One piece, three outfits
How to style a white shirt: 3 outfits for office, weekend and evening
Everyone owns a white shirt and most people wear it the same way every time. The shirt can do far more than that, as long as the fabric, the fit and the way you wear it change with the occasion.
Start with the shirt itself. Crisp cotton poplin looks sharpest for work, a softer oxford or a cotton and linen mix is better for weekends, and a fluid fabric such as silk or a good viscose drapes nicely for evenings. If you only own one, choose a slightly relaxed cut in a cotton that is thick enough not to show what is underneath.
After 35, the collar is your friend. An open collar with the top two buttons undone frames the face and the neck far better than a shirt buttoned to the top, and a slightly longer, dipped hem tucks in or hangs out with equal ease.
Three outfits, one white shirt
Office
Shirt and tailoring, softened
- Crisp white cotton shirt
- Grey or navy wide trousers
- Fine knit cardigan or blazer
- Loafers or low block heels
- Thin gold necklace
Tuck the shirt fully into high waisted trousers to define the waist, then add a layer on top. A fine knit cardigan worn open feels softer than a blazer and works in most offices. Undo two buttons and add a thin necklace so the neckline does not look severe.
Tip: Iron the collar and cuffs if nothing else. A creased body hides under a layer, a limp collar does not.
Weekend
Undone, on purpose
- Relaxed white shirt
- Straight or barrel leg jeans
- Navy crew neck jumper
- Suede trainers or loafers
- Canvas tote
Wear the shirt under a crew neck jumper with the collar out and the hem showing at the bottom. It is the most useful weekend formula there is: neat enough for lunch, relaxed enough for a walk. When it warms up, lose the jumper, roll the sleeves to just below the elbow and do a loose front tuck.
Tip: A shirt one size up, worn open over a vest or a fine T shirt, doubles as a light summer jacket.
Evening
White and black, with one sharp detail
- Silky white shirt
- Black satin midi skirt or black tailored trousers
- Black slingbacks or ankle boots
- Statement earrings
- Small leather bag
For an evening, the white shirt does the job of a top you would otherwise have to buy. Pair a silkier version with a black satin skirt so the two fabrics catch the light differently. Open one more button than usual, push the sleeves up and let bold earrings do the rest.
Tip: Tuck only the front of the shirt into the skirt so it blouses slightly at the back and does not pull.
Colours to wear with a white shirt
White goes with everything, which is a trap: white with beige and cream can look washed out on some skin tones. The pairings that look most considered are white with navy, black, denim, camel and chocolate brown. For colour, a white shirt makes strong shades such as red, cobalt and emerald easier to wear, because it gives the eye a rest.
Shoes
- Loafers suit all three outfits and are the safest single choice.
- Slingbacks lift the evening look without the discomfort of a high heel.
- Clean trainers in white, cream or suede for weekends.
Layering through the British year
A white shirt is one of the best layering pieces you own. In autumn and winter wear it under knitwear, a V neck shows the collar neatly, or under a pinafore or slip dress. In spring wear it on its own under a trench. Choose a vest in a shade close to your skin rather than white: it disappears under the shirt instead of showing through.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buttoning the shirt to the top with nothing else going on: it reads as uniform.
- A shirt so fitted that the buttons pull across the bust. Size for the bust and have the waist taken in if needed.
- Wearing a shirt that has turned greyish or yellowed. White needs to look fresh, so wash whites together and replace them when they go dull.
- Tucking a long, thick shirt fully into slim trousers, which adds bulk at the hips.
Questions
How do you style a white shirt without looking like a waitress?
Avoid the full uniform of white shirt, black trousers and plain black shoes. Undo the collar, add jewellery, roll the sleeves or swap the black trousers for denim, navy or a printed skirt.
Should a white shirt be tucked in?
With high waisted trousers or skirts, yes, fully or at the front only. With jeans at the weekend it can hang loose or be half tucked. Long shirts look best tucked or knotted.
What colour bra is best under a white shirt?
One close to your skin tone, not white. White underwear shows through white fabric, a nude shade does not.
Can I wear a white shirt in winter?
Yes, as a layer under jumpers and cardigans with the collar out, or under a blazer. Choose a thicker cotton or a brushed oxford for warmth.
Build these outfits from your own wardrobe
Photograph your white shirt and the pieces you already own. Open it in OutfitMaker, tap Style this piece, and get office, weekend and evening outfits made only from your clothes, for the weather where you are.
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