Styling formal shirts for women, it's time to reimagine your formal wardrobe

Fashion tips and tricks: When it comes to picking the right formal shirt for the office or social gatherings, choosing the right colours, prints, and fabrics is crucial. Neutrals like white, beige, light blue, and soft pink remain timeless choices for the office (Images: Dennison India)

As the frosty air of fall approaches, don’t forget to invest in crispy formal shirts that are anything but ordinary. Whether you're drawn to oversized fits, intricate collars, or textured fabrics, the options are endless. This season, formal women's shirts are all about versatility, blending functionality with a hint of playful sophistication. Whether you're in the office or attending an evening gathering, here are the top trends and styling tips to keep in mind this fall.

Formal shirts have taken on a new dimension, moving beyond basic office attire to statement pieces. According to Ashwini Seth, CEO and Founder of the fashion label Dennison India, these designs are transforming how we view formal wear. Fabrics like jacquard, silk blends, and linen give formal shirts a luxurious feel, and the elevated texture adds a premium touch to any office outfit. Speaking about the latest trends in formal shirts, Ashwini says, “Comfort meets style with oversized shirts in cotton or satin. The relaxed silhouette adds a touch of casual elegance, making them a hit among young professionals. Not to forget the statement collars, that are available as pointed, ruffled and exaggerated designs to add flair to an otherwise simple outfit, giving you that polished yet trendy look. If you are going for asymmetrical buttoning and hidden plackets, keep in mind these design elements bring a modern edge to your outfit."

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Among young buyers, the combination of contrast stitching, subtle embellishments, and creative sleeve designs like puffed or balloon sleeves is rising in popularity. For those looking to add a chic twist to their work wardrobe, wrap-around and tie-waist shirts are gaining traction. Adding more depth to the style game, Ashiwini mentions, “Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to styling formal shirts. If you want to fuse modern and traditional look, pair a crisp formal shirt with palazzos, flared pants, or even lehengas. Tucking the shirt into high-waisted skirts or pants and accessorizing with a statement belt can create an effortlessly chic Indo-western look. For traditional occasions, layer your shirt with a long ethnic jacket to add a contemporary twist.”

Formal shirts for women can be styled with everything from pencil skirts to high-waisted trousers or slim-fit jeans for a semi-formal vibe. “Add a blazer or trench coat for added elegance, especially during cooler months. You can also play around with how you tuck the shirt—half-tucked for a casual, modern look or fully tucked for a more professional touch,” recommends the expert.

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Colours, prints, and fabrics for Fall 2024:

When it comes to picking the right formal shirt for the office or social gatherings, choosing the right colours, prints, and fabrics is crucial. Neutrals like white, beige, light blue, and soft pink remain timeless choices for the office. For a more contemporary touch, muted shades such as dusty olive, mauve, and pale grey are making waves. Deep jewel tones—think navy, burgundy, and forest green—are perfect for evening events, adding richness to your ensemble.

For formal settings, stripes, subtle checks, and geometric prints are a must-have. But if you're in the mood to experiment, floral prints, polka dots, and abstract patterns offer a youthful, trendy alternative. Comfort and breathability are key which choosing the perfect fabric, making cotton, poplin, and linen top choices for day-to-day wear. If you're looking to add a touch of luxury, silk blends, satin, and viscose are perfect for more formal occasions, offering a smooth, elegant finish.