Exploring The Classic White Shirt

01.25.21

I’ve been thinking about my Closet Mission for 2021 and keep coming back to one premise in particular, which is, “essentials only”. Of course, what is deemed “essential” will vary from person to person but some pieces are fundamental classics across the board.

Today’s post features one of the most classic closet items around, which is none other than a white Oxford shirt. In this particular case I’m trying out The Tailor – Proper Fit Shirt from one of my favourite Canadian brands, Power of My People.

If you’re in the market for a timeless white button up shirt, or perhaps in need of some new styling ideas for one you already have, then this post is for you!

Read on for:


STYLE BEE READER DISCOUNT

10% OFF ANY ORDER WITH ‘STYLEBEE10’

Valid through February 8th, 2021. Code should auto apply via the links in this post, but if not, you can enter it at checkout. Free shipping on all orders over $200 within North America.


Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was produced in partnership with Power of My People. Style Bee earns a commission on sales made using the reader discount code (at no additional cost to customers). Learn more about why Power of My People is a Style Bee favourite and how the brand approaches thoughtful design and production here.



A CLOSER LOOK AT

THE TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT


I’ve crossed paths with a fair number of white button ups in my day and (no surprise) they’re not all created equally. Having had the opportunity to wear The Friend and The Philosopher shirts from Power of My People for the last few years, I knew that their take on a classic white Oxford, The Tailor, would be worth exploring.

If you’ve read Style Bee for long, you’ll likely recognize Power of My People (seen here / here / here / here, yes, I’m a fan lol) but if not, then I’m delighted to introduce this Canadian treasure! You can learn all about their handcrafted (in Canada!), quality-driven approach to timeless closet essentials right here.


Key details that stand out to me:



FIT NOTES & QUICK FACTS

FIT: The Tailor – Proper Fit is intended to have an easy-going, softly structured fit. The cut is TTS and POMP also offers lots of sizing help and model references.

Sleeve length is just right and easy to roll as needed. Cuffs have two buttons for some flexibility there too.

SIZES: Available in XXS – 3XL.

I’m wearing a Medium because I wanted a really relaxed fit but a Small would give a similar with a slightly narrower shoulder and torso. For reference I’m about 5’7 and my measurements are about 32 in bust, 27 in waist and 38 in hip. I say “about” because life = fluctuation!

PRICE: $185 CAD | Use “STYLEBEE10” for 10% OFF at any time.

PRODUCTION: Made in Canada

FABRIC: 100% Cotton, 4.4 oz, true white Oxford weave fabric. Fibres sourced from USA & Egypt, milled in Portugal. Fabric is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) approved.

This cotton is so versatile, crisp and low-maintenance, with a subtle crepe texture that adds depth and interest.

CARE: Wash cold + hang dry. Allow for approx. 3/8″ shrinkage on the length and 1/4″ total shrinkage on the width.

OPACITY: I’d say it’s 85% opaque so not very sheer. I’ll be wearing a nude bra underneath.


WRINKLE FACTOR:

Being a crisp cotton it will crease and wrinkle but not like linen or poplin. Here’s how it looked after I finished shooting, which involved lots of tucking, untucking etc.


SHOP THE TAILOR HERE


HOW I’M STYING THIS CLASSIC WHITE OXFORD


While I’ve tried a few white button ups in the past, they’ve never had quite the right fit for what I would qualify as a true classic. This one however, is perfectly oversized without being so much shirt that it’s a struggle style.

The Tailor layers over or under with ease, tucks in any way you’d imagine and is both simple and special enough to add that ever elusive je ne sais quoi to a look.

I’m loving the casual polish it offers for working from home and can picture myself wearing this piece for many, MANY years to come. I’ve kept the styling simple with the same jeans and boots in each look so you can see how small changes make a big difference.


