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WAYS OF STYLE

How to style a white shirt – 8 different ways to wear it plus 28 looks to recreate

in Personal Style on 05/16/21

Home » How to style a white shirt – 8 different ways to wear it plus 28 looks to recreate

Although sometimes they are known for being simple and boring, white button down shirts are also classic, elegant and timeless. They can be one of the most underestimated pieces in a woman’s closet. I’m here to show you that they can be the closet staple you were looking for. Today I’m very excited to share how to style a white shirt, 8 different things you can do with them and over 28 looks to inspire you to create some outfits of your own!

How to style a white shirt is actually super simple. Because white shirts are so simple and classic, there’s A LOT you can do with them and it is my hope today, that after you finish reading this blog post, you feel inspired to recreate some looks of your own and even better if you can do so with pieces you already have in your closet.

Ready to learn how to style a white shirt? Let’s do this!

Need to save some time? Jump straight to:

  • My favorite brand for button down shirts
  • Care instructions
  • 8 things you can do with a button down shirt:
    • #1 Style them for the office
    • #2 Dress them up or make them sexy
    • #3 Try doing a front knot
    • #4 Style it for Summer or as a cover-up
    • #5 Layer them – Wear them all year round!
    • #6 Wear it open with a t-shirt or cami underneath
    • #7 Style it in a classic way with jeans
    • #8 Wear them with Spanx leggings
  • Final thoughts
  • Related posts you may also like

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

My favorite white button down shirts

I only have one right now, but in these photos you’ll see 3 different ones (because the photos are form the past 5 years). One is from Loft, the other one from Forever 21 and the other one is from Grayson. Currently, I only rely on my Grayson white shirt. I love it so much! They are a little bit of a splurge, but they’ll will last you forever. Button down shirts are Grayson’s expertise and they do it right. It’s literally all they do.

Grayson is a pretty cool brand I came across a few months ago and even though they are a splurge, I recommend having at least one button down shirt as a part of your minimalist wardrobe. You’ll get so much use out of it. I only have one white button down shirt and I decided to get a linen one because you can really style them for the office as well as for the beach. I recommend this piece as a part of your Summer capsule wardrobe.

Sizing info: I’m wearing a size S. This is the exact one I have. They fit a little bit loose (which I recommend with this piece because it makes them more versatile). I know linen shirts can be a little bit pricey, so here are a couple of more affordable options:

  • This one from Everlane ($80)
  • If you are not interested in linen, here’s a classic cotton one from Lucky Brand ($44 on sale!)

Care instructions for a white button down shirt

As I recommend for every white top you have in your closet, use a stain remover every time you wash them if you sweat. No need to do this if you didn’t sweat. The reason why I recommend doing this, is to avoid the underarm area to get stained. I’ve been doing this for years, and it really helps to keep your white pieces in good shape. Basically what you are going to do is to spray the underarm area before you put it in the washer (even better if you let it soak for 10 mins).

Another thing I do sometimes is to add baking soda to my whites (1/4 cup). This is a cleaner way to keep your whites bright.

8 things you can do with a button down shirt

For this post I’m using a white button shirt (which are my favorite!), but feel free to recreate any of these looks with another color if white is not your thing. You can wear button down shirts with almost anything, they transition really good in between seasons and you can dress them up or down. Do I need to say more?

Notice that I try to use a lot of basic pieces with each outfit. I do this because A.) All I have are basic pieces and B.) Because I really want you to try to recreate these looks with things you already have in your closet.

Also, keep in mind that in this post I’m trying to teach you all the things you can do with a button shirt and not only how to style them, although I do share many outfits for inspiration. What I want is to help you think outside the box and see all the ways you could be wearing your button shirts and how to maximize the things you have in your closet.

#1 – Style them for the office:

This is the no-brainer and what most women wear a white shirt for. It looks great with pants, blazers, skirts, long vests, etc. Since white shirts are super classic, I always try to pair them with at least one bold piece. Even if you style it in a conservative way, do your hair different that day or add a bold lipstick or earrings. It makes all the difference.

