Shirting up, sartorially!

If you thought the Oxford shirt was for the quintessential Parisian girl or a Wall Street banker, you might be mistaken. A fashion staple across the world, this sometimes-starchy number is now getting a much-welcome makeover, albeit with a little bit of deconstruction. For the uninitiated, the deconstructed shirt is essentially the classic button down shirt re-imagined. Think slits, ties, no shoulders (or those overflowing) and wrap styles that look current and crush-worthy. Let’s get you caught up on the trend…

Let’s talk history
According to designer Runa Ray, “The term deconstruction has been used to describe the rebellion against traditional forms in art.” The fashionista who has earlier taken her styles to the New York Fashion Week notes, “Amy Spindler announced the trend as a rebellion against fashion's heritage. Elements of deconstruction include vintage linings sewn on the outside of clothes, exposed zippers and seams. Basically, the garments call attention to the mechanics of production, they strip away the aesthetic illusion associated with clothes to reveal the forms of construction that lay beneath.”

Deconstruction: the hows and whys of it
“The shirt has gone from being basic to ‘un-basic’,” says designer Aditi Lal. “The collars, the sleeves, buttons and drapes are being played around with, to make it look trendy and versatile,” she observes. According to celebrity stylist and designer Shachina Heggar, this trend has done more than just lend to a trend. “It’s helped girls cover their ‘problem areas’ and stove away rolls that they want hidden,” she notes.

Style it right
Sure you’ve observed ribbons holding together the back of the shirt (almost reminiscent of a hospital gown), coyly exposed shoulders and sleeves tied into phenomenally Origami-esque bows. Those are some ways to rock it. It’s got fashionistas attention piqued and why? “Because of its versatility. You can match it with any bottom wear and it still retains its chic appeal,” says Nilu Yuleena Thapa, blogger of Big Hair Loud Mouth.

“The safest way to wear a deconstructed shirt as a statement is to keep the rest of the look streamlined. Try an oversized dress with interesting cuts and add a quirky belt, or experiment with mules,” says celebrity stylist Nishara Kiran. “You can also adopt these over exaggerated shirts by simply pairing it with a pencil skirt, a pair of pencil fit jeans or even distressed denim shorts,” says Shachina, urging to take the minimalist route.

According to Aditi this look can be taken from the desk to a club — “Pair it with pants and ballet flats for work, and ripped skinny jeans with stilettos for a night out. The trend of wearing a shirt with a lehenga also adds an edge to Indian looks, modernising it,” she says. But whatever you do, “A big no-no with these outfits are big prints. It also needs very structured bottom wear else face the wrath of looking bulky,” she adds.

Ready to give it a go?