How to Style a White Button Down Shirt: 5 Easy Ways to Wear It
Learn how to style a white button down shirt in 5 easy ways with real photos: tucked into trousers, worn oversized, under a sweater vest, with a sweater on your shoulders and with a midi skirt.
A white button down shirt is the one piece every closet needs. It works for the office, brunch, travel and date night, and it never goes out of style.
Here are 5 easy ways to wear it, each shown on a real outfit photo with numbered labels so you can see exactly how to copy it.
Quick answer: Tuck it into trousers with a belt for work, leave it loose and oversized with jeans for weekends, layer a sweater vest or sweater over it in winter, and tuck it into a midi skirt for a polished feminine look.
Step 1: Tuck it into tailored trousers
1Crisp white shirt2Tucked in with a belt3Slim black trousers4Black top handle bag5Pointed flatsFor work, tuck the shirt fully into high waist trousers and add a belt. Roll the sleeves once or twice so it feels relaxed, not stiff. Pointed flats or loafers finish the look.
Step 2: Wear it oversized and loose
1Band collar2Oversized white shirt3Long shirt tail left out4Light jeansAn oversized white shirt worn loose over jeans is easy and cool. Let the long hem hang out and unbutton the top one or two buttons. It looks relaxed but still put together.
Step 3: Layer a sweater vest over it
1Sunglasses2White collar out3Grey sweater vest4Shirt hem peeking out5Straight light jeansA sweater vest over a white shirt is smart and fun. Pull the collar out over the vest and let the shirt hem show at the bottom. It works for fall, casual Fridays and weekends.
Step 4: Drape a sweater over your shoulders
1Sweater over the shoulders2Open collar3White shirt worn loose4Black leggingsThrow a sweater over your shoulders and tie it loosely in front. It adds color and a little warmth, and it makes a plain white shirt look styled. This trick looks great at any age.
Step 5: Tuck it into a midi skirt
1Rolled sleeve white shirt2Round rattan bag3Knit midi skirt4Strappy heelsA white shirt with a knit midi skirt looks feminine and polished. Tuck the front, roll the sleeves and add a fun bag. Swap heels for boots in winter.
White shirt mistakes to avoid
- Wearing a shirt that pulls at the buttons
- Leaving it wrinkled
- Picking a see-through fabric with a dark bra
- Tucking a very long shirt into slim pants without a belt
- Ignoring yellow stains at the collar
FAQs
What do you wear with a white button down shirt?
Jeans, black trousers, midi skirts, sweater vests and blazers all look great with a white shirt.
How do you make a white shirt look less boring?
Roll the sleeves, add a belt, drape a colorful sweater over your shoulders or layer a vest on top.
Should a white button down be tucked in?
Tuck it in for work and dressy looks. Leave it out or do a front tuck for casual outfits.
How do you keep a white shirt bright?
Wash it with whites only, use an oxygen brightener and hang it to dry.
One shirt, endless outfits
A white button down shirt works for work, weekends and nights out. Try one of these 5 ways this week and see how much you reach for it.
More ideas: winter work outfits, how to wear a turtleneck, black jeans outfits and winter capsule wardrobe.
