If you could own only one piece of clothing for travel, a good white shirt would be the strongest candidate. It goes under a suit, over a swimsuit, with jeans, with a skirt, alone or with a sweater on top. It looks expensive even when it was not, as long as it fits and is clean.

Why Two

A white shirt is only as good as it is white. One crisp shirt in poplin for structured outfits, and one softer shirt in silk, linen or a relaxed cotton for everything else, covers almost every occasion. Having two also means one is clean while the other is in the wash.

What to Look For

• Fabric: a dense cotton poplin or oxford that is not see-through.
• Shoulders: seams that sit at your natural shoulder, or a deliberate dropped shoulder in a relaxed cut.
• Length: long enough to tuck in and still stay put.
• Collar: one that holds its shape on its own.

How to Wear It

Tucked into tailored trousers for dinner. Half-tucked into jeans for the day. Open over a T-shirt as a light layer. Under a crewneck sweater with the collar out. Knotted at the waist over a summer dress. It is the most flexible piece you own.

Keeping It White

Wash white shirts separately in cool or warm water, avoid overdrying, and treat collars and cuffs before they discolor. On the road, a hotel laundry service is worth it for shirts. Stains from wine or makeup are easiest to remove as soon as they happen, with cold water rather than hot.

Shop the Edit

• Theory Cotton Poplin Shirt in White, Saks Fifth Avenue
• Vince Cotton Button-Front Shirt in Optic White, Vince
• Vince Wool-Blend Tailored Wide-Leg Pant, Vince