Going Gingham

The last summer or two I’ve really found myself wanting a gingham dress shirt, but just haven’t been able to find the right one.  Often the pattern is too large, looking more like what you’d sit on at a picnic than what you’d wear to one.  Or the pattern is simply too small and looks like your run-of-the-mill micro check.  Finally though, I snatched up this burgundy number in the Brooks Brothers spring sale.

For me, this shirt is all about balance.  The pattern is informal and the cuffs are simple one-button, but the cloth is crisp and the collar has a nice semi-formal spread to it.  It looks great without a tie, or you can pair it with a dark knit and still look not too dressed up.  And the best part is, while it looks seasonably appropriate right now, come winter you can throw it on under a tweed jacket with a woolen tie and it will look just as good.

Anyone who reads Simply Refined with any regularity will already know that I rarely wear denim, for no reason other than that I find wool trousers or chinos to be much more comfortable.  But even if you love your selvedge I would keep the dungarees and gingham separate – unless you’re going for a more Dukes of Hazard than Duke of Windsor vibe that is.