The question is not whether you own a good shirt. The question is whether you know what to do with it. Because the most well-dressed men in any room are rarely wearing anything extraordinary. They are simply wearing something familiar in a way that feels entirely their own.
One of the articles that could do with a wearing upgrade is a casual men’s shirt. For a man with a purpose, they need to know that a simple shirt is the perfect foundation for lasting looks. And the further you are willing to explore from that starting point, the more interesting your dressing becomes.
Here are five ways to style shirts for men that go well beyond the obvious.
1. The Open Layer — Wear It Like a Jacket
One of the most powerful moves is the open shirt worn over a base layer. An unbuttoned shirt layered over a fitted white or neutral crew-neck T-shirt immediately introduces depth, texture, and intention to an otherwise simple outfit.
For this, reach for the WILLMORE. Its smooth, lightweight fabric and sharp collar detailing mean it holds its shape and presence even when left completely open. The clean drape reads beautifully as a layer, and the minimal construction keeps the overall look from feeling heavy. Pair with tailored trousers or dark denim, and the result is effortless in the best possible sense.
The key: choose a base layer that contrasts subtly in texture. Ribbed cotton against a smooth weave creates a quiet visual tension that elevates the whole.
2. The Half-Tuck — Asymmetry With Intent
The full tuck is formal. The full untuck is casual. But the half-tuck that is the one side in, one side out, takes a more interesting territory: it signals ease and style at the same time.
Classic shirts for men with a relaxed or straight hem are the best option for this. The CORNELIUS, cut from premium Italian striped print cotton with a relaxed fit and concealed placket, is the perfect candidate. The stripe adds graphic interest, and the relaxed cut means the half-tuck falls naturally without looking forced. Pair with tapered chinos and loafers, and you have a smart-casual look that holds up from lunch to an early evening.
The key: pull just enough fabric out to suggest the move, not enough to look accidental. The hem should rest just below the waistband.
3. The Knotted Hem — Casual Done with Confidence
The knotted shirt hem is perhaps the most underutilized technique in men's dressing. A simple front knot tied just above the waistband transforms the silhouette entirely. It shortens the visual line, hints at a defined waist, and immediately reads as deliberate and confident.
The JOSS, with its color-blocked stripe running from shoulder to sleeve and its fine Japanese lightweight cotton blend, is built for exactly this kind of styling. The graphic quality of the stripe makes the knotted look feel bold without being loud. Wear it with white or ecru shorts for a warm-weather look, or over wide-leg linen trousers for something more composed.
The key: works best with shorter or medium-length hems. Avoid knotting anything too structured.
4. The Collar-Up — A Detail That Does More Than You Think
Among casual men’s shirts, the raised collar is one of the most understated signals of style fluency. A collar lifted at the back, paired with the top button left open, adds height, frames the face, and lends a slightly louche quality to an otherwise clean look.
The QUAID, a band collar men's shirt in breathable gingham check cotton with contrast button closure, makes a strong case for effortless style. With its inherent band collar and clean, close-fitting lines through the chest and shoulders, it feels modern without trying too hard. Wear it on its own for a relaxed dinner or pair it with a structured blazer for a sharper look.
The key: the collar-up works best when the rest of the outfit is clean and uncluttered. Let this be the only detail that speaks.
5. The Evening Transition — From Day to Dinner Without Changing
The most sophisticated styling move is the one that requires no move at all. A shirt that transitions from afternoon to evening without a need for another makeover is the true hallmark of excellent design and the reason that Perona, as a men's luxury clothing brand, invests as deeply in fabric and construction as in design.
For this, the DOMINIC is the clear choice. Tailored from premium Japanese corduroy with a touch of elastane for all-day comfort, it carries the texture and warmth best suited for an evening while keeping the look together for the rest of the day. The spread collar and clean button-front closure need no restyling. Simply switch the shoes, let’s say from clean sneakers to suede loafers, and the shirt does the rest.
The key: evening dressing is about accessories and footwear, not the shirt itself. Choose a shirt that already holds its own, and let the details around it do the shifting.
The Shirt as a Starting Point
Men’s shirts, at their best, are the simplest dressing article that gives the freedom to experiment. With top-quality material, thoughtful design, and a structure that suits your body type, it gives you the perfect foundation to curate looks that work from morning to night.
These five style moves are just a starting point. But the real idea is to build an easy and sophisticated wardrobe with classic men’s shirts while creating a natural sense of style, so you stop following instructions and start wearing the shirt your way. Because that’s where true style begins.
FAQ’s
Q1. Which Perona shirt is best suited for layering as an open overshirt?
The WILLMORE reflects Perona’s clean, modern approach to layering. Its lightweight fabric and structured drape make it ideal as an open overshirt, offering both function and form.
Q2. How do I style casual shirts for men for an evening setting without changing outfits?
Perona designs shirts like the DOMINIC to carry through the day. Its premium fabric and subtle texture naturally suit evening settings. Rather than changing the shirt, adjusting elements like footwear elevates the look.
Q3. Can classic shirts for men be worn in a knotted style without looking too casual?
Perona’s classic shirts for men, like the JOSS, are designed with fluid fabrics that allow styling flexibility. When paired thoughtfully, even a knotted style can feel refined. T
Q4. What accessories work best with Perona's shirts for men?
Clean belts, refined watches, and subtle additions like jewelry pieces, such as pendants, ear cuffs, and rings, enhance the look while maintaining balance.
Q5. Which Perona shirt is best for a smart-casual occasion like a business lunch or a dinner?
The CORNELIUS represents Perona’s elevated take on smart-casual dressing. Crafted in premium Italian cotton with refined detailing, it balances comfort and polish.