Also consider adding a statement belt, a neck scarf, bold earrings, a printed jacket, etc. Just by doing something as small as adding a bold piece, it will elevate your look and your button down shirt won’t look plain at all!

How to style a white shirt for the office – Outfit Ideas

How to style a white shirt for the office - 6 looks

#2 – Dress it up! Have fun with the rest of the pieces you are wearing.

White shirts always look amazing with bold skirts. And if you have pearls, it’s a match made in heaven.

Other ways you can dress it up: with sequin pants or skirts, if you have a fancy jumpsuit and want to tone it down a little, you can tie the white shirt around your waist and it will look amazing (more on this style tip below). I used things I had in my closet, so I didn’t create many looks, but make sure to take out all your bold pieces and try to see if they would look good with a white shirt.

You can also make it look sexy! Say whaaaat!? Let me tell you, it’s possible. What I like to do is to unbutton them and wear a lace cami or bralette underneath. You can try this with jeans and high heels, OTK boots or a pencil skirt. It will look great every time and it’s a perfect date night look.

Also read: How to wear a long cardigan

How to dress up a white shirt – Outfit Ideas

How to dress up a white shirt

#3 – Tie it, don’t button it!

This is one of my favorite ways to style a white shirt and I think it’s how I style them more often. It’s easy, and as I mention earlier, you can tie them over anything; skirts, dresses, jumpsuits, jeans. The sky is the limit.

This is a great tip to maximize every piece you have in your closet because by tying a button down shirt over a dress, you’ll make it look like a skirt! Seriously, try this over any sleeveless dress or jumpsuit you have! It’s such an easy outfit to put together with just 2 pieces.

How to tie a button up shirt – Outfit Ideas

How to tie a button up shirt
Styling a white shirt with a front tie - Summer outfit inspiration

PS: we are currently traveling the world full time! ** If interested in checking out my updated travel outfits (right now we’re in Mexico!) check out this link!** (I just travel with a small suitcase and create many many cute looks – and of course I have my Grayson white shirt with me!)

#4 – Wear it with shorts & mini skirts for Summer or as a cover-up:

White shirts look great with shorts and skirts, which makes them perfect for Summer. It will upgrade any plain Summer look in a second! Roll up your sleeves if it’s too hot and accessorize with a fun necklace, hats or espadrilles and you’ll look super chic. And remember, you can always throw it over your swimsuit at the beach or pool. There’s a reason why I added this closet staple to my Summer capsule wardrobe!

How to wear a white shirt for Summer – Outfit Ideas

How to style a white shirt as a cover up for the beach
Styling a white button down shirt fir Summer

# 5 – Layer it! Wear it all year round!

White shirts are super easy to layer, like most button down shirts. This is how I like to style them during the colder months of the year. You can layer it underneath a dress, with a denim jacket or a sweater. As you may have noticed, I love pairing my white shirt with a denim jacket.

All you have to do is to throw a sweater over or even wear it open OVER your sweaters and add an extra layer with a puffer vest of jacket.

How to style a white shirt for Fall & Winter – Outfit Ideas

Layering a white button down shirt for Fall and Winter

# 6 – Wear it open with a t-shirt or white cami underneath

Remember you don’t always have to button up your white shirt (or any button down shirt). I love to layer it with a white cami or white t-shirt underneath. It makes it look so much different don’t you think?

It’s an easy way to add a light layer to any outfit. I like to do this if I’m going to be outside a lot and it’s hot and sunny. I use this style tip to protect my shoulder from the sun instead of wearing sunscreen every time. You can also throw it over a dress and it’s up to you if you roll up the sleeves or not (I usually roll them though).

How to wear a white shirt without buttoning it – Outfit Ideas

#7 – Plain with skinny jeans (it never fails!)

