Timeless, comfortable, 100% linen, made in Canada, size inclusive, low maintenance, and versatile enough for any closet. That my friends, is The Philosopher Shirt by Power of My People in a nutshell.
This particular staple has been in my wardrobe for over 5 years now (originally bought by me) and it remains a foundational part of my style. Today I’m revisiting this personal favourite, sharing the key elements I love about it, and three simple looks I’m wearing this spring and summer season. Plus, five looks I’d repeat in a heartbeat!
If a black linen button up has been on your wish list, this could very well be the answer!
USE ‘LEE15’ FOR 15% OFF FROM POWER OF MY PEOPLE
Code will automatically apply at checkout. Valid on all regular priced styles through April 24th, 2022.
Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any order after that date.
This post is a paid partnership with Power of My People. The Philosopher Shirt featured was purchased by me and all opinions are my own. Some of the links included are affiliate, which means if you see something you like and decide to shop, I will earn commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!
I’ve partnered with Power of My People since 2017, and they remain one of my favourite Canadian designers to wear and work with. If you’re new to the brand, you’re in for a treat! I’ll keep it brief here but if you love thoughtfully designed, hand crafted, timeless styles, all made from natural materials, you’ll definitely want to explore this line.
Their specialty is definitely shirts but they’ve opened the line to some beautiful duster coats and these incredible trousers (shown above), which I covered in a blog post last fall (see it here).
You can also learn more about the brand’s approach to production right here.
WHY I LOVE THE PHILOSOPHER – WAYWARD FIT SHIRT
THE PERFECT CUT & RELAXED FIT
I love the oversized fit compared to a more traditional button up. The curved hem and the slightly longer back offers just the right amount of coverage too.
For reference: I’m 5’7 and wear the XS. I sized down from my usual size in tops.
EXAGGERATED FRONT POCKETS ADD SOMETHING SPECIAL & FUNCTIONAL
In nearly a decade of style blogging I’ve yet to come across another shirt with front pockets like these. They’re unique and super convenient if you don’t want to carry a bag.
AN ELEVATED BASIC THAT ALWAYS LOOKS CHIC
There are so many ways to wear this shirt. I personally love it worn loose over jeans with the bottom few buttons left open. So easy and yet it always feels effortlessly elegant!
OVERSIZED SHORT SLEEVES, THAT LOOK GREAT ROLLED UP
I love how these sleeves fall at a downward angle and sit off the arm. I like to roll mine once and iron them to stay in place.
EASY TO MAINTAIN LINEN, WITH MINIMAL FADE
I’ve washed this shirt dozens of times and have found relatively little fading. Not to mention, cool as can be in the summer. So folks who love wearing black year-round can do so without roasting!
TUCKS IN PERFECTLY, EVERY TIME.
Even though this shirt is on the longer side, it tucks into jeans and pants easily and thanks to the large pockets, it always seems to sit just right. No fussing or adjusting needed throughout the day.
PREFER A WHITE SHIRT? TRY THE FRIEND – WAYWARD FIT.
I also have a The Friend (shown below) and love it just as much as The Philosopher. It has all the same elements I love and in white it’s even breezier for the summer season.
3 WAYS I’M STYLING THE PHILOSOPHER THIS YEAR
The gift of a truly timeless garment, is that it will evolve with your style, and The Philosopher Shirt has done exactly that for me. I could think of infinite ways to wear it, and yet, I always come back to a few reliable looks that I feel like myself in. I particularly love pairing it with brown towns and warm neutrals so here are three simple ways I’ve been inspired to wear it this season.
LOOK 1
Fully tucked into a pleated trouser, cinched with a belt, under a vintage houndstooth jacket, or blazer, with a simple black boot (or loafer) and a few hints of gold.
SHOP LOOK 1
PHILOSOPHER SHIRT – WAYWARD FIT | Power of My People | I sized down for a slightly slimmer fit from my usual Small in tops to an XS. | Made in Canada! | Use LEE15 for 15% Off through April 24th, use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime after.
THE MINIMALIST LONG PANT | Power of My People | I sized down in these pants after trying two sizes. See a detailed review here. | Made in Canada !| Use LEE15 for 15% Off through April 23rd, use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime after.
HOUNDSTOOTH COAT | vintage | I really like this option, which is perfect for spring.
PERFECT LEATHER BELT | Madewell | This belt runs a bit large, I sized down. Also comes in brown and with silver hardware.
BOOTS & BAG | Both are old | Similar boots here and I love the look of this bag in the same colour.
JEWELRY | Gold Pendant & Cigar Ring by Attic Gold | Canadian small business!
LOOK 2
Worn loose over a pair of vintage fit denim, with a cropped cardigan on top, a cross-body bag and chunky boots (or Converse could work too).
SHOP LOOK 2
PHILOSOPHER SHIRT – WAYWARD FIT | Power of My People | I sized down for a slightly slimmer fit from my usual Small in tops to an XS. | Made in Canada! | Use LEE15 for 15% Off through April 24th, use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime after.
BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN | Jenni Kayne | gifted | True to size. | Light and soft, perfect for spring and summer. | Use LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.
THE PERFECT VINTAGE STRAIGHT LEG JEANS (in HOYE wash) | Madewell | True to size, if between size down.
CORTINA BOOTS | Shearling lined, unlined here. | Maguire | True to size. | Women-owned Canadian brand! | Waitlist open for Fall ’22 restock.
JEWELRY | Gold Pendant & Cigar Ring by Attic Gold | Canadian small business!
SLING BAG | sold out | This is a similar option that I really like.
LOOK 3
Front tied with silky pants (a skirt or linen works too), neutral clogs and a beaded tote for warm days ahead.
SHOP LOOK 3
PHILOSOPHER SHIRT – WAYWARD FIT | Power of My People | I sized down for a slightly slimmer fit from my usual Small in tops to an XS. | Made in Canada! | Use LEE15 for 15% Off through April 24th, use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime after.
SILK WIDE LEG PANT | old | Elizabeth Suzann | Linked to a similar option.
JEWELRY | Gold Pendant & Cigar Ring by Attic Gold | Canadian small business!
BEADED BAG | ANCÁN | old | Linked to a similar option and I LOVE this larger woven leather tote.
HOW I’VE STYLE THE PHILOSOPHER IN THE PAST
USE ‘LEE15’ FOR 15% OFF FROM POWER OF MY PEOPLE
Code will automatically apply at checkout. Valid on all regular priced styles through April 24th, 2022.
Use STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off any order after that date.
THANKS FOR TUNING IN!
I hope this post offers some insight into this wardrobe staple or inspires some new ways to look at your favourite shirt.