Blinded By White Shirts At The Gap

So I ducked into the Gap yesterday to check out the new designs for the store's Deluxe White Shirt Collection. I must say, they were very…. white. They weren't bad – actually some were quite well designed: innovative, modern, simple yet chic. But as I was perusing each piece I couldn't get over how white they were. Which led me to ponder how one could actually wear one without becoming a walking billboard for the Gap's collection. Worn the wrong way, these shirts will wear you, no doubt. So below are my 3 faves of the group with some options for how to diffuse the brightness of the situation.

The bib detail on this Phillip Lim shirt ($78) makes it tricky to style. You want to stay away from throwing anything over it, like a jacket or cardigan, because this will hide the ruffles. And keep your necklace at home since this too will compete with the front detail of the shirt. The best complementary option is to add a modern belt like this Marc by Marc Jacobs clasp belt ($228). This will cinch the waist, and give you a chic, professional look.  

This breezy Patchwork shirt by Band of Outsiders ($88) is a great casual take on the classic white shirt. Throw on a crisp black blazer ($263), and you'll have a hot combination of modern and laid back.

This simple cutout dress by Three AsFour ($88) provides the perfect white backdrop for a standout necklace. A piece by Subversive for Target is a great choice, and when paired with some chic summer gladiators, you can't go wrong.