The white shirt

THE WHITE SHIRT IS A TRUE CLASSIC. THE MINUTE YOU FIND ONE THAT YOU LIKE it becomes your new best friend - you can always depend on it. But like anything we come to know and love, ladies, sometimes we can take the white shirt a teensy bit for granted. All you smart girls will undoubtedly have a white shirt in your wardrobe, but I'll bet if I asked how you wore it, you would probably say that it was mostly for work. Yet it's got such fabulous style potential. Think of Marilyn Monroe in The Misfits wearing a man's white shirt with simple jeans - she looks red hot! And that's how your white shirt should make you feel.

THE MOST TRADITIONAL SHIRT SHAPE OF ALL IS CLEAN, CRISP AND SMART, AND WILL ALWAYS SAY 'ELEGANT CITY CHIC'. The minute you pair it with a suit jacket and trousers, though, it can look a little too traffic-warden chick. So let's clock in and whip that 'work-uniform' element right out of the classic white by loosening it up and bringing it bang up to date.

NATURAL BEAUTY

Dressing dow is the new dressing up and this look nails that style perfectly. Opt for a shirt that's a size or two bigger and you've got classic boy-friend style. Or just nick one from your other half and give it a soft, feminine touch. Because this is the perfect look for casual days, just wear it as big and baggy as you want , then raid your accessories drawer and add a few girlie touches - quilted ballet pumps and some long necklaces, say. I foyu are going to be heading out for drinks at some point, style it plain and loose over smart ankle-skimming trousers with some high, high heels. Or just pair it with your favourite denims and boots for a tres sexy loox.

UPTOWN GIRL

This is all about classic workwear with a sharp, sexy edge, and it's a style that I think looks good on women of any shape and age. The shirt should skim your figure, not cling to it. And let's give those suit trousers that you pull out for work every day a rest for a while. Pull out a figure-enhancing pencil skirt instead. Wear your skirt with a fitted waistcoat, roll up the sleeves, add heels and a slim patent belt to show you mean business.