I'm a sucker for a nice shirt....really. Coloured, printed, or or even my boyfriends....I think it's one of the ultimate wardrobe essentials that every woman should have, because we wear them well ladies! They do say that every wardrobe should include a classic WHITE shirt. However, white is not everyone's colour, it's certainly not mine. I look terrible in pure white, like the undead. But put me in a cream or soft off-white and suddenly I'm a living human being again - remember this, the tone of colour can make a huge difference to how your skin looks and can even make you look tired and older if it's not the right shade for you.
I've picked out a few of my current sustainable fav's to share with you (3 of which I have and wear all the time!), invest in one of these and you won't be sorry. It's the perfect transition top to see you through the seasons, easy to layer up or down, and works with almost any trouser style, or skirt for that matter. All in all, it's one heck of a versatile style and great piece to invest in....
P.I.C Style Hoxton white shirt. Made from 100% organic cotton and manufactured in the UK. Consciously designed and made in their London factory. Not only are their fabrics locally sourced, sustainable, organic or select stock material, but P.i.C is never mass-produced. £95
Komodo printed shirt. Made from 100% Rayon. Komodo has been a pioneer brand, promoting the use and development of Organic Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, Tencel and other natural fibres since the early 90s. Equally important was the welfare of the suppliers and people who work in the small factory units that make their clothes. Rayon is made from sustainable tree cellulose. Invented in Paris over 100 years ago, it's name derives from a word meaning 'Rays of Light' because it's so good at showing colours without needing hard dyes and softners. £65
Kitty Ferreira black cruelty free silk shirt. Sourcing upcycled materials exclusively in the UK and where possible British made up cycled fabrics. Best of all they have found the only silk farm in the UK, who, in a cruelty- free manner, raise silk worms, harvest the cocoons and weave the silk. All manufactured in the UK. £199
Paloma Wool printed shirts. 100% Viscose. Produced as part of an art series, Paloma Wool practices very limited production. Artisan crafted products ethically support their local economies, and are higher-quality, more eco-conscious alternatives to mass-produced consumer goods. These items are made carefully by hand without the toxic waste & hazardous chemicals that come with factory-produced goods. €79
Reformation printed shirt. Made from 100% up-cyled fabric. Their factory uses the most efficient, eco-friendly and pro-social technologies and practices they can get. Investing in green building infrastructure to minimize our waste, water, and energy footprints. By providing on-the-job training and opportunities for growth, they also invest in the people who work with them. $128
Monsoon light-wieght white shirt. 100% cotton. From the beginning, Monsoon have worked with craftspeople in villages and small communities. In 1994, The Monsoon Accessorize Trust was founded. Through education, healthcare and income generation projects, the trust continues to help disadvantaged women and children across Asia. Each year they support life-changing projects in income-generation, healthcare and education for over 10,000 women and children throughout Asia. £39
H&M Conscious Collection. Made from 100% Lyocell - a man made fibre that comes from wood pulp. £29.99
TOP STYLE TIP:
It's tempting to hide under these modern oversized shirts, which look great. But for something a bit different, try tucking in the front of the shirt (to just above the fly of trousers) and then let the rest hang loose. By doing this you create a hint of your waistline and therefore shows you have a shape under there, which tends to be more flattering - especially on those of us who are more shapely. Try for yourself and see!