One of the best pieces of advice in terms of buying clothing is to make sure to have the basics. One of these basics that doesn’t get enough attention is the gingham shirt. I have quite a few – they are all workhorses. The best part about the gingham shirt is that they can be dressed up or dressed way down. Look at this example from J. Crew in Navy blue:
With a suit:
2. Navy blue silk knit tie from Land’s End: Something solid.
-OR-
4. Brooks Brothers Italian Cotton Fitzgerald Suit: Either way. It works.
5. Tiffany & Co. Engine Turned Belt Buckle: Something shiny.
6. White Linen Pocket Square with a Navy Tip: Never go without.
7. Tassel Loafers from Alden in Cigar Shell Cordovan: Since it isn’t the most ‘formal’ look, the tassels will work.
Business Casual:
2. Brooks Brothers 3/2 Roll Sack Blazer: Staple.
3. Navy Surcingle Belt from O’Connells: Keep the Navy theme.
4. Jack Donnelly Dalton Pants in Khaki: Nicer than your average khaki pants.
5. Horse Bit Loafers from Alden in Tan Calfskin: No socks.
With Jeans:
2. Hoof Pick Belt from F.M. Allen: Hook ’em.
3. Justin Classic Roper Boots – Bay Apache: The more you wear them, the better they look.
4. Levi 501s: Again, the more you wear them, the better they look.
Very Casual:
1. J. Crew Gingham: Untucked & sleeves rolled.
2. Sportsman’s Chino Shorts from LL Bean Signature: ‘Rougher’ than your average chinos.
3. Lab Head Belt by Sid Bell: Classy alternative to the Shotshell.
4. Russell Camp Moccasins: Do it.
5. Rainbow Sandals: If any body of water is in sight.
The gingham shirt = the utility player.
I'm glad ginghamm is out and about these days. I have six myself. I noticed at the cleaners the other day, as the carousel was twirling around how many gingham shirts have made it into men's wardrobe. It's clean, and always looks smart as as you've displayed here – goes with so much – from business to dress up, to casual. Great post.
Great post. I ordered a navy gingham button down for myself during the Lands end sale,b ut alas the their True Navy is so dark it looks black – even compared to the navy monogram – so a bust it was… Worn with a grey or purple sweater and black gucci loafers in the fall it will work fine, though.
Love this!! Gingham is so classic and versatile. Check out L.L. Bean's Signature Collection–great prices and classic styling.
..well, then again, I guess you've probably already seen those. 🙂
Great post, I have been a fan of gingham for years, navy blue, light blue and aqua and I wear these shirts much the way you have presented them.
Cheers!
Mark
I was just made aware that Brooks Brothers is offering a large gingham dress shirt with a English collar as part of their fall collection. It appears to be a must iron, but such a pity to see that it is made in Malaysia.
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1066&Product_Id=1467446&Parent_Id=662&default_color=BURGUNDY&sort_by=§ioncolor=§ionsize=
~H.