LAW 2: FORMAL SHIRTS AREN’T BASIC — THEY’RE FOUNDATIONAL.

Think of a formal shirt as the anchor to your outfit — it keeps everything else grounded. Whether tucked into your suit pants for a meeting or layered under a blazer at a dinner, it’s the most underestimated statement you can make.

Go for clean, high-quality fabrics. White and powder blue are must-haves, but don’t shy away from subtle stripes or micro-checks. Make sure it fits — shoulders aligned, sleeves precise, and collar crisp. Wrinkles aren’t character; they’re carelessness.

You can pair a formal shirt with more than just a suit. Wear it open with designer pants and loafers on a weekend brunch. Or roll up the sleeves and match it with linen trousers in summer. It’s about range and readiness.

Don’t call it just a shirt. It’s your daily declaration that you care — and that you came prepared.