There is nothing like the power of a great shirt!
Words by Louise Heller, Fashion Editor
The perfect shirt is trans-seasonal, versatile and can transform an outfit. By learning how to style them, a high-quality shirt can go from casual to work-wear, and into the night just by switching up the base layers.
The High Collar Shirt
Designed to be worn with the buttons done-up high, this style of shirt looks great under a tailored blazer, or a loose style crew or V-neck sweater.
As this shirt is longer in style, try pairing pair with heels for an elongated look, or for a casual look a pair of jeans and white sneakers.
Statement necklaces can look stunning against a high-collar shirt.
Pictured above: The Paula Ryan High Collar Shirt $590, in store now.
Above: Paula Ryan high-collared shirt in Red, $495, in store now.
Style Note: By pairing with a high waist skirt, and necklace, this look can go from day to evening.
Style note: Wear with a blazer to achieve the androgynous look.
The Swing Shirt
This longer style shirt can be an asset in your wardrobe and is an ideal style for pear-shape figures. Worn buttoned up and over a skinnier style pant, it becomes tailored and will hide any misgivings you have about your bottom half.
When worn open and with a singlet style top or tee underneath, it becomes a less formal cover up than a jacket.
Pictured above: The Paula Ryan Swing Shirt $590, available for pre-order.
The Long Chiffon Shirt
Lightweight and flowy, the chiffon shirt is a subtle layering piece that speaks elegance over structure. This style looks best when paired with slim-line trousers or jeans and a layering camisole singlet underneath. Wear this floaty style open over a simple dress to turn it up for evening.
Pictured above: The Paula Ryan Lunar Long Chiffon Shirt $590, Available for PRE-ORDER
Paula Ryan Relaxed, Long Printed Overshirt, $395 - Available for PRE ORDER.
The Boxy Shirt
Anytime you start playing with a new shape or style, it is key to remember proportions. A boxy A-line shirt is be less structured and often more forgiving than straighter styles. The proportions for this style of shirt look best when teamed with slim-line pants or jeans.
This Trelise Cooper shirt has a multi-layered frill hem, which adds dimension and texture making it appear slightly more cropped and shapely than it is.
Pictured above: Trelise Cooper Good to Go top $449
Style Notes: Avoid wider leg trousers with this style, as it could make you appear larger than you are.
The Printed Overshirt
Easy to wear, made of crease-free fabric this is your perfect travel companion for it's easy-care qualities.
When you add print to an outfit, its adds dimension and interest to what you are wearing. Shirts like this become your best friend by being able to be worn multiple ways. This is a classic style that will last season after season.
Pictured above: The Paula Ryan Overshirt in black and white print, $370, and Shjark Camisole dress, $289, both available now.
Style Notes: Wear a crisp shirt tucked in to a high-waisted skirt for a timeless day-time look.
Style Note: Wear half open and tied at the waist with a skirt or pants for a fun relaxed look.
The Sleeveless Overshirt
The sleeveless shirt is a wardrobe staple for long hot days at home or abroad . Great with a slim-style pair of jeans or belted with heels for a dressier look. If it features a multi-colour print pick a colour out of it like the white or teal for your accessories or matching pants
Experiment by wearing open and over a simple dress as a layer conjures images of holidays and relaxing.
Pictured above: The Paula Ryan Sleeveless Nehru Top $350, in store now.
Style Notes: Wear under a sleeveless dress for a modern take on a classic.
The Embellished Shirt
A fun high-street style, team this shirt with lighter coloured denim or white jeans and flats for a casual look. This is a very versatile style and can be re-purposed to get the most out of your existing wardrobe.
Team with a pleated skirt for a dressier day look, or tucked into a leather skirt, clutch and heels for an evening look.
Pictured above: Trelise Cooper Curate Which Stich shirt $249, in stock now.