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The classic white button-down shirt is the ultimate closet staple. They are timeless foundation pieces that get a ton of wear, which makes investing in one all the more important.
There is nothing chicer and more classic than a white button down tucked into a pair of jeans. It is a combination that bypasses all trends and is timeless in any era.
It is the foundation of any capsule wardrobe 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.
I always remember pictures of how chic Princess Diana looked in a pair of high waisted mom jeans with a white poplin shirt. She always looked relaxed, yet impeccably chic. During the cooler months, it may be easier to wear a poplin shirt, but now, we are in the dog days of summer.
How To Wear A White Button Down Shirt
During the summer, grabbing a white button down shirt may not be the option that comes to mind. However, it is still a viable option and there are multiple ways to wear a classic white button down in the warmer months.
Take a billowing button-up to the beach and wear it over a bathing suit for a crisp cover-up option. It is the perfect way to add an extra layer over shorts to protect yourself against the scorching summer sun.
A white button-up shirt will keep you covered, especially when you’re indoors and the air conditioning is blasting, while a lightweight linen blend won’t feel too heavy during the summer.
Scroll down below for inspo on how to wear a white button down shirt during the summertime.
White Shirt + Pants + Sandals
A plain button-down is perfect for anyone looking for something a little more elevated than a tank top or white t-shirt.
Meant for anything but sleeping, the casual, yet chic billowing pants are must-have additions to any summer capsule wardrobe. For a seamless beach-to-bar transition, pair with a clutch and sandals for the ultimate summer look.
White Shirt + Pants + Sandals
When chosen correctly, a white shirt can be one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe – the beauty of it is that it can be easily dressed down or elevated.
Keep the monochromatic, minimalist momentum going and style the classic piece with easy pants in a neutral tone. For effortless, everyday dressing during the summer months, add a hat and basket bags as cheery details.
Shirt + Pants + Mary Janes
The start of summer calls for a clean slate, and there really is nothing more palate-cleansing than a crisp cotton white top.
When crafting an all-white outfit, it’s best to go back to the basics—and what is more foundational in a capsule wardrobe than a delightful pair of white trousers. Keep the classic style on trend by choosing oversized silhouettes.
Finish off with Mary Janes flats and a wide brim hat.
White Button Down + Shorts + Sneakers
Nothing spells timeless chic quite like a crisp button down. Calm, considered, concise, a white shirt is a wardrobe essential packed with quiet charm.
Jean shorts are pretty versatile, making for quite the effortless summertime uniform, especially in a muted white tone, to be dressed up or down. For the ultimate laid-back look, pair the two summertime staples together and finish off with legacy sneakers.
Oversized Shirt + Shorts + Sandals
What’s the summer equivalent of sweatpants? Comfy and lounge-appropriate shorts. