Ah, the black button up, or dress shirt. Few garments create such divide as this relatively innocuous piece of clothing, but it could have something to do with that the sheer mention of the shirt colour summons an image of some Eastern European guy wearing one 3 sizes too small and tight jean-shorts in a disco somewhere. Not that there’s anything wrong with that sartorial combination, should that be your outfit of choice, but perhaps some of us would like to elicit a different response, especially from the fairer sex.
Here are some approved ways to wear a black dress shirt that are much more American Gigolo than, say, oh, I don’t know, Scooter.
All Black Everything
Compliments to Bradley Cooper for making the all black everything suit combination look unbelievably cool. But if you want to add a tie instead of keeping your shirt open like ol’ B-rad, then make sure the tie is the same colour, black, otherwise you’ll look like you work at a Halloween store or a magic shop. And if you’re out and about, be sure to keep the blazer on, otherwise you’ll look like a hotel busboy.
Light Colours, Black Shirt
The perfect Man-in-Havana look, is chucking a black shirt underneath a light coloured suit. You’ll look equal parts Scarface, equal parts most interesting man in the world, and this combination from Percival Menswear really makes us want a mojito.
And just for good measure, here’s a photo of Tony Montana himself, because we love this combination so much (Michelle Pfeiffer with 1980s attitude not included).
Black Shirt and Trousers with a Vibrant Jacket
Like Bradley Cooper’s choice, except if the after party was with the cast of Cirque Du Soleil, this spices up the otherwise monochromatic colour combination, and instantly let’s everyone know one thing: you’re here to party. Unbutton the shirt down to the belly button like this dude, to let everyone know that if they can’t find a cheese grader, they can always use your abs.
There is a lot of don’t-wear-a-black-shirt propaganda online, with pieces explicitly stating that unless you’re a celebrity or at a night club in Bratislava, you have no business wearing one. Now although there are rules for the black shirt, it doesn’t mean it’s a definite no-no.
Next week, we’ll delve into how to wear a soul patch, dirt-bike sunglasses and a backwards baseball cap like in the image below from Real Bros of Simi Valley. A daring combination, yes, but one that deserves more credit no doubt.
Just kidding. We’re not going to do that.
Don’t wear this.
