In this post, I am sharing 11 easy ways to wear a white button down shirt so you fall in love with this basic again.
There is a white button-down shirt hanging in almost every woman’s closet. And in almost every case, it gets worn maybe twice a season. Once when nothing else is clean, and once when she suddenly remembers it exists. Don’t worry I have been there too.
It’s not that the shirt isn’t good. It’s one of the most versatile pieces ever made. The problem is that most of us only know one way to wear it like tucked in pants and done. Which is a perfectly fine outfit. But it’s one outfit. And a piece this good deserves to work harder than that.
In this post I’m sharing 11 outfit formulas built around a single white button-down shirt. Each one comes with the exact formula so you can recreate it with what you already own. By the end, you’ll see your white shirt completely differently.
White Shirt + Blue Jeans + Ballet Flats + Oversized Sweater
This outfit formula is amazing when you are running late or just can’t figure out what to wear. You end up reaching for your go to pieces. A well fitted pair of jeans, you can pick your favorite pair of jeans based on your mood of the day. It can be a black, gray or blue jeans.
Tuck in the shirt and add your oversized pull over or cardigan over your shoulder. This way when it’s cold outside you can wear the sweater or the cardigan as a layer.
The subtle details that will elevate this look is adding a simple buckle belt which hardware detail that adds more detail to your outfit and stops it from looking basic. You can also add some necklace to add to that visible neck area. It looks chic.
The ballet flats are another most forgotten basic that when styled right looks awesome, like in this outfit.
[White Shirt] [Blue Jeans] [Ballet Flats] [White Bag] [Oversized Cardigan] [Black Belt] [Sunglasses]
White Shirt + White Tank + Blue Jeans + Tan Flats
No one said you have to wear white shirt only as a top. You can also wear it as a third layer in your outfit. This looks awesome specially in summer weather where you are trying to stay cool, but just wear a sleeveless top is not an option.
You can wear the white button down shirt with your white tank and blue jeans as a shirt jacket. You can go really casual by leaving it open or you can button the first button to create a chic outfit that you can go out with on a coffee hangout or even to work.
I purposely chose white tank because, it will blend in with the white shirt and outfit looks elevated. You can also wear a white tshirt instead.
I added tan open toe flats but you can also wear neutral ballet flats to create a chic look. Don’t forget to accessorize.
[White Tank Top] [White Shirt] [Blue Barrel Jeans] [Tan Flats] [Tan Belt] [Sunglasses] [Weave Bag]
White Shirt + Black Ankle Pants + Light Sweater + Loafers
This is perfect when you are running late for work and cannot find anything decent to wear. Black and white are classic color combo and look polished paired together. And in this case you take out your favorite black ankle pants to show off some of that ankle and to be able to wear flats if you want.
If you don’t have ankle pants make sure you go for straight or wide leg pants as long as they don’t drag.
Wear your favorite lightweight sweater, it can be a crewneck or a V neck as well. And slip into those loafers for a classy and minimal outfit for work.
You can swap the color of the sweater and create non work looks as well. You don’t have to only wear this to work.
[White Shirt] [Black Pants] [Crewneck Sweater] [Loafers] [Shoulder Bag] [Black Belt] [Earrings]
White Shirt + Long Skirt + Block Heels + Blazer
This is my favorite way of wearing a white button down shirt when I want to feel dressed up.
Pink your favorite long skirt, a pleated one, printed one or a tiered one and wear it with the white shirt. And add in a blazer as a third layer. This outfit formula looks chic and a great way to wear more colors in the warmer seasons.
I would avoid wearing slim slip skirts because they will not look flattering with white button down shirts.
If the skirts have belt loop, you can also add your favorite belt. But if you are wearing printed skirts, they will already do the trick. I love wearing espadrille wedges with this outfit. But if you are running late or just can’t think of what shoes to pick, just go for your favorite block heel shoes.
[White Shirt] [Maxi Skirt] [Black Belt] [Pink Blazer] [White Tote] [Tan Flats]
White Shirt + Black Linen Pants + Sling Back Pumps
When the weather gets warmer and you still want to look put together but be comfortable, this will be your go to outfit formula like mine.
Just pair your favorite white button down shirt with black linen pants and add in your favorite pair of heels to look chic and put together.
You can wear this outfit at home when you are working from home or head out to office in this formula. I chose pumps but you can also wear open toe sandals as well.
