I had only 15 minutes to get changed and made up before visiting our grandparents’ earlier today for Eid al-Adha (or Hari Raya Haji) celebrations. Since my family were heading out to town afterwards, we did not don our traditional Malay baju kebaya.

I panicked, did a mental Google search for all possible permutations and combinations of “decent” and “conservative” clothing articles in my closet.

And then I settled on the white shirt.

The white shirt is such a staple. And oh-so-versatile. Dressed with a pencil skirt or slim-fit work pants and with a blazer thrown over, it can scream “Corporate chic”. Dressed down with a pair of jeans, one’s outfit becomes more casual but definitely does not appear too sloppy a combination.

Of course, the cut of the white shirt indeed matters; it must skim your figure in a flattering manner, sleeves cannot be too long, the material should be crisp enough to give off that smart, structured appearance appropriate for work … the list goes on. And that is why, when I venture into the working world full-time, I would like to “invest” in a proper white shirt.

But for now, however, this white shirt of mine will have to suffice. I do like its cutting generally, although I think that the sleeves are somewhat loose. But, for a $10 shirt (purchased from New Yorker in Germany), who am I to really complain?

The white shirt is also a blank canvas for one to work with; throw on a vest, a scarf, a necklace or two .. the possibilities are endless.

I chose to layer on necklaces, just to give the otherwise-conservative outfit an edgier look. Wanting to keep to a generally monochromatic combination for my accessories, I threw on this pewter-studded belt, brought out my brand new clutch, strapped on my also-brand-new heels, and headed out :) All in … 30 minutes. (Ok, punctuality is not my forte, and also because I was taking quite some time to do my hair up)

Shirt - New Yorker (Germany)

Jeans - Levi’s

Necklaces - Chain link (M)phosis), zip (Diva Accessories), layered chains (H&M)

Heels - Charles & Keith

Clutch - Charles & Keith

Belt - Forever 21