Shirts are the epitome of life’s sense of ceremony.
Slim-fit, boxy, flowy, or puff-sleeved – you can spot a shirt every few steps.
However, the editor has noticed that while some people look refined and fashionable in their shirts, like true fashion bloggers, others appear stiff and rigid, as if they’re about to put on black-framed glasses and head to a meeting.
More importantly, not only do they look unfashionable, but they also expose all their figure flaws, making them appear top-heavy, wide-waisted, big-faced, and slope-shouldered.
The effect you think you’re achieving vs. the actual effect
Why does the same shirt produce two drastically different results? Because you chose the wrong shirt!
Want to know how to choose a shirt that suits you? Want to know how to make a basic shirt look like a fashion blogger’s outfit?
1# Consider Your Body Type # Accentuate Your Assets
Broad Shoulders
Ladies with broad shoulders and small heads should steer clear of shirts with shoulder pads, large collars, and stiff shoulder lines, or else you’ll end up with double-wide shoulders.
Opt for raglan-sleeved shirts or V-neck shirts to divert visual attention and minimize the impact of broad shoulders.
Narrow, Sloping, or Rounded Shoulders
Ladies with narrow shoulders fear looking top-heavy, as if they’ve applied a big head effect, while those with sloping or rounded shoulders easily appear lackluster. So, avoid slim-fit, soft shirts at all costs!
To instantly correct your head-to-body ratio, choose puff-sleeved shirts, slightly padded shoulders, or shirts with stiffer fabrics for a more energetic look.
Short/Thick Neck
If you have a short or thick neck, stay away from shirts with small collars, stiff necks, or high collar stands, or you’ll end up swallowing your neck.
Choose V-necks, square necks, or shirts with good drape for an instantly elegant look.
Large Bust
Ladies with large busts wearing tight, form-fitting shirts not only look awkward and vulgar but also appear bulky and fat in the upper body.
Avoid shirts with overly thin fabrics, unclear shoulder lines, and too many elements on the chest, as they will make you look even more inflated and fat.
Opt for silk fabrics or oversized shirts to flatter your figure and create a visually slimming effect.
Thick Back
Ladies with thick backs should avoid overly fitted, transparent shirts, or you’ll instantly showcase what it means to have a tiger back and bear waist.
Choose shirts with thicker materials, some drape, or decorative elements that cover up, which can effectively soften your figure.
Slender Figure
Ladies with a paper-thin figure should never choose slim-fit, lightweight shirts, as they instantly lose the advantage of their figure and look low-end and outdated.
Consider shirts with drape and a boxy silhouette for visual balance and a more effortless look.
Round-neck, stand-collar, and small-collared shirts are also excellent choices for a quiet, refined appearance.
In summary, it all boils down to one thing: conceal flaws, highlight strengths, and achieve harmony by compensating for shortcomings. As long as you remember this, you can’t go wrong when choosing a shirt!
2# Consider the Fabric # Create Your Style
Apart from the cut, the fabric also plays a decisive role in a shirt’s style.
Look at the two images below. Can you believe they’re the same shirt?!
One is cold and elegant, while the other is casual and laid-back – completely different styles, all because of the different fabrics used.
So, when choosing a shirt, the fabric is another element you must consider. What are the differences between various fabrics?
Pure Cotton
Pros: Durable, long-lasting
Cons: Wrinkles easily
High-end brand shirts are mostly made of pure cotton, which is absolutely top-notch in terms of texture. It’s soft to the touch yet still has structure. If you want to play it safe, pure cotton is the way to go.
Linen Shirts
Pros: Breathable, cool, slimming
Cons: Rough texture, uncomfortable
Linen shirts naturally exude a sense of detachment, instantly associating with painters and folk singers. They’re perfect for ladies who prefer an artistic, fresh style.
Silk Shirts
Pros: Lightweight, soft, good texture
Cons: Wrinkles easily, fades easily, clings to the body
Silk satin has a strong luster and excellent drape, making it look very noble and elegant when worn. It’s perfect for ladies who want to show off their femininity.
3# Styling Tips # Elevate Your Look
Knowing how to choose the right shirt is just the first step. To truly elevate your look, you need to know how to style it. Here are a few tips:
Pair with a Vest
In the unpredictable autumn weather, what could be more convenient and fashionable than a vest + shirt combo?
A brown V-neck vest paired with a plaid shirt exudes a youthful vibe.
Deep blue adds a touch of sophistication to the bold pumpkin orange, making the overall look radiant and grand.
You can also do the opposite and choose a long vest with a short shirt to show off your long legs, creating a lazy, slightly sexy style.
A vest that resembles a knitted camisole gives off a mature, feminine vibe, perfect for pairing with an A-line skirt for work or commuting.
If you want to create a strong, handsome female boss style, the outfit below is a must-have. It’s full of power!
Add a Scarf
If you find the shirt + vest combo too hot, adding a scarf is a great alternative!
A shirt + jeans look can be a bit plain and ordinary, but take a cue from Yang Caiyu and add a scarf for a soft, “mature woman” feeling.
Originally a simple black and white outfit, adding a slightly ethnic-inspired dull-colored scarf instantly creates a sense of melancholy and elegance!
It’s a simple way to add layers and dimension to your look. Beautiful!
A sophisticated and elegant look can also be achieved with a single scarf.
The plaid scarf complements the white shirt underneath, creating a simple yet powerful look.
Elevate with Accessories
Sometimes, a necklace or a pair of earrings can be the perfect finishing touch to a simple outfit.
The black and white denim combo is extremely simple and ordinary, but with the addition of gold earrings and a necklace, the look becomes much more interesting, embodying a North American minimalist style.
A plain blue shirt is straightforward, but adding a delicate necklace enhances its softness and femininity.
After all this, are you eager to give it a try?