David Donahue $145
So many of my clients request color variety. They are tired of being served blue over and over again. My current favorite way to add diversity is with a lavender shirt, especially for professional men. A lavender shirt is incredibly chic and fresh. It’s the “softest” masculine color you can get without actually going pink. Lavender goes with blue jeans, navy, dark brown, all shades of grey, and certain khakis.
Ted Baker London Derry Slim Fit Polo
Ted Baker London $99 $49.49–$66.33
This Ted Baker London Derry Slim Fit Polo is great for a preppier look. Pair with shorts, white chinos, or medium wash jeans.
English Laundry Trim Fit Tattersall Plaid Dress Shirt
English Laundry $69.50
The English Laundry Trim Fit Tattersall Plaid Dress Shirt is best for a business casual look.
Boss Marley Sharp Fit Dress Shirt
Boss $128
Boss always makes a great shirt, so their Marley Sharp Fit Dress Shirt is a go-to lavender choice. Its subtle texture makes it both interesting and versatile. This shirt is available at Nordstrom and Macy’s.
Bonobos Slim Fit Dot Dress Shirt
Bonobos $73.50
I love this more casual Bonobos Slim Fit Dot Dress Shirt. Pair with jeans, khakis, or chinos. This shirt is available at Nordstrom and Bonobos.
Boss Jano Slim Fit Dress Shirt
Boss $128
This Boss Jano Slim Fit Dress Shirt has a stripe dot print (or texture, if you prefer) that some clients will favor over the clean, solid-colored lavender shirts. I tend to pair this lavender shirt with chinos and slacks, but it can also go with the right suit.
John Varvatos Star USA Soho Slim Fit Stretch Solid Dress Shirt
John Varvatos Star USA $98
The John Varvatos Star USA Soho Slim Fit Stretch Solid Dress Shirt has a great fit and smaller collar that will suit most men. Its subtle texture makes it both interesting and versatile.
John Varvatos Star USA Provo Henley Sweater
John Varvatos Star USA $198
Finally a casual purple shirt! This John Varvatos Star USA Provo Henley Sweater is a rare find, both as a garment and the fact that it’s by such a reliable brand.
David Donahue Trim Fit Dress Shirt
David Donahue $145
I love the buttons and texture of this David Donahue Trim Fit Dress Shirt. Note that despite being “trim fit,” it’s actually a version of “trim” that accommodates a belly if you have one. As for the texture, I tend to pair this lavender shirt with chinos and slacks, but it can also go with the right suit. It is available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
Eton Slim Fit Solid Dress Shirt
Eton $245
The Eton Slim Fit Solid Dress Shirt is for my taller and leaner clients. Note that a non-textured lavender shirt, like this one, will look better with suits, versus a textured one. The simplicity allows it to go with most of the different suit textures. It is available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks 5th Avenue.
Bonobos Slim Fit Textured Dress Shirt
Bonobos $73.50
The texture of this Bonobos Slim Fit Textured Dress Shirt is extremely subtle, but lovely. This will be the most versatile of the textured lavender shirts. It works for business casual and more dressy looks.
David Donahue Slim Fit Dress Shirt
David Donahue $145
This David Donahue Slim Fit Dress Shirt is for those who want a more purple look. The buttons are perfection. It’s great for a business casual look, as well as a nicer jean look.
Canali Trim Fit Solid Dress Shirt
Canali $275
This Canali Trim Fit Solid Dress Shirt is one of the crispest options on this list with a more prominent collar. Order this if you like a bolder collar — and pair it with a suit.
