When is a Shirt Perfect?

It's true that a perfectly edited wardrobe can set you free and the perfect shirt is a style essential. I especially love a silk shirt because it moves with you, flatters the body and the drape of silk gives you a lit-from-within glow that signals understated confidence. Also, a great shirt will work with you any season - sleeves rolled up in summer and layered under a knit in winter (cuffs exposed). 

So my first intention when I created Banded Together  was to create an anchor piece for all women - an essential that goes with everything. Something to wear from day to night, from the beach to the city - a blank canvas you can create an outfit around. It had to be The Perfect Silk Shirt.  

So when thinking about the shape of my first shirt, I made it slightly A-line - slimmer fitting across the top yet falling more loosely over the body -  no button popping at the bust - just confidence. Since then we have added the borrowed shirt, intended for an oversized fit that can be worn in so many ways. 

Knowing that it's the small details in a good piece that puts in on high rotation in your wardrobe, I curved the hemline of the Perfect Shirt and elongated the back to give an illusion of length and shape when worn out (or in a half tuck - my preferred way). I juxtaposed the modern and sharp collar with a delicate, optional neck tie. The necktie can be worn casually for a touch of rock or bow tied for the ultimate, feminine power look, or not worn at all, it's your choice. I like to keep the top buttons open for a more sensual moment. The cuffs are elongated and kiss the hand above the knuckles and the back has an internal box pleat with comfort and movability in mind. Finishes had to be respectful of the fine crepe de chine fabric so internally it is french seamed for strength and beauty, and the concealed mother of pearl buttons give it a final polish.

So when is a shirt perfect? When it has been made with the best intentions. When it makes you feel perfect. When it just works so well, you don't need to think about it.