Women’s fashion has come a long way in the past few decades, but there are still some fashion staples that never go out of style, like the classic white shirt.
A white shirt makes an excellent foundation to any outfit that can be dressed up or down depending on your styling choices and accessories. It is an easy choice that can make you look put together and ready to take on the day, but it can also easily go wrong if you don’t know how to wear it.
Below are the most important do’s and don’ts for wearing a white shirt to look chic, stylish, and classy.
Do Get the Fit Right
While fit is the most important aspect of a white shirt, getting it right can be very challenging. After all, you want and need your white button-up to look polished and classy, but not boxy or oversized.
A women’s white shirt should fit close to the body while still leaving room for you to move comfortably. Because you wear it so often, you want to make sure that each time you put it on feels great.
The purpose of your white shirt is to make you look flawless. If you have to worry about gaping buttons at the bust or the shirt bunching up at the waistline, your button-up is clearly not living up to the expectations.
Try on different brands and fits until you find the shirt that works well with your figure and height. One place to look for fitted shirts for different body shapes is women’s dress shirt brand Ella Hopfeldt.
Do Wear it to the Office
White shirt is an undeniable staple for professional women and it’s no surprise that many consider it to be the classic office attire. Wearing a white button-up can actually make you look more competent and successful.
Wearing a white shirt send the visual signal of “I’m here and ready to work,” which makes you appear more prepared, capable, and trustworthy.
The white button-up can be worn with anything from skirts to pants
Do Combine the White Shirt with Jeans
The combination of white shirt and jeans is the epitome of casual chic. The combo has it all – a sense of effortlessness and ease, versatility and spontaneity.
One of the reasons why these two items go so well together is because blue and white are complementary colors – they are directly across from each other on a color wheel. Pairings of complementary colors come with a lot of visual interest and tend to pop due to the strong contrast.
The color of the blue jeans matters. A dark navy pair will make the white shirt pop, while a medium wash will create contrast without being over-the-to. Light washes are perfect for casual looks.
Complementary pairs also have another effect: they bring out the very best in one another by making both colors appear brighter, more vibrant, and more saturated than they would on their own.
The white shirt and jeans also represent such different things and when worn together, the combination creates a kind of balance in your outfit that makes it feel complete. It’s a look that says, “I’m ready to take on this day.”
Do Wear it Under a Blazer
A crisp, white shirt and a fitted blazer are two items that you probably already have in your closet. They are also two items that you can easily wear together – and look amazing.
The truth is, when it comes to putting together a stylish outfit, the adage “less is more” rings true. And this combination is proof of that.
The white shirt and blazer create the perfect balance of professional and confident. However, while being so classic and even formal, the pairing is also easy and comfortable. You can wear this outfit literally any time of year and it’s perfect for work, brunch, or a night out.
The crisp, clean white shirt underneath the blazer elevates your overall look. It gives you a pulled together appearance and can make even your messiest hair day look like you tried! And who doesn’t want that?
Do Pay Attention to the Collar and Cuffs
Collar and cuffs are very important to the overall look of the white shirt and a big part of what makes the button-up look good. A neat, crisp appearance of these details is one sign that you’ve made an effort to look flawless. You can spend a lot of money on a suit, but if the shirt is not right, your outfit will not look as polished as it could.
When you wear a white shirt, your collar is the first thing that people notice. If this is sloppy or poorly made, it casts doubt on the rest of your outfit. If, however, your collar and cuffs are sharp and crisp, it lets the world know that you mean business.
You can choose different styles of cuffs to add personality to your white shirt. While barrel cuffs are the most common choice, there are also other options like French cuffs or universal cuffs.
French cuffs are those folded over ends on long-sleeved shirts that are held together by cufflinks rather than buttons. They are considered more formal than standard button cuffs and are an easy way to elevate your look. A white shirt with French cuffs is ideal for formal events but can also be dressed down for work, a date, or going out with friends. It all depends on how you style it!
Universal cuffs can be worn in two ways: buttoned up (like a traditional barrel cuff) or with cufflinks. Thanks to this feature, you can adapt your white shirt to whatever situation you find yourself in – from a regular day in the office to a more formal occasion.
Don’t Settle for Anything but the Best
Quality is vital when it comes to your white shirt.
So many factors go into making a great shirt. From the fabric used to the care taken in sewing each stitch, there are many variables that have to be accounted for and controlled if you want to ensure that you get a flawless white shirt.
The feel of the fabric is impossible to evaluate online, but it is smart to choose 100% cotton. It helps to know the basics of ply and thread count to be able to differentiate quality cotton fabrics from the mediocre ones.
In Conclusion
A white shirt is an investment in yourself and your professional reputation. Get one that looks good and feels great so that everyone around you knows just how serious about success – and stylish – you are!
