I should go back and see how many of these posts I’ve started with talking about the weather. But, ya’ll, it’s been crazy! We have had days in the 80s (26.7C) and then snow the very next day. Wednesday was a beautiful day…lots of sunshine and low humidity. Today is the third Thursday of the month meaning it’s time for an Ageless Style challenge. Rosemary of Distinctly Southern Style chose white tops. Last month was polka dots. Prior to that, we have worn kind clothing, sumptuous fabrics, skinny jeans, layering essentials, what to wear for a fall occasion, and many other ideas. If you’re curious, you can find some of my looks here, here, here, and here. Please do visit the other hostesses of the link party (oh, yes, there’s a link party) at their various sites!
White tops…
This was kind of a tough one even though I own a plethora of white tops as you can see! And, although they look a little dingy, I can assure you they are, indeed, white! This doesn’t even count the white cardigans I own. Almost without exception, there are no repeats in those hanging tops. Each is different…different neckline, sleeve length, embellishment, etc. Surprisingly, I only own three white button up shirts, one of which I’m wearing. But, styling a white top? That has been done a million times over! OK, I may be hyperbolizing, but you know what I mean, right? This, however, is my take on the fashion challenge!
A little history…
Just like wearing white after Labor Day is linked with being in the upper class so are white shirts!
“The influence of the white shirt can be traced back to the Victorian era. During this time, it was seen as an important symbol of wealth. It is said that the pure white colour of the cloth indicated a higher class. This was because only people of substantial success could afford to have their shirts washed frequently and own enough of them to wear (source).”
Here is another post outlining why we love white shirts!
My outfit…
I guess I may have told a bit of a white lie as I’m not wearing a plain white tee! I love a white top be it tee, cardigan, or button up. If they’re plain white tees, they are truly a blank canvas. You can create your own masterpiece with the addition of accessories like necklaces, pins, scarves, and earrings. For this month’s fashion challenge, I started with this white sleeveless sweater tank with the pointelle detailing at the hem. I got this at Macy’s years and years ago. The linen button up is also old and is from Banana Republic. These pants from Old Navy appear to be sold out in the olive color. I have several pairs of these pants and pick up a new color every year. These are a bit wider in the leg than years past, I think. This outfit truly was a blank canvas. But, when I added the accessories, my rather simple outfit changes into something a little more interesting. You will rarely see me wearing sterling silver necklaces over white tops. Something about my body chemistry and the silver causes tarnishing. Before I realized this, I ruined so many white tops because I’d end up with a black vee where that necklace had hung. I’d also have black swooshes on my cheeks from where my sterling silver earrings had swung throughout the day!
The Lewk!
I bought these L’Artiste sandals last summer and wore them constantly. It wasn’t until I was arranging these shots that I realized how well they work with all of my World Finds jewelry! You can find the large coiled bracelet, the small overlap bracelet, the rainbow slide bracelet, the small paillette bracelet, the Kantha Aura necklace as well as the framed Kantha earrings at either World Finds or Zia Stella. I love how these colorful pieces work together with my sandals and brighten up any outfit.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Every time I go into my closet, the first thing I see is that grouping of white tees. I constantly go through them to see if I could get rid of one or two. But, as I said earlier, there are only a couple of repeats. And, a good white tee is a hard thing to find! So, can we talk? Are you a fan of white tops? Or, do you avoid them because of the “stain” factor? Do you have problems with sterling silver jewelry tarnishing on your clothing? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as I can!
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am now an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Thank you!
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my blog. I appreciate all of you who read, comment, email, subscribe, or follow me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Michelle every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts about white tees or tops, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Here are links to all of the lovely ladies in the Ageless Style collaboration. Please do visit them on their various media. Link up with us, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Joanne ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Rosemary ~ Distinctly Southern Style
hi I am Sarah Shahzad, I am searing fashion blog & I found your site, I like these pictures & you looks amazing… thank you for sharing..
Thank you so much!
I think your outfit is neat and clean and very stylish. It suits you so I can see why you love a white tee but I did just about fall off my chair when I saw the row of white tops! I have three white short-sleeved tees and one long sleeved, and one long sleeved linen blouse. Mind you we all have our thing don’t we, and mine is hats, so I’m definitely not judging!!!!!!
