A sartorial staple traditionally found in every man’s working wardrobe, the classic Oxford shirt – typically with blue and white pinstripes is a versatile tailoring piece that easily strikes the balance between dressed-up formal and laid back casual. Many fashion designers such as Victoria Beckham, Dolce & Gabanna and Stella McCartney have sought inspiration from this office dressing essential over the seasons, re-interpreting and experimenting with the silhouettes and proportions to incorporate the ‘new’ Oxford shirt into contemporary women’s tailoring.
Fast becoming one of the biggest fashion trends for spring, these modern updates to the Oxford shirt can be found across many high street and designer collections. Once only found in the boardroom, classic shirting is becoming a key staple for around-the-clock wear thanks to its styling versatility and preppy seasonless appeal. Modern Oxford shirts can instantly add a touch of androgyny to your outfits for a refreshing take on spring dressing that stands out against the sea of floral prints.
If you are looking for some styling inspiration, we have delved deeper into the Oxford shirt trend and seen how the classic pinstriped shirts have been re-worked for modern women and highlighted the hottest shirting styles the cool girls and streetstylers are wearing this spring.
Bardot shirts
The off-the-shoulder silhouette has been growing in popularity since last year and the Bardot style influences have trickled into the shirting trends for this spring. The classic Oxford shirts have been re-worked with a feminine twist, revealing the wearer’s shoulders and neckline for an effortless and chic spring look that can be worn with denim and trainers or tailored trousers and heels to suit the occasion.
L-R: River Island Blue Cold Shoulder Shirt – £28. Oliver Bonas Off The Shoulder Top – £45 (in store July). New Look Two Toned Stripe Off Shoulder Blouse – £24.99.
Shirt dresses
The perfect styling solution for warmer weather, shirt dresses can prove a fashionable yet practical choice for the office as well as weekend wear. A polished shirt dress is a wardrobe essential that can transcend the seasonal trends for an iconic and chic style that can work for you throughout the entirety of the warmer months. The classic shirt dress silhouette has been updated this spring with fluted sleeves, exposed shoulders and ruffle detailing in classic pinstripe and gingham patterns.
L-R: Miss Selfridge Striped Cold Shoulder Shirt Dress – £55. New Look Bell Sleeve Cold Shoulder Shirt Dress – £22.99. Sosandar Gingham Shirt Dress – £79. Oliver Bonas Belted Shirt Dress – £65.
Cold shoulder shirts
Showing off the shoulders can help to lighten up shirts for the warmer weather whilst still remaining office appropriate. Cold shoulder Oxford shirts can be found in a myriad of forms, with plenty of textured and ruffle detailing to exaggerate the silhouette and dress up the look, whilst the crisp pinstripe and classic white designs offer minimalist appeal. The beauty of cold shoulder shirts is that they are flattering on every body style and offer a subtly feminine way to reveal more skin.
L-R: Oliver Bonas Sun Ray Stripe Frill Top – £45. V by Very Cold Shoulder Frill Top – £28. River Island One Shoulder Striped Ruffle Blouse – £32.
Ruffled shirts
The classic Oxford shirts have been given a feminine twist by incorporating the use of ruffles and frills to soften the structured, tailored silhouettes. Merging two of the biggest spring trends into one piece, ruffled Oxford shirts add interest and intrigue to otherwise minimalist outfits whilst still retaining that crisp aesthetic loved by bloggers and street stylers. Experiment with the silhouettes by wearing the ruffled shirts with wide leg trousers and pleated skirts for high fashion appeal.
L-R: River Island Striped V Frill Oversized Shirt – £35. Studio by Preen Frilled Shirt – £55. River Island Ruffle Wrap Blouse.
Visit our fashion section for the latest fashion trends, brand collections and industry events.
Banner image credit: Miss Selfridge
