The White Oxford: Reinventing a Classic

Let’s be honest here: The Gap hasn’t been lookin’ too good these past few years. Their clothes have been getting a tad dowdy and besides the occasional cute dress or super comfy PJs, their stuff is overhyped and over-priced.

Growing up, I was Gap’s biggest fan; my first-day-of-school outfit was always a collection of Gap pieces and, I am embarrassed to admit this, the manager at my neighborhood location would call me when new shipments arrived. We broke up sometime in college when I realized that their jeans really weren’t so flattering, after all, and their tops made me look like a box.

I like to think, then, that it was losing me as a customer that forced them to kick things into high gear and start making some major changes. Like their designs for Bono’s philanthropic program, Product Red. Or their Design Edition white shirt collection.

This innovative line launched last year and received tremendous praise…especially from me (and that’s all that matters, isn’t it?) The purpose of the line is to reinvent an American fashion staple: the crisp white button down. This versatile piece is a must-have in everyone’s closet (even Oprah says so) and has been essential to fashion – both casual and couture – for-e-ver.

Yet, to the people at the Gap, re-doing the same old button down every year wasn’t enough. The white oxford needed to be celebrated! It needed to be brought into the 21^st century! And what better way to do that than to invite up and coming designers in to reinvent the classic?

The designs are fresh and flattering without being trendy. They can be worn dressed up or dressed down and will definitely stay chic and classic for years to come. This ¾ sleeve top from Phillip Lim is perfect with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans. And the patchwork shirt would look perfect over a bathing suit and some khaki shorts (or even leggings) this summer.

Or the dress. How beautiful is that dress? Fun, flirty, simple. Not the easiest to keep clean – which is a problem for my klutzy ass – but quite possibly the perfect dress for summer.

Bravo, Gap. You’ve really redeemed yourself. Maybe even enough for us to get back together. Not quite yet, though; we should take things slow. I’d say we are friends with benefits at the moment, and I am fine with that.