Shirts are probably the item of clothing most associated with men, from casual shirts to wedding shirts, they are the staple diet of men’s fashion trends.  They are perfect for work and play; here we will be discussing shirts as fashion, and leave work behind for a while.

The kind of shirts we are talking about here, are not the super expensive suit-type shirts, but the more casual attire that can be found in any leading high-street shop.  Shirts are a great addition to any wardrobe, they can provide a focal point within any outfit, or can blend into the background in a layered effect.  If you are new to the world of fashion, the general advice is to purchase shirts in block colours, such as black, white, pink and blue, – avoid patterned or printed shirts for the time being, at least until you gain a little more experience in dressing stylishly.  By purchasing shirts in simple colours, you will probably save yourself from the embarrassment of making some basic fashion blunders – such as ‘the clown effect’, which occurs when too many patterns and colours clash within an outfit.

The key to beginner fashion is to team plain shirts, trousers and shoes, with off-the-wall, interesting t-shirts – current trends dictate a graphic t for this purpose.  Remember that we are talking about casual shirts here, so it is ok to dress in a fun way that can make you stand out for the right reason, do not forget the rule for beginners though; one bright item per outfit!  Moreover, unless you are wearing a chequered shirt in a flimsy material as part of the geek-chic look, never fasten the top button or the cuffs when trying to dress casually – it simply makes you look stuffy and formal.  Incidentally, if you do opt for the geek-chic chequered casual shirt look, make sure you wear something around the neck, either a skinny tie, or a masculinised neck scarf.  

When teaming your  casual shirts with a graphic tee, finish of the outfit in an edgy way and with a sense of attitude, by wearing a dark shade of skinny jean, with military-style boots.  Do the shirt up part way, and give your audience just a glimpse of the graphic tee; this will have people viewing you with a sense of intrigue – giving you the air of nonchalance that has people coming back for more.  

Alternatively, for beginners, opt for a supremely casual look and team a white or black shirt with a dark pair of jeans, making sure that the shirt is un-tucked (something that can be difficult to do for men who are used to wearing shirts to work).  Next, you can choose to wear trainers, but if you want to posh it up a little, then opt for a brogues or dress shoes.