Who should wear which shirt?

All you have to do is make sure you have shirts that suit your body somewhere in your wardrobe. These days, there are dress shirts that not only follow the trends of the day but which can be worn at evening functions as well, even leaving behind chic dresses in terms of style. And those shirts that are so key to the “timeless outfit” are truly the favorites of this season's collections. And what's more, coming in every color imaginable, shirts this season are now available in hundreds of different cuts. With unique designs and bold approaches, shirts have forced us to accept a completely different take on this dress classic for the past few seasons. For some, dress shirts are an expression of simple chic, while for others, they are a symbol of gravitas.  

Though cottony blends are no doubt the most common fabric we see in shirts, these days you can also come across wonderful models in satin, silk, chiffon, taffeta and lace. And there are exaggerated details on collars and cuffs that are defining styles in shirts. Frills, ruffles, asymmetrical cuts, giant and generous collars, balloon necklines that take their inspiration from fancy evening wear. These details have, for now, occupied the spot previously held by those dress shirts you may call “classic.”

 Though the rainbow of colors in these dress shirts this season is stunning, white is still one of the predominant colors in dress shirts. There are also notable tones of grey that stand out this season. Shirts in satin and shiny, flowing materials are particularly popular this season. In terms of colors, also look for beige tones, honey bubbles, fuchsia, petrol and, of course, that old indispensable black. Also look for models with bowties around their collars. The details like ruffles and flounces present on shirts this season help women look more feminine and elegant. These types of detailed shirts combine a fancy evening feel with the classic look. And collars seem to be the focus of details, with balloon necklines, asymmetric cuts and ruffled collars. Also, standard sizes seem to be being replaced by more size varieties, with tunic-style shirts that can camouflage, and lower waistline-cut shirts, too. Then there are also those “boyfriend” shirts -- large, generous, floppy and plaid -- that are starting to enter wardrobes fast in the wake of the seasonal popular “boyfriend jeans.”

*Reyhan Yazıcı is a fashion designer.

When choosing a shirt

If your arms are thicker, try to stick with models that have more room for your arms.

Women with larger chests should stick with v-neck models. If your waist area is thick, dress yourself in shirt models that sit lightly on the waist. If you have wide shoulders, stay away from models that have watermelon arms or ruffled shoulder areas. On the other hand, if your shoulders are narrow and your body is wide, this season's model of large and ruffled shoulders is just right for you. If your shirt is a short one, make sure it sits lightly on your waist. If you are wearing a tunic model, make sure it is more generously cut. Shorter women should choose models of shirts with darts. Notably, just as shirts with special cuts and darts make your body look elongated, they also make you look slimmer. Another note: If your neck is not long, stay away from models with ruffles and tight collars.

If your face is long, stay away from longish, pointy collars, and if you have a round face, stay away from baby-doll style collars.

If you have a wide back and you are sometimes not able to move your arms comfortably in your shirts, try to pick models with darts and pleats in the back; these cuts are perfect for you. People with long, slimmer bodies will find that many of the details marking this season such as ruffles and pleats and frills are perfect for them. Remember that empire-waist models work to visually divide the body into two, which makes you look shorter.

One of the worst looks you can achieve is when you have open spaces between the buttons on your shirt. To help prevent this, make sure there is not too much space between the buttons on your shirts.

    A shirt that looks as though the stitches are going to burst is also an awful look. Sometimes, if you are having trouble finding your size, choosing shirts in stretchy materials like lycra can be helpful.

    For women with wide hips, finding shirts that sit low with small slits on the sides can help you look more elegant. White shirts look good on all skin tones, but if you are wearing a colored shirt, take time to make sure the color and tone suit you and your particular skin tone. Also make sure your shirt is well stitched because it is always the stitching that catches the eye on these types of shirts, especially if it is not good.