How to style a white shirt

There are few items of clothing that we reckon 80% of the population (if not more) have stashed somewhere in their wardrobe, but the humble white shirt we're quite sure is one of them.

The white shirt offers instant polish and a grown-up touch, not to mention the fact that a flash of white around the neck can give the illusion of a brighter complexion. But most importantly of all, they offer versatility. As such, they're a key part of any capsule wardrobe.

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A guest wears an asymmetric white shirt with a denim skirt — A Fashion Week guest wears an asymmetric white shirt with a denim skirt

Layer a relaxed-fit linen version over a standout one-piece for a cool pool cover-up, or button up and cinch in at the waist for a dinner date.

For a dose of effortlessness, team your white shirt with dark denim and bright trainers, or ramp up the drama for the evening by layering yours over a lace slip dress and cowboy boots. Yee-ha.

How to style a white shirt:

Sarah Ndiaye wears wide leg denim jeans, black Celine bag, white button shirt, corset, tie, sunglasses, silver pointed heels outside Han KjÃ¸benhavn at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Layered under a corset

A white shirt is one of the best layering pieces anyone's wardrobe can boast, and we love the juxtaposition of a sharp shirt and an itty-bitty crop top. This particular one is made up of ties. Genius.

A guest wears black sunglasses, silver hoop earrings, silver layered choker necklaces, white button up long sleeve oversized shirt, black belt, light gray ripped denim jean shorts, light brown woven bag, dark brown heels leather shoes, outside Gestuz at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

With Jorts

This Summer has heralded the return of the Jort, the Bermuda, the Long Short. Whatever you like to call them, the Capri's casual cousin is the perfect accompaniment to a button-down.

A Fashion Week guest wears a white shirt with a grey tie and acid wash jeans

With textured pieces

To add edge to your look, play with texture and team with a fluffy coat, frilly accessories and ruching.

Tine Van Cauwenberghe wears blue white striped Chanel shirt, navy pants & a guest wears black bra, white cropped button shirt, wide leg grey jeans with side pockets outside Munthe during Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Under a bra

Bras are expensive. Get your moneys-worth we say, and zero chance of a flash of flesh if your undergarment of choice is your trusty shirt.

Lily Chee teams a white shirt with a black tie and a glitzy mini dress

With metallics

We can't get enough of shirt and tie combinations, but the added addition of a seriously jazzy mini dress tips this look into elite status.

Rocky Barnes layers a white printed shirt over an A-line skirt

With thigh-high boots

A white shirt doesn't need to be deadly simple. Look for added details such as embroidery or lace trims. We love the balance of this slightly abstract botanical top paired with thigh-high boots.

Fleur Egan wearing a yellow jumper, green and blue mixed colour maxi split skirt, white boots and green and white bag during Australian Fashion Week.

With a cool-girl cable knit...

Make your cool cable knit work even harder for you by layering it over a white shirt. Look for options with dagger collars or embroidery to ramp up the impact.

Gili Biegun wears a white knotted button shirt, Hermes belt, beige skirt, black bag outside Herskind during Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Creatively cropped

We've studied this photo hard and will be trying to recreate this flawless knot at once, for a cute crop that will not budge. Round of applause all round.

Tine Andrea teams a striped white shirt with a white maxi skirt

With a crisp maxi skirt

A subtle pinstripe shirt with a relaxed fit looks great tucked into a white denim maxi skirt for off-duty elegance.

Darja Barannik styles a semi-sheer shirt under a double-breasted blazer

With a clean, classic blazer

If you're after a white shirt that isn't your classic, run-of-the-mill piece, consider a semi-sheer effect. It adds depth, as do beaded adornments. Style yours under a crisp double-breasted blazer for a cool layering moment.

Annabel Rosendahl styles a white shirt with knee-length denim skirt

With a denim A-line skirt

Double pinstripes run the risk of verging into workwear territory, but when styled alongside a denim skirt, the effect feels more relaxed all round and perfect after-office fare.

A guest wears white hat, white blouse, blue denim jeans, black bag outside Baum & Pferdgarten during Copenhagen Fashion Week.

With a Nautical spin

Collar lovers, behold one of the most beautiful examples of Big Fat Collars we've seen in a long time. Paired with a (very small) black bra, this is a masterclass in balanced proportions.

A fashion week guest teams a white shirt with leopard print trousers

With a statement print

Fashion's love for leopard print knows no bounds. Style a pair of high-waisted printed trousers alongside a white shirt and layers of gold jewellery for a timeless look.

