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The classic white button-down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in anyone’s closet. The white button down is a simple piece, but a staple that can be worn in several ways. Whether it’s an office-ready dress shirt, an oversized button-up, or a more inventive take on the white blouse, white shirting is a must-have, no matter the season.
It is timeless and can be styled as the main piece or a layering piece. The best white button-ups make dressing each and every day all the more effortless, and styling all the easier. Given the garment’s versatility, there is an overwhelming assortment of options.
How To Wear A White Button Down Shirt
The white button-up shirt is a wardrobe essential that is evergreen. However, I find that it really reflects the mood of the sunnier days of springtime. For a laid-back look, consider an oversized silhouette. Throw it over a pair of jeans and heels for an effortless, easy look. For a formal look, add it with a trousers – in any color – for an office-ready look.
Scroll below for inspo on how to wear a white button down shirt for the springtime.
White Shirt + Jeans + Mules
The crisp white shirt transcends trends and seasons. The clean, crisp shirt can be paired with everything, especially jeans. It is such a classic look which works for every occasion.
Heading out with friends, or a casual date night – the classic combination works every time. It’s an outfit formula that women have reverted again and again to over the decades.
Shirt + Sweater + Jeans + Sneakers
In building a foundational capsule wardrobe, an oversized bright white poplin is essential. The oversized fit balances the skinnier black jeans look.
Finish off the casual look with a pair of white sneakers for a relaxed vibe.
White Shirt + Pants + Basket Bag
Quiet luxury has taken over the fashion scene the past year. Simple, muted neutrals have always been a classic style, but the rise of stealth wealth has given the classic combination a new found appreciation.
Linen is a look that is synonymous with the warmer season – pair it with a classic white shirt for a fresh and easy to wear look.
Trench + White Shirt + Jeans
Throughout the decades, it has been unanimously nominated that the trench coat is spring’s most versatile outerwear option.
Throw a khaki-colored trench atop easy staples like a white button-up shirt and high-waisted jeans to head out.
For added warmth, pair with lug boots for those rainy spring days.
Shirt + Jeans + Flip Flops
Go minimalist in layers of simple white. The soft, oversized button-up looks right at home with sleek skinny jeans and a basket bag.
So, the next time you’re out shopping for that closet staple? Considering going up a size or two, then match it with other favorite white pieces for a head-to-toe effect.
White Shirt + Trousers + Sandals
This look underscores the potency of understated—yet exquisite—wardrobe essentials. Return to the office looking effortlessly sharp with a crisp, oversized blouse paired with loose trousers.
The relaxed tailoring struck just the right balance between comfort and polish. For an office-ready look, swap out the shearling sandals for ballet flats or high heels. Add a smooth, leather tote bag to head to the office.
White Button Down + Blazer + Jeans
The crisp cotton top adds a dash of refinement to any ensemble, especially the classic blazer-and-jeans combination.
Along with a white button down, a tailored blazer continues to be one of the most versatile staples in a spring wardrobe. Add the timeless pieces to any style of jeans – whether it be boyfriend jeans or relaxed jeans – for a classic, spring look.
White Shirt + Trousers + Sneakers
A white button-up pairs perfectly with simple wardrobe staples like wide-leg trousers.
The white top works with any color trousers – whether it be black, gray or even pink. A sharp leather belt, sneakers, and chic shades take the look from classic to cool.
Shirt + Trousers + Slingbacks
Styling-wise, layers are your friend in the cooler days of spring—think sleek turtlenecks, tissue-thin base layers, and lightweight sweaters—for adding warmth and dimension to your look.
Keep the extra layer in the same neutral, color palette for a chic monochrome look.
White Shirt + Tank + Trousers + Sandals
Instead of fastening each button, leave the white blouse completely open and layer it over a white tank top. The versatile item can essentially be styled as outerwear during the warmer spring months.
There are plenty of refreshing ways to wear the classic button-up shirt as outerwear – wear the trending top over a bralette, crop tops, or bodysuits.
Shirt + Skirt + Boots
If you work in a laid-back office, ease into professional dressing with an unbuttoned blouse paired with a midi skirt.
Midi skirts are chic enough on their own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, they skirts really shine as the statement piece.
Shirt + Skirt + Heels
The transeasonal wonder is not only suitable to wear all-year round, but also has the ability to take you to a meeting in the boardroom to styling one of the trendiest pieces. Denim skirts are having a major moment now.
What better way to wear a denim skirt than with a white button down?
White Shirt + Skirt + Sneakers
Make the oversized white button a spring staple. The tailored shape of a button-down makes any outfit feel instantly elegant. Upgrade your mini skirt by pairing it unexpectedly with a voluminous crisp button-down.
Staying faithful to the sporty-chic look, wear a pair of white sneakers.
Shirt + Skirt + Sandals
When it’s not yet cold enough for a full-blown jacket but too chilly to wear just a tank, throw on a button-down. It’s the perfect transitional topper.
The lustrous fabric of the satin skirt is not restricted to just formal events. Keep it tonal and pair the ivory slip skirt with a button down for an easy, relaxed daytime look.
White Shirt + Dress + Sandals
It seems the garment has been repurposed from polished office wear to a goes-with-everything piece. Get the most out of mini party dresses by pairing them with a daytime-appropriate button-up.
Finish off the look with an unexpected zebra print shoe.
