How To Style Statement Shirts and Neutrals
This week resident writer and stylist Jenny Garcia explores our menswear collection, pairing statement shirts with neutrals to help your outfit strike the perfect balance.
Written by Jenny Garcia.
If there’s one thing that signifies spring when it comes to men’s wardrobes, it’s a statement shirt, with its classic boxy silhouettes, short sleeves, crisp cotton or soft voile, subtle texture, embroidery or print. You could opt for the classic 1950s retro style with an open collar and rever, or the slightly more formal button-up version, which can, of course, be worn open for a more relaxed take.
Statement doesn’t have to mean loud, though - you can make a subtle, bold or quietly considered statement with your choice of shape, print or colour. The Maze team have all angles covered with their edit this season, selecting a range of imaginative options from two brands that truly know how to deliver a good shirt: Folk and Universal Works.
There are several ways you could rock a statement shirt this spring, but for me, the optimum sartorial choice is to pair your chosen shirt with light neutrals. They’ll give your whole look a more polished edge, while simultaneously conveying a relaxed casual message.
Get smart but stay comfortable with Folk’s Cotton Linen Blazer and Trousers teamed with their Seoul Shirt for a soft tailored vibe.
 Folk
Cotton Linen Blazer |
 Folk
Seoul Shirt |
 Folk
Cotton Linen Trousers |
I’m a huge fan of the co-ord, so I highly recommend a bold head-to-toe statement in the matching Folk Void Shirt and Shorts. Truly not as scary as you might think. Plus, you can mix and match these pieces with existing items in your wardrobe.
 Folk
Void Print Shirt |
 Folk
Void Print Shorts |
 Mr. Boho
Dalston Sunglasses |
Get set for the weekend in Folk’s Signal Pants and Green Dot Print Shirt. This level of tan and green is a match made in heaven, complimenting one another harmoniously.
 Folk
Green Dot Print Shirt |
 Folk
Signal Pants |
 Novesta
Star Master Trainers |
For something more subtle, embrace neutral in Universal Works Flower Road Shirt, Military Chino and Folk’s Signal Blouson Jacket with Novesta Trainers, suitable for a myriad of events.
 Universal Works
Flower Road Shirt |
Military Chino |
 Folk
Signal Blouson Jacket |
If you're all about the khakis, you can’t go wrong pairing this ubiquitous neutral with red. A classic combo as good as strawberries and cream, which are kind of reminiscent of the shirt I’d suggest to pair with Scotch and Soda’s Khaki Stuart Shorts, that shirt is the Universal Works Road Shirt. Layer up with the YMC Poachers Jacket and your outfit is complete, all you need to do is find someone to share those strawberries with!
 Universal Works
Road Shirt |
Scotch & Soda
Stuart Shorts |
 YMC
Poachers Jacket |
Lastly, I’m rather taken by Universal Works Minari Shirt which doubles up as a light layer over a crisp white tee, as well as YMC's Malick muted seersucker print shirts, but House or Animal, I can’t decide...
Statement shirts: are you a go big or go home kind of guy, or do you prefer a low-key subliminal statement? Whichever your preference, and perhaps you’re both depending on your mood, the day or the event, Maze has quite literally got your back.