A guest seen wearing gold earrings, Borrensberghs white cotton buttoned blouse and shirt, matching Borrensberghs white cotton long pants and brown leather heels, at the mfpen Store Opening in Copenhagen.

With white trousers

Oh we love a monochrome moment. Spillers might want to swerve this one, but a white shirt paired with airy white trousers couldn't fail to look anything other than spectacular.

The best white shirts to buy now:

Velma Dagger Collar Blouse - Cream
Joanie
The Details
Composition: 100% Viscose
Sizes: 8-26
Editor's Note
This dagger collar was born to be worn poking out atop a cable knit of an argyle sweater vest.
We love this classic cream version, but if the shape is right up your street, check out the other 7 patterns and colours available.
£55.00 AT JOANIE
Janae Shirt
Rails
The Details
Composition: 55% Organic Cotton | 45% Tencel™
Sizes: S-XL
Editor's Note
This is exactly what Rails are brilliant at - timeless, classic pieces made with quality and care.
Born to be worn with denim shorts and sandals for warmer days, and capris and a kitten heel for cooler nights.
£188.00 AT RAILS
Urban Renewal Remade From Vintage Floral Embroidered Blouse
Urban Outfitters
The Details
Composition: 100% Cotton
Sizes: XS/X - M/L
Editor's Note
A kitsch update on a classic, featuring a spread collar, drop shoulders, long cuffed sleeves and a button-through placket.
These upcycled pieces are updated by hand, so no two pieces are exactly the same.
£34.00 AT URBAN OUTFITTERS
Natural white Léonor shirt
Balzac Paris
The Details
Composition: 100% Cotton
Sizes: 34-44
Editor's Note
Ooh, now this is a collar! Pair with a statement necklace and micro-shorts to balance proportions.
Gorgeous details include ruching on the shoulders, a big pocket and slightly puffed sleeves.
£140.00 AT BALZAC PARIS
We The Free Sunday Shirt
Free People
The Details
Composition: 71% Cotton, 29% Lyocell
Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
A slouchier, more relaxed offering with drop shoulders that would look perfect paired with low-rise trousers for a Sunday morning stroll.
Clock the pleated back and shirttail hem. Gorgeous.
£88.00 AT FREE PEOPLE
ONLY oversized shirt in white
ASOS
The Details
Composition: 100% Cotton
Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
A longer length offering that would look glorious paired with the controversial shorts-trend of the season: The Bloomer.
The definition of a timeless white shirt that you'll be reaching for year after year.
£28.00 AT ASOS
DREAM Daisy Ruffle Shirt
Sister Jane
The Details
Composition: 47% Lyocell, 46% Cotton, 5% Linen; 2% Elastane
Sizes: XS-L
Editor's Note
Something a little more extravagant for those who like their shirting to come with jazz hands.
This is one shirt we won't be layering underneath anything - these gorgeous diamanté buttons deserve to be seen.
£115.00 AT SISTER JANE
Broderie Backless Shirt
Fruity Booty
The Details
Composition: 100% Recycled Cotton
Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
For those who like shirts, but don't like sleeves. Or backs. The perfect layering piece to add a glimpse of collar and mother of pearl buttons.
Don't miss the matching sheer broderie skirt to add a boho stance to your shirty ensemble.
£80.00 AT FRUITY BOOTY
Floris Shirt in Ivory
Hai
The Details
Composition: 100% Dupion silk
Sizes: XS-XL
Editor's Note
A silk offering to elevate proceedings with oversized cuffs and a slightly loose fit. The perfect evening wear alternative to a dress and heels.
Lean away from what's expected and pair with a full midi skirt in a stiff fabric.
£169.00 AT HAI
Taffy Trim Detail Blouse
Forever New
The Details
Composition: 100% Polyester
Sizes: 6-16
Editor's Note
We adore sheer sleeves because it means we can dabble in the trend but with zero need to upgrade the bra we've had on for weeks...
Lace trim cuffs and shoulder detail make this sweet offering the perfect partner for something silky on your bottom half.
£45.00 AT FOREVER NEW

How we chose:

Aesthetic: Shirts seem like they should be an easy purchase, but actually, one should make the most of all the gorgeous detailing available - from ruffled collars to embroidered hems.

Price: I've selected items from a wide range of price points to try and suit most budgets, without compromising on quality.

Why you should trust me?

Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.