The most classic wear to style a white shirt; with heels and skinny jeans. Such a classic look and I love it so much! You can also wear white sneakers or flats and it will be a more casual look but still so chic. This look never fails and it’s good to have in mind for those days where you don’t know what to wear. A classic look will never go out of style.

Feel free to add a necklace or accessories like a hat, belt or even bold shoes. Since you are wearing 2 very basic pieces like jeans and a shirt, then you can really have fun with the rest!

How to style a white shirt with jeans – Outfit Ideas

Classic style for women - White shirt with jeans. Timeless look

#8 – Style it with Spanx leggings (or any leggings you have)

Don’t forget your leggings! I love my Spanxs (I wrote a Spanx leggings review here if you want to take a look). I love to style my white shirt with leggings for traveling. It’s such a comfy look! I obviously don’t have children, otherwise I would never wear a white shirt for traveling days LOL, so I understand these looks are not for everyone, but I still hope you like them.

Styling a white shirt with Spanx Leggings – Outfit Ideas

Also read: How to style an oversized sweater

Final thoughts on how to style a white shirt:

how to wear a white shirt

As you can see a white button down shirt is a very versatile piece that every girls needs in her closet in whatever version you choose to have it. You can style it all year round which is super important and wear it casually as well as to go out.

I think I wear my white shirt every week pretty much and I always style it differently. It’s part of my minimalist wardrobe and I will always have one in my closet. I hope you do the same, even if you choose a color different than white.

Having less things and learning how to really take advantage of the pieces I already have has been great. I never look at my closet and think ‘I have nothing to wear’ anymore and I rarely waste any time thinking about stuff like this any more. I cannot recommend it enough! I promise you will free up so much space from your mind and you will save time and money for things that actually matter.

So, any thoughts on white button down shirts? Do you have one? What are your favorite ways to style it? Let me know in the comments below! As you can see they are very versatile. Hope you understand why I freaking love white shirts so much!

If you don’t have one and are considering adding this closet staple to your capsule wardrobe, here are the best options out there (considering quality and price):

  • This one from Everlane ($65)
    • This one from Lily Pulitzer ($118)
    • If you are not interested in linen, here’s a classic cotton one from Lucky Brand ($44 on sale!)
    • This one from Grayson ($152) which is the exact one I have right now.
    • Also, Jenni Kayne (an amazing sustainable brand) has a few excellent options (just keep in mind they are a little bit more expensive)

    If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram or leave a comment below. I’m always here to help with any doubts, styling tips or questions you may have.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a great weekend!

    XO,

    Aimara

    PS: I’m currently traveling the world full time with my husband! Currently in Albania. I of course, packed my linen white shirt. You can check out my updated travel outfits here!

    Did you learn how to style a white shirt today? Please Pin it!

    How to style a button down shirt Pinterest Pin

    Other classic style posts worth checking out too:

    • How to build a minimalistic wardrobe – Step by step.
    • How to wear a white Tshirt – 40 different looks
    • How to create your own capsule wardrobe for Fall + outfit ideas
    • Learn how to style your pajamas as daywear – 4 super cute Spring/Summer looks
    • How to style a black dress
    • 70+ outfits with a jean jacket for every season
    • What to wear with leather leggings – 10 updated Spring looks
    • Your ethical clothing brand shopping guide – Support sustainable clothing
    • How to create a Summer capsule wardrobe
    • Read this Spanx Leggings Review before you spend a dime
    • How to Style a white blazer – 10 stylish white blazer outfits for you to recreate!
    Home » How to style a white shirt – 8 different ways to wear it plus 28 looks to recreate

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    6 Comments

    « 20+ midi skirt outfits for every season – Learn how to style a midi skirt
    How to wear a jumpsuit – Styling tips for first timers & outfit ideas »

    Comments

    1. Camla says

      April 9, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      Very fun & creative! You look like you are having fun too.

      Reply
    2. Claire says

      March 19, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      I had no idea there were so many different ways to style a white shirt!!!

