Back to basics with a fedora hat and the best white shirts for layering under knitwear

When I went to Ascot Racecourse back in November, I loved seeing all the fedora hats and it reminded me how much I wanted one! But I needed to try it on, as I have a small head I didn't want to risk an internet order. But when we had a family trip into London for my daughter's 21st birthday, I spotted Laird Hatters in Covent Garden. We went in and my son treated me to a wool fedora in brown for my birthday and Christmas present. I think he was rather relieved not to have to go shopping for me, and I was delighted to have him with me to choose something I really wanted!  

I decided it was time to introduce my fedora to my blog and so I am styling it here with my new jumper and the BEST white shirts for layering from Creative DeZigns.  

Wearing a classic white shirt under a jumper is a look I love but I never feel comfortable wearing it myself. I always feel a bit too restricted and not warm enough. But when I caught up with Nikki from Creative DeZigns at the Spirit of Christmas event, I was able to see this new style of white shirt up close and I loved the design .... read on for more details and a few of my top picks from Creative DeZigns.
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This blog post contains gifted items.

Layering a white shirt under a jumper | both items from Creative DeZigns

The perfect white shirt for layering

This is a white stretch shirt with cotton cuffs and cotton collar from Creative DeZigns, it is made from a stretch jersey fabric and will soon become an easy wardrobe staple. It is so much more comfortable for layering under a jumper or jacket that a standard white cotton shirt (in my opinion)! This white shirt fits neatly so removing the bulk on the body and sleeves that can be really annoying when layering. And because it is a stretch jersey fabric it is warmer than a more classic style. Jersey in a long-sleeved style is the ultimate layering fabric for warmth and comfort but this stretch shirt takes it up a level, with a stylish look.

I am wearing a Medium here, it comes in Small through to XXLarge and Nikki from Creative DeZigns advises that it does tend to come up smaller so size up when ordering. I am usually a 10/Small in tops but didn't want this style to feel clingy or reveal a muffin top! The Medium is a perfect fit on me.

It also comes in a slightly different style, a white stretch shirt but a looser fit with a curved hem which is a good option if you like to have collar, cuffs and hem showing when you layer over a jumper.

There are so many different ways to style a crisp white shirt, for a casual look (like I am wearing here) or more formal occasions. They look amazing with blue jeans, with the perfect white t-shirt under, there is a good choice of styles on the high street, for a basic tee or white vest try Uniqlo for an affordable price tag and great value.

Laila Loden Marl Cotton Top from Creative DeZigns

Over the knee boots from Dune

Oversized cotton jumper

​I am wearing the white shirt with the Laila Loden Marl Cotton Top with Rainbow Sleeves also from Creative DeZigns. It is made in a soft 100% organic cotton yarn in this lovely muted green shade. It is a soft, relaxed fit and easy to wear cotton knit with a flattering curved hem. I am wearing a M/L as I chose to go for an oversized silhouette look for easy days. It is a really flattering shape, do take a look at Creative DeZigns for some beautiful seasonal pieces and stunning colours.  The Laila knit also comes in navy, a blue mix, tan and ecru.

Wool Fedora from Laird Hatters, Covent Garden

​The rest of my outfit: my oversized blazer is from Hobbs but purchased from Vintage & Vogue in Beaconsfield, I had been looking at blazers I could wear casually over knitwear and spotted this on their instagram feed. My over the knee boots are from Dune in the sale but I have decided to return them, I really would love a perfect over the knee suede boot but these were not easy enough to pull on (I have bigger calves) so back to the drawing board on those - maybe next year! My skinny jeans are also from Vintage & Vogue, I love visiting their studio near Beaconsfield and often pick up a bargain investment buy! These were a great pair of jeans and I have done especially well with finding designer jeans nearly new!

Hobbs blazer from Vintage & Vogue, Beaconsfield

Buying my fedora at Lairds in Covent Garden meant I could also choose a feather to go on it, mine is green to complement the hat perfectly. A very stylish look for the colder months.

What do you think, do you layer over a shirt? Is it just me that finds it a bit uncomfortable?

I think it is a look very much associated with stylish women and although it is a look I am still perfecting it will stand the test of time, so I am keen to get it right!

Life lately ... my daughter is back in London on her final residential placement and that means we get to explore different locations, this time the Wandsworth and Wimbledon Village area. On Friday we headed into London for lunch at Kerridge's Bar and Grill at the Corinthia Hotel, we had an afternoon tea there a few years ago and Kerridge's didn't disappoint. The Corinthia is right by Embankment Station and we had a little wander over the footbridge and enjoyed a sunny view of Big Ben and the London Eye. I wore a knitted dress in burgundy from Hobbs, it was a sale purchase last year but the first time I had worn it! I didn't get a great photo as my husband is NOT an insta-husband and not keen to take my blog photos at all. By the time we met up with Emily, the light was fading.

Do take a look at my instagram (saved as a highlight) as I got to try out the new Cecily Medi Spa in Marlow last week, the salon (previously Sunrise Health & Beauty) has had a an amazing interior design makeover and the day spa is both relaxing and social if you want to visit with girlfriends. They also have a stunning Airbnb available, the Silver Fern Apartment is 2 bedrooms and would make a fun girls weekend or couples weekend away in Marlow. Book dinner at the Hand & Flowers then roll/walk back to the apartment.

I don't know about you but I am finally beginning to feel that normal is back, I have so many things in my diary to look forward to now, bring on summer! I am totally over zoom meetings, masks and all the pandemic talk!

I can't wait to wear my spring clothes, to peel off a layer and start planning summer outfits.

Love from
Michelle xx

Disclaimer: my shirt and jumper were gifted to me from Creative DeZigns.
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Other blogs I link up with:

Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

​Mummabstylish
#Chic&Stylish

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