Let me talk you into needing one of these.

You will not know how you lived without one of these after you've read this (if you don't have one already that is.  If I'm teaching you to suck eggs, then you may actually need another one....)

I have, in fact, had one sitting in my wardrobe for years and have worn it probably only a handful of times (ok so over the years more, but it definitely hasn't been worn that much)  And yet another that I have lived in since I got it last year in the sale.

And thinking about it now - I don't know why I haven't worn the former, more.  I have NO idea why.  The biker jacket thing.....no it hasn't played a regular role in my wardrobe repertoire but that I can get my head round. 

But today, I'm all about the blue shirt.  Cotton, chambray or denim, this is a must have for your wardrobe and I have two.  Denim = never worn.  Chambray = lived in.

Best thing about one of these is that you can wear it over black pleather leggings and not look like Meatloaf.  Which is something I've always struggled with, trying to team black pleather and an oversized white shirt.  I just look like I'm in need of Cher and that I'd do anything for love.  And if that's not a good enough reason to buy one immediately over a white shirt, I don't know what is.

So the one I have that I rarely wear is a fitted denim shirt.  Which I'm planning on doubling up as a jacket whilst on hols.  I am determined to make this work and it does in fact, seem like a total no brainer.  It will also be ideal to throw over a swimsuit (bikinis and the English beach don't quite work for me) and a vest with shorts.  They can be layered over a vest and jeans for days out if it's warm.  And layered under a blazer, a biker jacket or a jumper if the English Summer doesn't play ball.  Mine is in the suitcase.

This one for me is the perfect denim shirt - slightly faded, a little bit lived in, not too fitted but not oversized.  Thank you Gap.  (this isn't the one I have - I have an exceptionally old Zara number)

1969 denim western shirt from Gap £34.95

Moto Fitted Western Shirt £29 from Topshop. This one also fits the criteria of a pale blue/chambray coloured shirt and is slightly less full on denim looking.  The perfect cross between a denim and a chambray version.




Another fitted version from New Look - bargain in the sale. 

New Look Denim Shirt was £17.99 now £12.50



Now I think there's actually room in your wardrobe for two of these sorts of shirts.  I have the above, but I definitely have a boyfriend shaped hole in my wardrobe.  These work in exactly the same vein as above but just give a different silhouette.  Whilst I'm happy to take my fitted one away on holiday, for my A/W wardrobe, a looser shirt to wear over skinnies, pleather leggings and fitted capri pants will be a must.  

And the pale blue shade is just that little less worky than white (and never forget the lack of Meatloaf advantage)  Still as versatile though - I don't think there is anything that pale blue doesn't go with.  Looks great with black, navy, tan, white or khaki (admittedly that is the sum total of my extensively coloured wardrobe.....) 

Still some sale bargains to be had (lots of other things at Hush for 80% off but only for the next couple of days).

Boyfriend Shirt from Hush was £49 now £20



The Boyfriend Shirt from Boden £59 



I know there are lots of us who are pocket fans so this one might be a great addition to your wardrobe. 

Textured Blue Pocket Shirt from Banana Republic £55



This would have to be my bargain of the day though.  A lovely soft looking twill in 100% cotton. 

ASOS Soft Casual Shirt £28



Or this one would come a very close second if you don't mind 3/4 length sleeves.  Certainly offers the best reduction.  Actually who am I kidding - this is the best bargain.  It does look looser in other pics - this is a lovely loose fit.

Selected Femme Crispers Loose Fit Denim Shirt was £60 now £18




A gorgeous soft fluidity to this slouch shirt from ASOS - I love the detailing on the pockets wit the two tone effect.  It just lifts it from being a totally plain shirt whilst still managing to be minimalist.  A twist on a classic.  

ASOS Colour Block Denim Slouch Shirt £35




It might not be a classic shaped shirt that you want and I've spied an amazing one at M&S if you're looking for something boxier.  This would also work really well with high waisted skinny 70s style boot cuts for the A/W (or now....)

Pure Cotton Boxy Shirt from Limited Edition at M&S. £35




Slightly different but still perfect for those Summer days over a swimsuit and shorts.  But how fab with a pair of skinny flares?

Solid Tencel Tunic from Gap £39.95 in Ibiza Sea - and this comes in regular, tall and petite.  Gap seem to be offering most of their lines in tall now - an improvement season on season so definitely one to explore in more detail shortly. 



And with the last of the blue shirts, a slightly different one again from Mango.  Collarless and with a flecked print but still a great to wear, easy loose shape that would work all year round.  Plus a sales bargain to boot.  I'm not sure why they've stuffed the sleeves up round her elbows.... this really would be so much better in the flesh than here.  Maybe that's why it's such a bargain.

Flecked Cotton Shirt was £31.49 now £15.74



Finally finishing with a ringer, but I came across it online whilst looking for shirts and - yet again - this is something I haven't mastered but other people seem to wear with aplomb.  This one looks like a great option to take you through the rest of the Summer into A/W (wear with opaques and boots) - fab reduction.   I love the idea of wearing this with a jumper or sweatshirt over the top as well.  I am just kicking myself that I've only just found it and left it too late to click and collect from Waitrose.  DARN.

Karen Millen Soft Denim Dress was £130 now £65



And whilst we're off topic, I just have to report back on the super super bargain jacket from ASOS which I had on the biker blog the other day.  I recently have sent back a whole load of stuff from ASOS but this - well.  It's getting worn tomorrow (for the first time in forever I am sort of hoping it's not too warm.  This does mean that I will wish I had worn a bikini to travel in.  Well... ish...) as I am a little bit more than impressed with it.  For £22.50??!!