Office wear can always use a lift, but finding a balance between business and beauty can be difficult. Enter the newly made-over oxford shirt: Altuzarra (pictured below), Alexander Wang and Hermès all showed reinterpretations of the wardrobe staple on their spring/summer runways.
Those in striped silk with plunging necklines aren’t your standard-grade shirts, however. More demure, boardroom-appropriate options feature quirky details such as coloured trim and exaggerated cuffs – welcome dashes of personality for your day-to-day wardrobe.
1. Pink Tartan’s twist (pictured below) on the trend features a neat trompe l’oeil trick: The artistic outline of the pocket, cuffs and collar add something special to this cotton classic without making it too unusual.
2. Anchor the more playful piece with a simple, sophisticated separate. Here, a pretty A-line gingham skirt is the perfect foil for the more mannish oxford, which in turn balances the shirt’s graphic print.
3. When your outfit takes centre stage, your accessories should play a supporting role. Pointy-toed pumps, a black carryall and a piece of costume jewellery are all you need.
Pink Tartan shirt, $295, Topshop skirt, $88 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Necklace, $95 at Banana Republic (www.bananarepublic.com). Nella Bella bag, $125 through www.nella-bella.com. Shoes, $115 at Nine West (www.ninewest.ca).
Styling by Tricia Hall/judyinc.com. Makeup and hair by Wendy Rorong for Tresemmé Hair Care/M.A.C Cosmetics/Plutino Group.