Thoughts on contrast collar & cuff dress shirts like this?

Samantha Buttlefly

Hello there! This is my first post in this forum. Hope it's not a dumb question.
I (35) work in finance and I
was looking for a blue stripe shirt to complete my wardrobe. So I found this British brand Hawes & Curtis. There are 2 Women's Executive Blue & White
Bengal Stripe Fitted Shirt currently listing on their website, one with contrast white collar and cuff and the other not. I'm trying to figure out which one I should choose. What's your opinion?

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3 years ago

Urgent

13 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Anonymous

The contrast cuff shirt is more formal, especially with the french cuffs, so it might be less versatile but I do like the look and think it brings significant extra to an outfit.

3 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

Both are classic looks and not dissimilar to what you are wearing in your profile pic. I think you could incorporate either one into your professional wardrobe. I’d say go with the one you like best.

3 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I’ll always say it depends. If you already have “ essential “ plain shirts pretty well covered, a more statement shirt( and it’s not a “ loud” statement, after all) could be in order.
But to dig deeper, I’d also consider fit #1– and how you will wear it, and then, there are a LOT of versions of blue stripes ( I love blue and white striped shirts but look for certain shades, depth of color, amount of white and blue).
For example, does this brand fit you great ( tailored dress shirts can be difficult to fit right, or require further tailoring) and wear well( fabric-wise)? Do you spend time without blazer on- hence a more formal shirt works well as the collar and cuffs add some finish . If you wear jackets, are they made so that the French cuff will peak out and work well?
And since the contrast collar/ cuffs is less common, and if you love that, maybe you get that when it shows up in the “ right” one , as maybe can find plainer ones more easily.

3 years ago

Minaminu

Veteran

Hawes & Curtis does some fab shirts, good quality of material. As you work in finance, I would go for the most formal looking one. You can always wear it open with jeans and a white t-shirt, if you want to wear it casually...

3 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I love the structure the white collar and cuffs give the shirt. Know that it will be harder to keep looking pristine. But then you may send your shirts to the cleaners after each wear already.

3 years ago

Samantha Buttlefly

Active Member

@Minaminu, which one is the most formal one you suggested?

3 years ago

Minaminu

Veteran

I'd say the one with white french cuffs.

3 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The white French cuffs are sharp. I’d go with them.

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

If you already have nice cuff links, or were planning to purchase a pair, I would go with the French cuffs. My view is that the little fabric balls that usually come with a shirt like this should be saved only for emergencies. They can bring the look down, sort of like wearing the self-belts that arrive with some dresses.

3 years ago

Anonymous

Yes to the white cuff version!

3 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Welcome! I vote white cuffs and collar, with cufflinks. It looks more refined and crisp to me.

3 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I vote the one with the contrasting collar and cuffs.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I'm all about "lurking quirk"--those extra details that just make an item special. French cuffs are of course not quirky--they are very established and upright. But they are a special detail that add a little bit of spark to an outfit. Hope to see pix of you in your new shirt soon.

3 years ago

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