When it comes to creating a versatile and sophisticated wardrobe, there are certain items that every man should own, and the dress shirt is undoubtedly one of them. Dress shirts are not only suitable for formal occasions but can also be effortlessly styled for more casual events. In this article, we will explore the three essential dress shirts every man needs to have in his collection.
The 3 Best Dress Shirts Every Man Needs
White Shirt
A fundamental piece in all men’s wardrobe. It’s like a plain canvas for your outfit.
Light Blue Shirt
One of the most professional looking shirts if you ask anyone. No question why so many men like to wear them to the office.
Striped Shirt
If you want to make your plain shirt outfits more special, invest in a striped shirt.
How Many Shirts Should a Man Have in His Wardrobe?
The number of shirts a man should have in his wardrobe varies depending on individual preferences, lifestyle, and needs.
However, a general guideline would be to have a minimum of 5-7 shirts for regular wear, including a mix of casual and formal options, to ensure versatility and rotation without excessive clutter.
A helpful shopping hack is to have the three types of shirts listed in the article and buy their variations. You can purchase both formal and casual variations of these types. Or, if you come across a nice plain white shirt, consider buying two of them. A white shirt is to your outfit what a plain canvas is to painters.
What Dress Shirts Should All Men Have?
All men should have a few essential dress shirts in their wardrobe, including a crisp white dress shirt, a light blue dress shirt, and a classic striped dress shirt. These options provide versatility for formal occasions and can be paired with various suits or trousers, ensuring a polished and sophisticated look.
1. Plain White Dress Shirt
A plain white dress shirt is the foundation of timeless elegance. This classic shirt is a staple in every man’s wardrobe and for good reason. The simplicity of its design allows it to be incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Whether you’re attending a business meeting, a wedding, or a formal event, a plain white dress shirt will never let you down. The plain white Oxford shirt is a fundamental piece in every gentleman’s wardrobe.
The beauty of a white dress shirt lies in its ability to complement any suit or tie combination whether you wear a plain or patterned tie. It provides a clean and crisp canvas for your accessories to shine. Paired with a black suit, it portrays a level of sophistication that is unmatched.
On the other hand, when worn with navy blue suits, it adds a touch of understated refinement. Moreover, rolling up the sleeves and leaving the top button undone easily transforms a plain white dress shirt into a relaxed yet polished look.
When discussing how many shirts a man needs, we refer to types, not specific numbers. Own at least three white dress shirts. Firstly, an Oxford shirt, then a button down shirt for casual wear, and a linen shirt for those scorching summer vacations – especially if you want to have an Old money look.
2. Striped Dress Shirt
For a dash of personality and flair, every man should own a striped dress shirt. Stripes add visual interest to your outfit, giving it a touch of character and style. Also, it gives a great alternative to the often overly worn plain colored options.
The key to wearing a striped dress shirt lies in choosing the right pattern and color combination. Versatile options include thin, subtle stripes in colors such as light blue, gray, or navy, which you can easily pair with various suits and ties.
Striped dress shirts offer versatility in terms of styling. For a formal setting, combine a blue striped shirt with a solid-colored suit in a complementary shade. The stripes will provide a subtle contrast to the solid fabric, adding dimension to your overall look.
Alternatively, for a more casual look, pair a striped shirt with chinos or dark blue denim, and roll up the sleeves. This combination strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for summer night outings.
3. Light Blue Dress Shirt
A light blue shirt is a must-have for any well-dressed man. This versatile shirt color offers a refreshing change from the traditional white while still maintaining a level of professionalism. Light blue is universally flattering and complements a wide range of skin tones.
Similar to the plain white dress shirt, a light blue dress shirt pairs exceptionally well with various suit colors. It harmonizes beautifully with navy, charcoal, and gray suits, creating a polished and modern look.
Furthermore, the light blue shade can be effortlessly matched with many ties, whether a patterned tie or a plain colored tie, allowing you to experiment with your personal style.
How Should a Dress Shirt Fit?
A dress shirt should fit comfortably while maintaining a sleek and tailored appearance. The collar should be snug but not strangling, with enough room for two fingers to fit comfortably. The shoulders should align with your natural shoulder line, and the sleeves should end at the base of your wrist bone.
The team at Real Man Real Style made a great infographic on how a dress shirt should fit:
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a well-rounded wardrobe requires a selection of dress shirts that cater to different occasions and personal styles. The plain white dress shirt is a timeless classic that never goes out of fashion.
Striped dress shirts add a touch of personality and visual interest, while light blue dress shirts offer versatility and a modern twist.
By incorporating these three essential dress shirts into your collection, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any event or dress code that comes your way, all while looking effortlessly stylish.
Keep on reading: How to Dress like a Gentleman
