Hi guys! Today’s newsletter is all about the art of the white button down. As I was putting this together, I thought I would share the fascinating background behind this staple wardrobe piece. The white shirt really made waves in women's fashion for the first time back in the 18th century, when Marie Antoinette wore a ruffled cotton robe de gaulle in a 1783 portrait — apparently this caused quite a stir!
The story goes that when Marie’s husband, Louis XVI, became king in 1774, he gave her the Petit Trianon—a charming little chateau on the Versailles grounds that Louis XV’s former lover, Madame du Barry, had used. This place was Marie’s own retreat; she had total control over it, and even Louis XVI needed an invitation to visit. Marie and her crew would escape their extravagant lives and enjoy a more laid-back, simpler vibe there. And their fashion reflected this change—they swapped out their formal silks for light muslins and vibrant cotton prints.
I think it’s so cool that this humble yet iconic piece of menswear has journeyed through centuries, transcending cultural and societal shifts to stand as a symbol of sophistication and versatility.
Tucked in or loose, collar down or popped, sleeve buttoned or rolled, the white shirt is all things. If you know me my white button down shirts is part of my daily uniform!
Here are my top 4 go to white shirts on rotation:
Have a great night!
xoxo
Irene
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All of these are favorites but my current rockstar white shirt is the Etienne from J.Crew......I have several in white (avec the J.Crew below the pocket monogram, of course) but also have it in every other cotton color. These will be in year round rotation up here in New England! It layers beautifully!
Now I’m going to have to get a monogrammed mens jcrew shirt bc chiiiiiic