Fashion stylist Catarina Riley (@catarinariley) breaks down exactly what to look for in a key wardrobe staple: the white top. From fabric weight and structure to fit and length, discover the three silhouettes that will anchor your winter wardrobe and work across every season.

Classic button-up shirt

1       Fabric: Look for 100% cotton poplin. It gives that clean, crisp hand feel and has excellent breathability, so it won't trap heat even under winter layers.

2       Collar: A well-structured collar with strong shaping is key. It should hold its form and sit evenly. The finishing detail that elevates a simple shirt into something polished.

3       Construction: Look out for a double-layered back yoke panel – the panel of fabric across the upper back and shoulders. Doubling up reinforces where the shirt takes the most strain, so it keeps its shape wash after wash.

Find a considered selection of button-up shirts at Serafina, Cotton On, Dotti and Target.

Cinched long sleeve

1. Fabric: Seek out 100% organic cotton jersey. It's comfortable, has beautiful drape and works just as well as a statement on its own as it does layered under a blazer.
2. Details: Look for something with a point of difference, an elevated waist seam with topstitching adds durability and visual interest, while a dropped shoulder with balanced sleeve proportions gives it a genuinely modern fit.
3. Length: The ideal length sits just at the waistband of your pants, no tucking required. This is the detail that makes a top feel intentional rather than like an afterthought.

Look for your perfect long sleeve at Serafina, Cotton On, and Dotti.

 Boxy short sleeve tee

1. Fabric: A heavyweight organic cotton jersey is non-negotiable. It won't go sheer, holds its structured fit wash after wash, and feels like a quality piece from the moment you put it on.
2. Construction: Look for reinforced bar-tacks - short, dense stitches that reinforce the points most likely to pull or tear. At the back of the neck, a clean fabric binding over the raw edge is the sign of a well-finished tee.
3. Fit: The boxy silhouette should feel structured, not oversized. It's the kind of top you reach for constantly because it always looks deliberate whether you're dressing it up or down.

Discover a range of boxy tees at Cotton On, Dotti and Target.

Three tops, endless looks

The real power of a great white top is in its versatility. Here's how Catarina styles each one to take you from season to season.

The button-up - polish meets ease

·       For a tonal finish, style all white. Let the collar structure do the work, with minimal jewellery and a clean sneaker or loafer from JD Sports.

·       For a layered effect, pop it under a blazer from Serafina, or Cotton On. The collar peeking above the lapel ties it together.

·       For something off duty, wear it oversized and undone with a pair of blue jeans from Just Jeans.

The long sleeve - day to night

·       For daytime, pair with straight-leg jeans from Target and clean white trainers. Simple, modern, done.

·       For evening, swap to tailored pants and layer with a funnel-neck jacket from Serafina, an elevated finish that works from desk through to dinner.

The boxy tee - the ultimate foundation

·       For casual, tuck slightly into wide-leg trousers from Cotton On with a statement bag from Strandbags. The structured fit makes even the simplest combination look intentional.

·       For dressed-up, pair a longline coat and midi skirt from Ally Fashion and a pair of pointed heels from Spendless Shoes — styling that carries through every season.

It’s not about one white top; it’s about all three. The button-up, the cinched long sleeve and the boxy tee are the essentials that never stop earning their place. Get the fabric, the fit, and the silhouette right across all three, and you’ll reach for them season after season.

Whether you're building your winter wardrobe from scratch or simply refreshing your foundations, these are the pieces worth getting right. The best way to find yours is to try them on, visit Elizabeth City Centre to feel the quality, check the fit and discover the silhouette that works for you.