Always make sure you are accessorizing your outfit. In this case necklace and watch would be an easy way to do that. Black linen pants are much more wearable when you are out and about because the wrinkles are not that visible as white ones.
White Shirt + White Jeans + Colored Cardigan + Mary Janes
Every French girl is wearing this formula in spring and summer. And why not! When you are trying to look put together and all white outfit always does it for you effortlessly.
Pair your favorite white jeans with the white button down shirt. And add a colored jacket. It does not have to bright colored, but it should be relaxed fit so it gives you the appearance of an effortless French girl style.
Mary Jane are so chic and an elevated version of ballet flats. Pair them with your all white look to add some colors or pattern. Again, this outfit takes 5 minutes to put together and always looks great. Specially on the days you don’t feel good how you look, this will help you instantly look more dressed up.
White Shirt + Linen Shorts + Striped Cardigan + Slides
Whether you are in a European holiday or you are stepping out in shorts in the hot weather, this outfit formula will be so easy to put together and will look so stylish every time.
Wear the white shirt with longer wide leg shorts like linen shorts or long Bermuda shorts and slip into your favorite slides to create a casual yet polished look.
This is perfect for all shorts lovers when you don’t want to look like you just got up. Line shorts are perfect for summer weather and they will compliment the white shirt as well.
Add in your favorite belt and sun glasses and you are ready to step out in style in minutes.
White Shirt + Silk Pants + Mary Janes Heels
Silk or satin pants are an easy bottom and my favorite wardrobe essential when I want to look chic and also look like I am not trying too much. And you can pair a white button down shirt with these silk pants and block heels to create a chic effortless look.
You don’t need to tuck in the shirt, just leave it untucked. The shine of the silk pants balances the effortlessness of the look. Add Mary Jane heels because they undoubtedly give you that Parisian effortless look.
If you need a third layer, you can add your favorite jacket or oversized cardigan to compliment this outfit.
White Shirt + Jeans + Crewneck Cardigan + Loafers
This look is like the ultimate polished look and so easy to create with everything you already own in your closet. Crewneck cardigans are a great layering piece for any look. Pick your favorite jeans and wear a crewneck cardigan fully buttoned up.
Do a slight front truck so it appears that you have tucked the cardigan into the jeans for a put together look. A belt is the perfect accessory for this look.
Add your favorite loafers and there you go, you have a polished white shirt and blue jeans outfit in minutes.
You can create this look with any color of the cardigan and jeans.
White Shirt + Pants + Trench Coat + Slingback Pumps
This outfit combination with a white button down shirt you will see Parisian women rocking all spring and summer. Pair the white shirt with black ankle length pants and add your go to trench coat with the outfits. To complete this Parisian chic look, add slingback pumps.
The slingback pumps look elegant and at the same time they are so comfortable to walk in because of the open back style.
The Trench coat adds a sophisticated touch to your outfit. You don’t even need to try too hard with this outfit. It will end up looking stylish every time. And you will be obsessed with this look.
White Shirt + Slip Dress + Ballet Flats
Want to wear your sleeveless dress that’s been hanging in your closet for days and you don’t know how to dress it down. This outfit formula will help you create a casual everyday look with a button down shirt.
Just wear the shirt as a jacket over the dress. And add your ballet flats to keep the look polished. And that’s it. If you are headed to vacation or just want to wear your dress, this is such an easy way to style it with your white button down shirt.
Add your favorite summer bag and you have a chic and casual summer outfit.
[White Shirt] [Printed Dress] [Tan Flats] [Canvas Tote] [Sunglasses]
How to choose the right white shirt for all these looks
If you already own one, you don’t need more. But if you are looking to upgrade your white button downs, then I have a couple of shopping tips for you:
- No see through shirts. White shirts will be see through no matter what, you need the right bras to wear underneath. But these shirts should not extremely flimsy that they will be see through. If you are buying one, just buy a good quality piece. Sharing my white shirt recommendations below.
- Slightly relaxed fit. I think you don’t need extremely oversized shirts, but you also don’t want the shirt to be body hugging, make sure that they are relaxed fit, so it’s easy for you to move around.
- Cotton or linen fabric. You only need the white shirt to be in these two fabrics for a classy luxe look. No polyester or Chiffon shirts that we millennials used to wear.
- No cropped length. They need to be long enough that they cover your crotch area.
