There's something very Britney Spears circa 1992 about a white knotted shirt. After all, back in the day, no getup was complete without a generous flash of the midriff (gotta love the '90s). But as seems to be the case with many of this season's trends, this throwback look has crept back into the public's style consciousness under a totally new guise.
Far from the tight, belly button-grazing fits of "…Baby One More Time," we've been seeing influencers do this styling trick to add an androgynous twist to their summer ensembles. Generally coming in looser cuts and cleverly layered over dresses, high-waisted skirts and shorts, a knotted shirt is perfect for adding volume to your top half and creating a textural contrast to silky fabrics.
It's also perfect for the fluctuating British summer temperatures, as it's loose enough to avoid sweat marks, and will keep you shaded from the sun but still covered enough on cooler evenings. Best of all, you can re-create this look at home using items you already have. The dream, right? To find out how to make the styling hack work, scroll down and get inspired by Instagram's most stylish.
1. Knotted Shirt + Colour-Pop Bottoms
Style Notes: It's not every day you're snapped in a lavender field, but Tiffany Hsu somehow manages to dress for the occasion with an airy Nanushka shirt and colour-pop shorts. A fab combo for when you want to look smart but stay cool in the city. Just save the hat for your holidays.
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2. Knotted Shirt + Printed Midi Skirt
Style Notes: We're coming over all Parisian with this sultry slip skirt–and-shirt pairing. We like how Leia has gone for a boxier, looser shirt to balance out Réalisation's hip-hugging silhouette.
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3. Knotted Shirt + Dress
Style Notes: We never would've thought a knotted shirt would look so good over a dress, but this outfit proves us wrong. The polka dots paired with the layered necklaces and wicker bag looks so Old Hollywood.
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4. Knotted Shirt + Tailored Shorts + Sneakers
Style Notes: Tailored shorts seem to be everywhere this season, but it can be hard to know how to style them. A knotted shirt offers the ideal proportions to complement a high-waisted pair. Just add sneakers.
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