white shirt and a casual pair of pants. Add some cute, comfortable shoes and a great handbag for an easy-breezy casual look that works for anything from a poolside party to running errands around town.
I look for fabrics that are not too sheer or ones that cling. It’s great to find one that doesn’t show every lump and roll.
Your best white might be a cream or ivory color. Your perfect version may be a loose-fitting boat neck top. Considering your coloring and your shape helps you to determine what your best basic will be.
My roundish face looks best with a V-neck style, and I like the idea of a button front because they can be worn as a jacket over a tank on a hot summer evening. A button-front can be a challenge for busty gals, but this one works for me even in a size medium. I usually have to go up to a large to combat the gap.
I found this tunic at Cali and York. The olive-colored pants are from Belk. The shoes are by Ralph Lauren via Dillard’s. The bag is from J McLaughlin.
I like this look. I agree about having a nice white shirt. I bought a Calvin Kline one with French cuffs from Marshall’s. I am stull looking for olive slacks.
I love the shoes too!
I agree, white shirts are definitely a staple Loving the new blog
You have great ideas and tips! Thanks.
Very pretty casual look. I love your shoes and bag. I am always on the hunt for the perfect white shirt and I have a half dozen to prove it! I like a slightly rounded shirt tail and the small slits on the side so the shirt you are wearing fits the bill. Comfy.
I love white shirts, classic, wrap, silk,cotton, collared, v-neck,un collared. Dress up,dress down. Will always pull pieces together in any season. I purchased the best white shirts I could afford wrinkle free. Silk, hand wash. I hate buying a shirt that needd to be dry clean.
white tee’s and tanks I go low. And I never mix in washing with anything else. Check out Calvin Klein , Foxcroft. Ralph Lauren .
Love those shoes!
I have been enjoying Fifty not Frumpy for a long while, thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Now I will follow your blog.
Hi Susan,
When you wear something casual, like the white shirt or the chambray shirt, do you wear shape wear underneath it?
This particular shirt is thick enough so that it isn’t see through. Normally I do wear a camisole because some shirts are very see through.
I’m still searching for my version of a great white shirt. The typical take makes me look matronly and stiff. Pairing it with a jacket resulted in someone asking if I was a nun!! Any ideas would be appreciated. Thank you, Susan for your blog. I love it.
I am laughing so hard Karen. I was once asked if I was a “stewardess”. Try the Portofino blouse from Express. It is feminine soft and elegant.
You look great, Susan. So helpful to have your tasteful style advice. Thanks very much!
You look casual and elegant. A white shirt is my favorite item of clothing. To get rid of the gap, wear a nude-colored camisole made of slippery material. Favorite white shirts: Orvis and Chicos.
I just adore how you make seemingly simple outfits look so elegant!
I love a white blouse, but I also have the problem with the gap. Often times I have to go a size up, but then it doesn’t fit well on the shoulders…its been quite awhile since I’ve been able to find a good fit in a blouse.
Look great!
Your advice is so useful Susan. White can wash me out, so I appreciate the suggestion of cream or ivory. I also have found that a light buttery yellow shirt (if you can find one) is surprisingly flattering with my “warm” tone skin.
Hi Susan, just discovered your blog. love it !! You look good in all the outfits, I notice, you wear quite high heels, a thing a cannot do and being only 5’3″ myself feel it doesnt improve the overall look. Do you take exercise. I shall enjoy following the blog for ideas in fashion. thank you. Sheila.
I have been wearing high heels all of my adult life. I find them more comfortable than flats most of the time. I go for a brisk three mile walk my in neighborhood when the weather is nice.
I need a great white shirt. This information is very helpful. Thank you!
Thank you, Susan! I just checked and this white shirt is on a really great sale at Cali & York right now.
I have the same problem with button up blouses. I have found minimizer bras! Helps so much to control the gap. I bought one by “Olga” bras…it has a place in my under wear drawer.