Dear friend, I hope you are doing just fabulous! I’m slowly recovering from my broken finger (getting rid of the finger brace next week, yay!) and my persistent post-flu cough. All in all I’d say I’m in a grande hibernation mode right now and I don’t feel too marvelous but I’m slowly getting some Spring vibes… Preparing my closet for the arrival of Spring is one of my favorite things to do, so I try to wake up and get going. Speaking of:
As promised I wanna share more Basic Wisdom today but before I wanna talk about Chapter One: Did anyone try my Base Layer Challenge? If yes: how did it go? Did you discover something new? I wanna hear all your experiences.
So last time we touched base on the Base Layers, like T-Shirts, Tanktops, Long Sleeves and today I wanna talk about the Second Base Layers. These are basics that everyone needs in their closet, especially come Spring. Though each piece can work on their own, they also form a great duo if paired with a Tank Top / T-Shirt / Long Sleeve. Hashtag Onion Look.
THE WHITE SHIRT
I’d say if a T-Shirt is the mother of all basics, a white button-down shirt is the long-sleeved, more mature sister. There are so many ways you could style a white shirt, it’s such a classic and versatile piece. What I love most about it is that you can dress it up or down quite easily.
I personally own 3 white Shirts.
FILIPPA K Classic White Shirt / More fitted, made from soft cotton
ARKET Oversized Shirt / super relaxed fit, made from soft cotton
A white linen Shirt from St.Agni for the summer months
I mostly wear a white shirt paired with a white tank top or long sleeve, tucked into tailored trousers. Adding a simple leather belt and either sneakers or slim ankle boots to round off the look. But there are so many ways to wear it - you can spend hours in your closet and just combine everything with a crisp white shirt.
THE DENIM SHIRT
I have a love-hate relationship with Denim Shirts yet I believe it’s a Wardrobe Staple. If you choose the right material and color... Back in the days I used to own a classic blue denim shirt but that wasn’t for me. Though I must admit a Canadian Tuxedo with a sleek pair of high heels can look pretty cool…
I own this charcoal denim shirt made from mid-soft cotton, which I got from Arket 2 years ago. For me charcoal is the perfect color to elevate a denim shirt and make it less “streetstyle”. This shirt tucked into a (silky) midi skirt or tailored trousers paired with ankle boots would even be work-appropriate.
THE SILK SHIRT
I think I’m a silk shirt gal. The fabric moves softer and is more poetic than a classic white shirt, it is more airy and interesting. It’s of course more feminine than a denim shirt but you can also play a lot with it. And dress it up or down. Last year I bought a blue silk/cotton shirt from Toteme and I’m VERY TEMPTED to catch this Silk Shirt on Sale. Oh dear, another dilemma. And I own a short-sleeved silk shirt from Envelope 1976 which I’m obsessed with!!
So I can absolutely recommend investing in a silk shirt. You won’t regret that.
A COTTON BUTTON DOWN
Last but not least I wanted to add a non-white cotton shirt. Maybe with stripes or other pattern, but something that has a bit more spice than a white shirt.
I bought an Oversized Vintage Dior Homme shirt at our House of Auster Fashion Room (stop by if you are in Vienna, we still have some great shirts) and I really like it. Though sometimes it’s too oversized to tuck it into a pair of trousers but left open with a T-Shirt underneath it looks pretty nice.
*STYLE CHALLENGE*
Grab one of your Base Layers and pair it with one of your Second Base Layers, like a Semi Sheer Longsleeve underneath a Cotton Shirt or a Tank Top with a Silk Shirt on top. THEN go ahead and pair one combo you would usually not combine - maybe a turtleneck underneath a T-Shirt or a Polo Tee underneath a Silk Shirt? I bet you come across a combination you haven’t thought of yet but that might bring you joy. Why not give it a try?
I hope I could inspire you today. Let’s talk soon!
xx,
Carola