Why a faded, blue striped shirt will be your wardrobe’s hardest working piece

Man Repeller's Leandra Medine is no stranger to the allure of the blue striped shirt — Man Repeller’s Leandra Medine is no stranger to the allure of the blue striped shirt. IMAGES: Man Repeller | Vogue | Who What Wear | Vanessa Jackman

OK, admission.

I have never been a fan of a blue striped shirt. Too Sloaney, I thought, too City Boy.

Too reminiscent of all those rugby types my school friends fancied and made me hang around with, when really I preferred boys who liked football.

And considering how much I love a Breton, I appreciate this is strange.

But recently I’ve assessed my wardrobe and realised how useful a faded striped, oversized shirt would be. Perfect under all those navy crew necks, great mixed with kick-ass black trousers and heels for a fashion-smarts, no-brainer work look, unbuttoned and worn over a swimsuit on the beach or amazing dressed down at the weekend with denim over a white vest.

In short, I have totally been missing out.

The great news for fools like me is that blue striped shirts are everywhere, from tunics, off-the-shoulder numbers or in multiple options with your actual shirt style.

It is the ultimate transition piece to layer now, later and forever.

Here are my current favourites – and yes, I may have purchased the Whistles off-the-shoulder number.