FULLY TUCKED & BELTED

WITH ROLLED CUFFS

TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT gifted POMP | BELT MADEWELL | JEANS SEZANE | BOOTS gifted ABLE | KATE HOOPS MACHETE | LIP BALM PULSE KOSÅS


UNTUCKED UNDER A SWEATER VEST

WITH PULLED BACK CUFFS

TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT gifted POMP | VEST OAK + FORT | JEANS SÉZANE | BOOTS gifted ABLE | KATE HOOPS MACHETE | LIP BALM PULSE KOSÅS


HALF TUCKED


TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT gifted POMP | JEANS SÉZANE | BOOTS gifted ABLE | KATE HOOPS MACHETE | LIP BALM PULSE KOSÅS


OPEN OVER A TURTLENECK

WITH A SWEATER OVER THE SHOULDERS

TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT gifted POMP | TURTLENECK & CASHMERE CREW EVERLANE | JEANS SÉZANE | BOOTS gifted ABLE | KATE HOOPS MACHETE | LIP BALM PULSE KOSÅS


FRONT TUCKED

UNDER A DUSTER VEST

TAILOR – PROPER FIT SHIRT gifted POMP | DUSTER VEST old ONLY CHILD | JEANS SÉZANE | BOOTS gifted ABLE | KATE HOOPS MACHETE | LIP BALM PULSE KOSÅS


Need more styling ideas? Check out my latest board on Pinterest for heaps of inspo!



Thanks for tuning in!

What do you think, is a classic white Oxford on your list of essentials?

If so, how do you like to style yours?


Be sure to check out Power of My People for a beautiful range of timeless shirts, trousers and duster coats. All 20% Off with ‘LEE20’ through Feb. 8th, 2021. | Use “STYLEBEE10” for 10% OFF at any time.


I completely understand that not everyone is in a position to shop my partnerships and I would never expect that. My goal is always to share inspiration first and foremost, with options to shop if a piece really speaks to you. Your readership is means so much and I hope this post offers lots of styling ideas for pieces you already have and highlights details worth considering when you’re ready to add to your closet again. 

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Amy says:

    Hi Lee!

    Love your post! This shirt looks beautiful and I can’t wait to try it out. I wanted to ask which color vest you have on in these pics? It doesn’t look like any of the best colors offered on their website. Thanks!

    Amy

  2. Anne says:

    Thanks, this is great! I love (more) size inclusive ethical brands!

    I love white shirts so much, but I find that no matter what I do they end up getting dingy. I don’t know if this is just the water where I live, or what, but do you have any advice on actually keeping white shirts white?? I would be happier to invest more in white clothing if I could actually keep it really white!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Ah! I definitely know what you mean Anne. I’m currently working on a mega post all about closet care but my usual method for keeping whites bright is to be supper selective about what goes in the wash with them. Basically, anything past the cream mark doesn’t go in. I also use The Laundress Bleach Alternative and Stain Solution to keep them bright and often skip the dryer when possible as it can accelerate the dulling on seams and edges. Hope that helps!

  3. Kristi says:

    I love your reviews and styling ideas – I love all your posts, and these are especially helpful.

    I have real trouble finding a white shirt that’s comfy and crisp but still soft, etc. – I will definitely check this out, and thank you for the discount code.

  4. B says:

    I have to say, finding a perfect white oxford shirt is probably one of the most frustrating shopping experiences! It’s almost right up there with finding good jeans! I don’t know how many white shirts I have bought, only to be disappointed in the end. I am short waisted with a slightly larger bust. Shirts with darts don’t hit me in the right spots, or there is boob-gap, or the shirt is way too long, and I even found one that was way too short (so strange!). My husband bought me a POMP shirt for Christmas, the Gentlewoman in the Proper fit in a medium. It is a little oversized for me, which is what I wanted – for that shirt.

    For a white shirt, I am wanting something not quite so big, does this one fit the same? I should probably consult the size charts. These shirts are beautifully made, with high-quality fabric, so I think it is worth pursuing!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Hey B! I can definitely relate to your white shirt shopping strife. It’s a task and a half for sure!

      The Gentlewoman is a beauty (good job hubs!) and yes, the fit is the same as they’re both a “Proper Fit”. So if you’re looking for a slightly less generous fit I’d go for a small in The Tailor. Size chart linked here.

  5. Kathleen says:

    How timely! I was recently lamenting the lack of a classic white shirt in my wardrobe. Thank you for this post!