Stay Classic: the perfect white shirt

(Photographed by Peter Lindbergh, Vogue, April 1992)

The perfect white shirt needs little introduction and even less sell.  The same can be said of the wearer.  It also answers the 'how to look cool whilst melting in the heat?' problem.  Just add good sunglasses (try any of these) and the summer is yours.  It's important to pay attention to detail here; lighter pure cottons and linen threads are the obvious choice for summer.  Collar, cuff length and buttons should also be looked at.  For the classic classic we like Budd shirtmakers, based in Piccadilly Arcade.  Importantly whilst staying true to the theme they are not dated or stuffy.  Budd recently dressed this front cover, if modern day icons are a selling point for you.  They are also full of good guidance both in store and online.  For a more Parisian cool try Hartford whose linen shirt is hard to fault.  If you're in the mood for something a little different, have a look at New Yorker Thom Browne who is credited with reinventing the classic Oxford.  It's so good when it's right and with these you can't go wrong.