For me, a blue striped shirt is a wardrobe staple I couldn’t live without. I think my own personal fashion style has always had a bit of an “American preppy” core and a classic striped shirt leans into this vibe perfectly.
My go-tos for great shirts? Jac & Jack do the most incredible shirts in beautiful cottons and perfect tones and stripes. I also like LMND for every shirt in every colour, and they also offer cropped and short-sleeved versions.
If you are into super oversized, Blanca offers a really fun silhouette. Or, just dip into your partner’s wardrobe. My most favourite and well-loved shirt was one I borrowed from my husband and never gave back. It was the perfect size and cut on me. And while I love a blue stripe, a lot of these looks would work fine in another colour or without a stripe, if stripes aren’t your thing!
Look 1: Shirt + skirt
Tommy Hilfiger shirt, $199; Scanlan Theodore skirt, $500; Oroton bag, $499; St. Agni sandals, $249; Local Supply sunglasses, $95; Arms Of Eve necklace, $115
Mixing a cotton shirt back with a soft cotton skirt is perfect for summer heat but looks super fresh. This great Scanlan skirt actually has a matching top but shirts are great to break up a matching set and make them more versatile.
I have loosely tucked this shirt in – I’m a big fan of the French tuck (in at the front and out at the back), which is how I generally wear all my shirts, but I think it’s important to give a little waist definition with this outfit because of the fullness of the skirt. And I’ve casually rolled the sleeves here, which is again what I do with most of my shirts. I went with all black accessories to anchor the look and add a bit of strength.
Look 2: Mixing stripes and florals
Bassike shirt, $395; Sheike trousers, $149.99; St. Agni bag, $269; hat, Kate’s own, similar here; Adidas sneakers, $160; Arms Of Eve necklace, $115
I really love a stripe and floral combo. You may have grown up being told that stripes and florals don’t go together, just like pink and red, or navy and black, but these supposed no-nos are actually great combinations that you should always be happy to mix. Try to make sure there’s a similar colour running through the stripes and floral to tie them together. In this look, there’s a blue link.
I love the long silhouette of this Bassike shirt, so I chose to loosely button it and wear it out over these fun floral pants. Adding a cap and sneakers gives this quite a relaxed, sporty athleisure feel, which I like. I bought this Yankees cap years ago when I used to live in New York; it’s a classic. And this great crossover bag from St Agni adds another level of interest.
Look 3: Chino + shirt
Country Road mens shirt, $149; Country Road mens t-shirt, $59.95; CAMILLA AND MARC trousers, $350; & Other Stories flats, $169; Arms Of Eve earrings, $99; Amber Sceats rings
This shirt and t-shirt are both from the men’s section of Country Road. Don’t be afraid to shop the mens department and don’t be afraid to veer outside your regular size. I’m wearing a medium men’s shirt here, which is a nice relaxed fit on me. I’ve mixed it back with a contrasting striped t-shirt, which works nicely with the vertical stripe of the shirt.
These tailored trousers from Camilla & Marc have an interesting overturned waist band. I love the detail on these trousers and have tucked in my shirt so you don’t lose that. I’d also wear these pants with a simple singlet top and birkenstocks for a more casual and cool summer look.
Look 4: Shirt + jeans
COS shirt, $175; CAMILLA AND MARC jeans, $380; Country Road bag, $129; St. Agni heels, $449
Everyone knows a shirt goes well with jeans, but with this look it’s all in the detail! The shirt from COS is somewhat deconstructed, with the dropped shoulder and tucks in the sleeve, so I didn’t roll the sleeves this time so you can see it.
Again I went with a larger size and I love that the sleeves are a little too long and hang over my hands. These jeans from Camilla & Marc have a nice high waist and another great detail at the waistband, where they cut away slightly on each side. I love how the stripe detail continues through the jean cut-out.
I always think dark denim lends itself to a dressier occasion, so I’ve paired this look with a mid-heel and a chunky gold necklace, which elevates it a little – perfect for a work event or dinner out.
Styled by Kate Darvill
Photography by Isa Sanchez
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