How to wear a white shirt without looking like a waitress?
This is a question that I have received multiple times.
I think a white button-down is a closet staple and I find them easy to grab and wear.
What I didn’t realize is how many people weren’t really sure how to wear one without looking like they are going to work.
I tend to fall under the belief system of don’t overthink it because you are going to look like you were trying too hard.
Anything you would normally wear a t-shirt with you can wear a white button down.
Are all white button up shirts created equal?
Definitely not.
I don’t like to admit how many I have bought through the years thinking that they would be the one only to return it, or have it sit in my closet until I finally gave up and donated it.
I don’t like them too stiff, but linen tends to wrinkle way too much and you have to be careful or you will end up looking sloppy.
I do have a linen one that I will wear only with certain outfits. Usually, something dressier on the bottom half to balance out the wrinkles.
The white shirt that I am wearing is from Everlane and it is the perfect lightweight, while still maintaining structure.
It has been my go-to white button down for the last 7+ months.
I thought that I would go through my closet today to pull together some outfits that I pair with a white blouse.
There are a lot of options out there with creativity, and if you are a shorts person, a great pair of highrise denim shorts paired with a white blouse is a great summer staple outfit.
I have seven white blouse outfits for you below.
The Overalls Outfit
White Shirt | Overalls | Sneakers | Purse
A cool, yet comfortable look of a white shirt layered under overalls or a jumpsuit with sneakers.
I had my eye on this jumpsuit since right after Christmas.
It is 100% soft cotton and cropped enough in length that I didn’t need to shorten the legs.
I did move the buttons on the strap up a couple of inches though.
White Button Down Shirt Summer Outfit
White Shirt | Trousers | Sandals | Purse
For an easy summer outfit, I love a white button down tied at the waist and paired with high waist trousers, and strappy sandals.
I hope to be able to leave the house enough this summer that I will actually be able to wear this outfit outside.
I love these trousers, they have become and regular wear for me and I now want them in black.
The Classic White Button Down Shirt With Jeans
White Shirt | Jeans | Heels | Purse
If you want a simple but effective outfit that is a win every time you wear it you can’t go wrong with this classic look.
A white button down with jeans and heels is a timeless look that you can wear almost anywhere.
These are my favourite Levis, and the Chanelesque shoes that I bought second hand off of Poshmark.
It would all pair well with some simple jewellery.
I am allergic to nickel so I have to be very careful with the jewellery I wear. I’m even allergic to my white gold wedding ring :/
It doesn’t bother me as bad as it did when I was in a full-blown allergic reaction from it, but I find I do better wearing it only for a short period of time.
It’s a good thing that I actually prefer yellow gold 😉
Yellow gold with an emerald is my favourite combination, and I’d like to get an antique emerald ring someday.
White Shirt with a Dress
White Shirt | Slip Dress | Boots | Purse
A black slip dress is my favourite easy to wear dress any time of the year.
You can do a lot with them (as you will see with next week’s one item different ways post).
Paired with a white button down and knee high boots gives a polished look that is deceptively simple.
FYI I tucked the shirt into my shapewear. Good thing it is lightweight.
A White Shirt With a Blazer and Jeans
White Shirt | Blazer | Jeans | Boots | Purse
My fashion motto is “put a blazer over it” as you can see by today’s’ Instagram post that I am true to that.
A blazer is an easy way to just pull a look completely together. It also makes a great lightweight jacket when travelling.
An oversized blazer is my favourite go-to look because I like a touch of masculine with feminine.
I also love being able to cuff and roll up the sleeves easily or layer it over bulkier pieces without developing the robotic sausage arms you sometimes get when the sleeves are too tight.
A White Button Down Under a Sweater
White Shirt | Sweater | Trousers | Loafers | Crossbody
Layering a button down under a sweater is a look that is as old as time.
Pair it with some faux leather trousers, and a snazzy loafer and you have an edgy prep look.
You can make it as messy or as neat as you like by playing with the cuffs and the tails hanging out (or tucked in).
This look screams fall to me and I like it.
I bought these trousers from Zara and they have a few sizes left.
I recommend sizing down because they fit large. They also have them in black now as well.
A White Button Down Casual Outfit
White Shirt | Joggers | Slipons | Crossbody
Nothing quite says casual as a pair of joggers. But paired with a white button down, some slip-on shoes, a crossbody, and a messy bun you have a look that you can actually leave the house in without looking like you came from bed.
And if you are still not sure, then just toss a blazer over it.
If you want to see some more ways to wear things you may like:
How to Wear a Shirt Dress
How to Wear Pants 4 Ways
How to Wear a Jumpsuit
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the older i get, the more i appreciate the simple yet effortlessly cool look that a button up shirt does for me and my style. a good portion of my closet is devoted to white and blue shirts, and I’m not mad about it. because of my height, if i can’t find what i want in a Tall size, then i go for a men’s slim cut. i almost prefer this to the women’s style nowadays; it’s an easier way for me to achieve the slouchy cool look that i want. i appreciate that your style series don’t make a big deal out of including accessories-mainly “loud” jewelry-to complete an outfit. it’s not something i concern myself with so thank you for not pressuring people to feel like it’s an outfit fail if it doesn’t include a statement necklace and a stack of bangles. watches on the other hand (pun intended), are something i have been wanting to add but i am having trouble with. would you consider doing a post on watch options? part of me wants a secondhand with a leather strap, maybe omega or cartier. but i don’t know if vintage or secondhand is a safe option, or if it’s best to get new; there are so many new brands out!
I’m short and I often prefer the fit of a men’s shirt vs women. And if it works for you and makes up feel good then fill your closet up with them. They’ll always been in style so you can go wrong there.
I do enjoy accessories but usually only one piece at a time. Nice earrings, a statement necklace or ring. I am definitely a watch wearer though. I tend to feel naked without one. I don’t have anything fancy, although my husband has Rolex that he inherited from his dad when he passed away. I tend to stick with my iwatch at the moment but it’s having battery issues lately so I haven’t been wearing it. I would definitely like to have a quality watch at some point. I’m not sure what brand or style 🤔 it would need a lot of research. I prefer the classic look of a watch vs stacked bracelets any day of the week. I don’t even know how it’s comfortable, and how they don’t drive themselves insane with the jangling sound.
Now I’m off to research watches to see what would suit my style and skinny wrists 😂
i’m with you, i can’t layer a ton of jewelry or else i start feeling like an olsen twin circa 2008. that’s such a nice story behind your husband’s watch, i love pieces that have some history or sentimentality attached. when my mom passed, i found an old watch that she used to wear, but the battery had been dead for a while, and then the face of it broke off, so there went my intention to wear it! i have some credit with The Real Real and have been debating using it for either a watch or a nice handbag. if you are able to find some time to research quality watches, i’d love it if you shared!
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