Btw, I’m not wearing them at the moment as it’s far too cold here in the UK, I rather like your weather reports as it’s good to know not everyone is having hot weather. We had one day last week and that’s all, as it’s returned to normal which means mostly cool and cloudy with a lot of rain with some sun and blue skies every now and then. So do continue to tell me about your weather!
Thanks so much, Penny! I’m certainly glad you didn’t fall off your chair! Mind you, many of these tops are close to or over a decade old. And, I’m lucky to have the space.
I’m glad you enjoy my weather reports. We’re due a bit of a cool down again. But, that’s Indiana for you!
That is a perfect outfit for spring! I love that hem detailing on your white tee. I don’t think I own a single white tee and I only own the 1 white button up I showcased on the blog today. White is not a color I tend to wear since it washes me right out.
Thanks, Joanne! I wear a lot of white tees in the summer. Luckily, they work with my coloring. I know lots of people can’t wear white.
So I actually thought that was a picture of the white section at a store, lol! That is a lot of white tops! I use to wear them a lot more but I don’t anymore. I still do like how white tees or shirts go with everything and as you said are a blank canvas. I love your outfit: classic and can be repeated in all kinds of ways.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravlemom.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! I know there are many there, but lots of them are close to or over a decade old. They still work so I keep them!
Wow! That’s a lot of white tops, and I thought I owned a lot. You win. Cute look!
Thanks, Amy! But, in my defense, some of those tops are probably over a decade old. I just don’t get rid of things very often.
I love the modern twin set look of a color-matched top and topper layer, so you had me right away with this outfit. The white + olive makes a wonderful backdrop for your colorful accessories. I thought the white top photo was a stock image at first, but since you know about my *240 scarves*, I’m not going to judge! And since white is so easily stained or gets dingy, I don’t think there’s a reason to purge white tops you already own and like if you have room for them…they will winnow themselves out over time!
I love olive and white together, too, Sally! I wasn’t totally sure what I was going to do with this prompt until I started with the basics. The jewelry just seemed a given once I had the “twin set” and olive pants. We have really awful water so I try not to wash them too often because that pretty much guarantees dinginess! Thank you for not judging!! Hahaha!!
I love a crisp white shirt or a white tee….and, like you, love to wear them with jeans. It’s such a simple look that can be elevated with jewellery. I don’t think I’ve ever had that problem with silver leaving black marks though! You’ve certainly got a decent collection in your wardrobe, Marsha!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! I love a plain white tee because you can change it so easily. Someone once told me I needed to drink more orange juice to not have that tarnishing happen. I suppose I should just google it!
I have to say that I thought that first photo of the white shirts was from a store or boutique. OMG, you crack me up that you have so many. Goes to show they are so versatile, right??
And the outfit is perfect. You made a twinset,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks, Jodie! I’m just lucky because I can hang all of my closet in one space and not have to switch out for seasons either. Believe it or not, there are only a couple of repeats!!
I think white suits you very well! Very crisp. I don’t wear it myself, well I’ve got one top in white I think. Perhaps this summer….
Hahaha!!! Nancy, you always make me chuckle! Your favorite white top is probably black, right? Thanks so much for visiting!
I think we can never have too many white tops, especially when they each have different details making them special. I love the colors in your hair – the white tops allow your hair to really take center stage.
I don’t wear much sterling silver either, I could not stand those black marks I’d get -ugh, I’d always end up finding them on my face after I had finished talking with someone!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! You are the only other person I’ve ever known to have that problem, too! I wear sterling silver all the time just not with white tops! I love white tops because they’re just so versatile!
Now that’s a collection of white tops! I love the breezy look you put together. Wearing a button down as a jacket is so chic.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I just don’t get rid of things (and there’s just as many ivory, black, and navy tops)!
What a collection of white tees! But yes, they never go out of style.
Thanks, Michelle! There are many in there that are close to a decade old!
Well…I’m not one to get rid of things is part of the problem…hehe!
You own a few white tops 🙂 Do you know what I only have a few and can never find them. Having lots is a good idea as white goes with everything 🙂
Thanks, Claire. I love a good white top, but then I also never get rid of any either!