      Reply
    3. Kandi says

      March 13, 2019 at 6:53 pm

      You are so creative and down to earth ??
      Love that about you! Thanks for keeping it real.
      XX
      Kandi

      Reply
    4. Alice says

      March 5, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      You are the best!!! Thanks for sharing your ways ??

      Reply
    5. Hannah says

      March 1, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Love this…
      so many great ideas. Who knew? seriously….
      LOVE THISSSS!!!!

      Reply
    6. Natalie says

      March 1, 2019 at 9:18 am

      I missed these posts Aimara!
      Love what you did here. I only have one white button down shirt and I never know how to style without looking boring, so this is definitely useful for me :)
      Have the best weekend!
      love,
      Natalie

      Reply

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    About Aimara

    Hi! I’m Aimara and I’m the voice behind Ways of Style.

    I created this Blog as a space to express my thoughts and life experiences while wearing cute outfits of course! What started as a hobby is now my full time job and I’m here to encourage you to always be yourself, work hard and to always show up until your dreams come true. Read More…

    More looks on Instagram!

    I have a million photos to post! Trying to catch u I have a million photos to post! Trying to catch up here but somehow I never seem to sit down and share stuff in this account. I guess I like our travel account better! 😜 @waysoftheworld_ 

I’ve been trying to stay active with travel outfits and styling tips on the @shop.ltk app, so if you are interest you can check them all out by clicking the link in my bio. This dress was one of the best pieces I packed this time! It’s so cute for photos with any background basically!

We are currently on day 53 our of our 70 day trip through the Yucatan Peninsula 🤯 We’ve been to Cozumel, Punta Allen, Bacalar, Campeche, Merida and today we made it to Valladolid. We have one more stop before spending a week in Mexico City with family and then off to a new country we go! This lifestyle comes with its unexpected challenges, but we wouldn’t change it for anything!! 💕

Let this be a reminder to keep working hard to make your dreams happen! We are actively doing that right with @waysoftheworld_ 🙃 Hoping things end up working out for us!
…
#waysofstyle #campechemexico #travelblog #travelvlog #seetheworld #visitmexico #mexicotravel
    What a crazy feeling when you start loving somethi What a crazy feeling when you start loving something you once thought was scary. It really makes you realize that fear is not real and exists only in your mind.

Never stop pursuing what sets your heart on fire. Even if it’s scary. And if you don’t know what that is yet, I encourage you to make the time to find out 💙

PS: this photo was taken on a scuba dive trip while in Cozumel a couple of weeks ago. If you ever find yourself there, do yourself a favor and do it with @scubatonycozumel 🤿 You will not regret it!

We are currently slow traveling through the Yucatan peninsula. We are having the time of our lives and documenting it all on @waysoftheworld_ 🌎 See you there? 🙃
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#waysofstyle #scubadiving #experiencesoverthings #scubatony #scubatonycozumel #cozumel #cozumeldiving #cozumelscuba #fulltimetravel #travelvlog #travelblog
    Yesterday we had a full day of exploring different Yesterday we had a full day of exploring different places and I needed different outfits but I didn’t have space to bring a whole new look. That’s when button down shirts + sneakers come handy! 

In the morning we went to the beach to snorkel and in the afternoon we explored Mayan ruins and had drinks and dinner. I needed sun protection and sneakers because they don’t recommend to walk the ruins in sandals (uneven terrain). I was able to change the wet bathing suit at the beach restaurant and didn’! get sunburn! Win win!!

PS: you can now shop all my looks via the @shop.ltk app ☺️ or via stories!
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    🎅🏽 GIVEAWAY TIME!!!! 🎅🏽 Giveaway close 🎅🏽 GIVEAWAY TIME!!!! 🎅🏽 Giveaway closed! Winner @_downbythesea_ 

This little device has made a huge difference in how I travel! I barely have to worry about shaving thanks to laser hair removal 🙌🏻 And today, I’m teaming up with @silknsolution to give one away to one of YOU! 🌟

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Winner will be announced this weekend!! Good luck everyone ❤️

Giveaway not associated with Instagram or Facebook. US or CAD residents only.
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    Back home after spending the best 3 months of my l Back home after spending the best 3 months of my life in Turkey 🇹🇷❤️

We definitely left a piece of our hearts there, but we also learned so much and we know we will be back many times! And it feels good to be with family this time of the year.

