Whether you’re off to the races or for a drink with the lads, an Oxford shirt is an excellent option for any occasion. The versatile, timeless, and tasteful design works with a myriad of ensembles and is so stylish that you’ll want to wear one everywhere you go. From formal events to a casual get together, here’s how you can easily style this classic button-down shirt.
History of the Oxford Shirt
The Oxford shirt goes back into the 19th century, ironically, not in Oxford, but in Scotland. Taken from the Polo style, known for its breathable qualities and lightweight wear, the collars were pinned down with buttons to stop them from flying around in the open. The name was taken from the university and soon made its way to America, where the Ivy League students embraced it.
When to Wear an Oxford Shirt
Formal
For weddings and black tie events, the dress code normally requires you to wear a white Oxford shirt and black suit. For other occasions, a blue, pink, grey, or black shirt is a great way to inject fun into an outfit without overdoing it. If you’re feeling extra fancy, mix it up with an ensemble in colors such as grey, green, navy and brown. To complete the look, add some cufflinks, a dress watch, and dress shoes.
Semi-Formal
Slightly more casual than black tie, the semi-formal dress code can be tricky to master. Sticking to the classic Oxford shirt, you are free to ditch the tie. If opting for a full suit, mix it up by wearing Oxford shirt colors in grey, blue, black, pink, and white. You can also experiment with separate combinations such as chinos and blazer. To complete the look, add dress shoes, sunglasses, and cool accessories.
Business Casual
Like, semi-formal, business casual is one of those dress codes that doesn’t have a strict definition; it’s all about having fun and injecting personal style. Continuing down the tailored approach, feel free to roll up your sleeves or undo a few buttons, and let your neck breathe. Opt for Oxford shirt colors in grey, white, black, pink, or blue for a relaxed and sophisticated look.
Smart Casual
From a sunny day on the boat to coffee catchups with friends, the smart casual dress code is a great one to master. Taking a leaf from formal ensembles, you can add a deconstructed twist to your outfits by wearing an open Oxford shirt with linen pants. It’s best to tuck your shirt in for a smart look, but feel free to wear shorts and a blazer for a fresh and relaxed summer vibe.
Casual
Oxford shirts are very versatile and can be worn casually. For the colder months, opt for a chunky or labeled sweater with cool accessories. Sometimes, the simplest outfits will make an impact, and you can’t go wrong with a pair of jeans and a fitted button-down. For casual office days, roll up your sleeves and don an Oxford shirt with chinos and white sneakers.
Oxford Shirt Colours
White Oxford Shirt
You can’t beat the classics, and the white Oxford shirt is a prime example of that. From the office to a cocktail party, this is a stylish and effortless option for any outfit. Opt for this button-down with a three-piece suit, jeans, and a jumper or linen blazer and chinos. The versatility of this apparel allows you the freedom to pair it with a myriad of colors and styles. Go from day to night by rolling up your sleeves, unbuttoning the top, and removing your tie.
Pink Oxford Shirt
Inject fun into an outfit with a pink Oxford shirt. From salmon to bright pink, this shade works well for a myriad of occasions. Compliment the pink tone in a blue or tan suit. If it is your first time wearing pink, opt for a lighter variation or pinstripes for some subtlety.
SHOP: Pink Oxford Shirt Shirts
RELATED: How to Wear a Pink Shirt
Blue Oxford Shirt
Another office staple that belongs in every gents’ wardrobe is the blue Oxford shirt. Versatile and easy to wear, this color works well for office environments and horse racing events. You can try out a full navy suit for a sophisticated overall look, or lighten up a dark suit with a pale blue shirt.
Black Oxford Shirt
Put a spin on the classic Oxford shirt by making it jet black. Dark as night, this shirt color is great for semi-formal and cocktail events. Pair the shirt with a beige suit, cool sunglasses, and dress shoes for a laid back twist on a traditional ensemble.
Grey Oxford Shirt
In between light and dark, a grey Oxford shirt looks great when paired with browns, greens, and other neutral tones. For formal occasions, try a suit in a non-traditional hue, such as sand or jade – wearing black can look like you’ve messed up your washing.
How to Wear an Oxford Shirt
- For formal events, opt for a white Oxford with cufflinks
- Tuck your shirt in for more formal events and untuck for casual events
- Don’t be afraid to mix colors up – pink, blue and black Oxford shirts can spice up an outfit.
- If you’re heading to a semi-formal event, roll up your sleeves.
FAQs
What is an Oxford shirt?
An Oxford shirt is a basket-weave dress shirt. The name is thought to come from Oxford cloth, which was the original fabric used to make the shirts. While some consider a button-down collar to be a classic feature of an Oxford shirt, it’s not essential.
How should an Oxford shirt fit?
An Oxford shirt should have a slim fit and a straight cut that skims your body without being too tight. You can also wear them slightly oversized layered on top of a T-shirt.
What color oxford shirts should I get?
Most fashion experts suggest blue, white, and pink as the key colors of Oxford shirts that a man should own.
Do you tuck in an Oxford shirt?
For more casual dress codes, you can wear your Oxford shirt untucked or half-tucked – also known as the ‘French tuck’ – with rolled-up sleeves. For formal occasions, tuck it in.
Are Oxford shirts formal?
While considered a dress shirt, Oxford shirts are surprisingly versatile. You can wear them with a suit to business meetings and formal occasions such as weddings – and you can also dress them down for casual events with jeans or chinos and sneakers. Simply roll up the sleeves, unbutton the top two buttons, and untuck the shirt.
Are oxford shirts business casual?
Oxford shirts are ideal for business casual dress codes. While the shirts have a polished, tailored look, there’s still enough room to show your personality through the color and styling.
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