Twists and tips to styling shirts for the modern woman

Last week was both a short week and a styling shirts week for me. Coming off the long weekend, my work week started on Tuesday instead of Monday. Office Tuesday looks a little different with my office mate on maternity leave.

I’m still trying to figure out what to do with myself until Caitlin comes back. I decided to gather up some work files and my computer, get dressed and head south to my alternate office/dream space/clubhouse called Twelve A. It’s a space I rented months back and promptly started tormenting myself with, “What the heck did I do that for?” questions. Things are starting to change on that front. I’m discovering the two places I’d like to spend time at include wherever my granddaughter Vivienne is or Twelve A, my intimate little studio space.

Styling my black and white trapeze shirt courtesy of a fantasy flashback

As I started to put my outfit together to head to Twelve A I got this fantasy in my head that I was a guy from the 60s putting on a shirt and tie and heading to the office with my briefcase full of very important files, ready to punch in my time card and get stuff done.

In the modern version of that fantasy, my white shirt was actually a crewneck white T-shirt. The shirt-suit jacket (which I popped the collar on) is a black and white small scale print in a trapeze style shirt by COS. Cropped and rolled AG jeans are my “slacks”. The necktie is actually my father’s tie which I’ve also used as a belt.

My black Rosa Mosa Oxfords with white laces look pretty darn businessy. I’m going to seal some deals today!

A yellow shirt wants her way with the buttons

I peered into my closet and the bright yellow of my Banana Republic slinky blouse said, “Brenda, Brenda, wear me today!”

I complied and then started working on the rest of the details. Deciding on a column of white, I utilized that same white T-shirt I wore in my business fantasy outfit and paired it with my latest no-stain white ankle jeans from Chico’s. Thinking I might keep the blouse open and wear a long necklace in the center, I started going through some possible contenders.

But n-o-o-o-o-o! Yellow Print Shirt had other ideas! It wanted to have buttons undone, like several buttons undone. It thought it would be sexy that way. “Honey,” I said, “there’s a white T-shirt underneath you that comes all the way up to the neck. I don’t think you’re going to achieve the look you want this way!”

“I don’t care,” said Yellow Print Shirt. “I want to be open, flyaway, flirty. Don’t button me all the way up!”

Well, okay then!

I fiddled with which buttons to open and close. With two buttons open, the blouse created a long V shape that opened up near my hips. I have to admit, it was pretty spunky!

Adding my brooch-infested jean jacket and a lemon quartz necklace with a bee charm on it brought some delight.

Styling the polka dot shirt

My polka dot shirt was calling my name on Friday morning. I always stay in Sonoma on Friday just to avoid Friday traffic, but once again I felt Twelve A was where I needed to be.

Starting with my classic ladylike polka dot blouse, I added a lovely beaded necklace at the neck. Then I decided to wild things up by adding my ages old Dana Buchman leopard print coat–the first piece of leopard print I ever bought. My distressed caramel-colored Lucky booties (they kind of came that way) were my choice because of the warm tones blending with my blouse. It’s almost sandal weather but not quite. I did have some in the car just in case.

The tuck!

We’re all familiar with the thumb tuck, right? It’s where you essentially tuck shirt or T-shirt into your pant and give it a more casual, modern look. Well, the latest tuck has been around for a while. I’d never tried it but because it was Shirt Adventure Week, it seemed like the right time.

I’ve shied away from this half in/half out shirt tuck but it really is well suited to my proportions. I like how it gives you a long line (on one half) but is casual and relaxed on the tucked-in side.

Styling shirts in your closet?

Do you think you could go into your closet and look at your blouses or shirts and consider styling them in new ways? Please tell us what you’re doing with shirts these days!

XO

P.S. Stay tuned. More adventures to come from Twelve A once I finish reading this book!