Bright Shirts Are Trending—10 Chic Ways to Style Them
Twenty twenty-one was undoubtedly the year of joyful dressing. After lockdown, we wore the hope in our hearts quite literally on our sleeves. Colour palettes were punchy, prints were standout, and a whole lot of fun was had assembling outfits. And you know what? It looks like the sartorial party is set to continue into 2022.
We've only just begun to see the first signs of spring unfold before us—lighter mornings, longer days, and a more palatable temperature are all signifiers that, yes, the new season is on its way. And already, fashion people are embracing the uplifting mood with their selection of wares. Layers of wool in darker tones have melted away to reveal a kaleidoscope of colour in terms of the outfits I'm seeing on social media—something that shouldn't come as a surprise considering the epic saturation we witnessed on the S/S 22 runways.
The day I tried on this oversize shirt from H&M (£18), I saw three others pick it up in the space of about 15 minutes.
While some are embracing bold colours top to toe, I've noticed that there's one key buy that influencers (even those with minimalistic aesthetics) are favouring right now: a bright shirt. Especially an oversized linen or cotton poplin bright shirt. I remember Frankie Shop's green Melodie button-up populating my feed last summer, but now you can shop bright shirts in a myriad of rainbow hues—everything from bubblegum pink to striking turquoise.
They're now readily available on both the high-street and high-end shopping circuits, so if you're looking for an efficient way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, this is it. I've assembled 10 perfect bright-shirt outfits, which should give you all the inspiration you need to try the look for yourself. Scroll on to see them—you're in for an absolute treat.
1. TUCK INTO TAILORING
Style Notes: Elevate your plain black trousers with a bright shirt. Then, give the ensemble a low-key hit with a pair of trainers.
Trousers with a subtle kick-flare always look so flattering.
2. CLASH YOUR HUES
Style Notes: If your outfits revolve around bright colours, why not create a cool clash with a bright shirt and other saturated pieces you already own? I’m in love with this purple shade.
3. ELEVATE YOUR DENIM
Style Notes: If you’re feeling the denim fatigue that usually kicks in this time in the year, reinvigorate your failsafe jeans with the addition of a bright shirt. Collect extra style points when you match the shade of your shirt to your shoes.
The shirt that kick-started the trend last summer is still available to buy.
The stretch fabric makes these jeans so comfy to sit in—ideal for working from home.
4. OFFSET A SLIP
Style Notes: Slip skirts have transcended trend territory to become a wardrobe staple in their own right. My favourite thing to pair mine with is a knotted shirt. This season, I’m considering Barbie pink.
5. EMBRACE SPRING IN SHORTS
Style Notes: Spring brings with it the promise of summer. I believe it always pays to think ahead—particularly in terms of getting sufficient wear out of your latest purchases—and rest assured your bright shirt will look just as sleek styled with shorts as it will the other staples in my edit.
I’m not ready for shorts just yet, but I’m mentally bookmarking this pair for summer.
6. INVEST IN A MATCHING SET
Style Notes: I’m always interested in anything that makes getting ready an easier endeavour. This is probably why I buy into matching sets so frequently. When they look as good as the Frankie Shop shirt and shorts below, can you blame me?
From holidays to picnics in the park, you’ll want to wear these shorts for every summer outing.
7. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Style Notes: There’s something so appealing in the effortlessness of a shirt-and-jeans outfit. Turquoise isn’t a shade I’ve considered in the past, but it’s one I absolutely will in the future.
Ralph Lauren shirts never date.
From Kendall Jenner to Hailey Baldwin, everyone is wearing Khaite jeans right now.
8. LOOK TO FLUID SILHOUETTES
Style Notes: Loose-fitting shirts always look chic worn with straight-leg jeans, but I think they look even better when paired with other fluid separates. Case in point: the above.
9. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS NEVER FAIL
Style Notes: Another hero item for 2022, wide-leg trousers look impeccable with just about everything you pair them with—bright kelly-green shirting included.
This shirt also comes in trending purple and orange.
10. GO MONOCHROME
Style Notes: One of the biggest spring 2022 fashion trends was wearing one ultra-bright shade from head to toe, and Fisayo Longe proves it's a look that works off the runway, too.
Leave this shirt untucked.
Too much? Neutralise the colour of these trousers with navy and white.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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