I know I didn’t do a good job at posting in here. Honestly, I thought it was going to be easier, but starting a new Instagram, blog and YouTube channel from scratch for @waysoftheworld_ took a lot more time than I ever thought it would! So now, I’ll try to share some of my favorite photos from this trip in here because it’s never too late 🙃

This one was taken in a small mediterranean town called Kas. It was one of our favorite places in all of Turkey! It’s the perfect vacation spot to just enjoy life 💕

Feels good to be back! Hope everyone has a great week ahead and thanks so much for being here!!
…
#waysofstyle #travelstyle #kasturkey #vacationlooks #capsulewardrobe #experiencesoverthings #turkeytravel #visitturkey
    Sharing 25 travel outfit ideas I created with the Sharing 25 travel outfit ideas I created with the best 7 pieces I packed! 🙌🏻

I believe these 7 pieces are not only good for traveling, but to add as part of your capsule wardrobe if you are thinking about starting to live with less things. I promise you won’t regret it!

I hope you find it useful and that you feel inspired to recreate any of these looks with pieces you already have in your closet. If you have any questions, let me know! I’m always here to help 🙂

Happy Monday ❤️
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    Turkey has been incredible. We are blown away by h Turkey has been incredible. We are blown away by how beautiful it is, all the different landscapes, the food, and above everything, the people ❤️

Looking back to a few weeks ago when I was really afraid of going on this trip, thinking about all the things that could go wrong, being a little upset with myself in a way for not wanting the traditional life path I always thought was my only choice; get married, buy a house, have kids, save money and travel when you retire. That’s not for me. 

I’m very happy I followed my heart 💕 I wrote a letter to myself on the blog: “What’s the best that can happen if the worst happens?” You can check it out by clicking the link in my bio. I hope it inspires you to think about what YOU really want in your heart, make a plan and go after it (but be patient). I promise that if I did it, so can you.

You have everything it takes ❤️

Link in bio to read.
…
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    I basically only wear olive green and white now 😂 

Our days in beautiful Kas are almost over. I’m leaving a piece of my heart in this cute little town and we will definitely be back! Now it’s time to hop on a 6 hour bus to Pamukkale and see what that place is all about! 

Honestly, the only reason we are going there is because of me. G is not too crazy about it, but I’ve seen it on Instagram so much that I wanted to see for myself what the buzz was all about. So I’ll keep you posted on what it actually is!

If you are interested in knowing more about Kas (and all the amazing places we are visiting) we share a lot more on @waysoftheworld_ 💞 
We talk about useful tips, costs, best things we do, where we stay and so much more. I also update those stories daily! So I hope to see you there 🙃

Until next time friends 👋🏻
…
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    I was brave 💙 This was the most amazing experi I was brave 💙

This was the most amazing experience. I was SO nervous and anxious before but somehow I managed to push through and tried this very scary thing for the first time. And you know what I learned? That I loved it! I would do it again a million times! It wasn’t scary at all. It was all in my head and it wasn’t real. Also, they had the sweetest dog at the shop named Lucy that really help me not to think about it (swipe to see her 😍)

We didn’t do any crazy tricks like G did and it was a very peaceful flight. It’s up to you how you want to do it.

I can see why Ölüdeniz is one of the top places in the world to go paragliding. If you only want to do it once to cross it off your bucket list, this is the place you go to. We shared a post about with useful information in case you are interested. Link in bio + stories.

Would you do it? 🙃
Make sure to follow our adventures around Turkey on @waysoftheworld_ 🙏🏻
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