Written by Rakelle Maurici in Tips & Advice on the 6th November 2015

The shirt - a simple yet stylish staple item for any man’s wardrobe. But why should you stick to just the usual white formal shirt? You can add texture, dimension and colour in a number of ways with a variety of shirt styles this autumn/winter 2015.

Oxford Shirts 

Let’s start with the preppy shirt icon. The great thing about the Oxford shirt is that they’re made from a thicker material than your usual shirt - so perfect for the autumn/winter season and you can get away with losing the jacket in the office without looking under or half dressed. A simple white oxford shirt under a patterned blazer will not cause you any complaints with your boss. However, there are many colourful styles available which can brighten up what could be considered an average outfit.

Check Shirts 

Check shirts can be pretty versatile, but remember one small factor - the smaller the checks the smarter the shirt will become. So if you want something a little more sartorial choose a gingham or Prince of Wales check. The best jacket styles to wear over a smart checked shirt are either sports jackets or deconstructed jackets with relaxed shoulders teamed with neutral toned trousers and a brown brogue. If you want a more casual look simply wear the shirt with a leather jacket over or a chunky knit cardigan matched with jeans and boots.

Flannel Shirts 

Flannel shirts are the best when it comes to keeping warm since they were initially made for farmers and rangers. Their image changed and turned more towards becoming a fashionable shirt in the late 1980s to early 90s with an indie rock band vibe. There are a few ways in which you can wear the flannel shirt: open, over a loose t shirt with slim jeans and trainers for a casual look. Alternatively, button it up under a plain crew neck sweater, chinos and brogues for a smarter look. If a patterned shirt isn’t really something you like to wear then choose a shirt which consists of darker shades, or a more subtle pattern and keep the rest of your outfit fairly minimal.

Denim Shirts 

Denim shirts have always had a vintage aura about them and a streetwear style. However, you can also work this into a smart daywear look under a blazer if you choose the colours and styles wisely. Granted some offices would still consider the denim shirt a little too casual for work so this is something to consider before stepping out the door. You can create a subtle western vibe with stone washed jeans and a pair of neutral Chelsea or lace up derby boots. The key to teaming denim is to contrast shades e.g. a dark denim shirt with blue jeans or a stone washed denim shirt with dark wash jeans. Just avoid wearing all-denim of the same colour - you don’t want to leave the house looking like Justin Timberlake back in the 90s.

Long Sleeved Polo Shirts 

The casual side of the shirt spectrum, however a practical option to see you through the autumn and winter months. The polo shirt is a great ‘no frills’ shirt offered in a variety of colours and best worn with jeans and rugged boots for a casual look. You can also dress them up for the office with a blazer, which again might not be acceptable for some offices but you can make this look a little smarter by combining a checked shirt under the polo shirt and throwing a blazer over the top for a layered winter style.

We put the spotlight on types of winter shirts in this guide to The Top 5 Men's Shirt Styles for Autumn/Winter 2015.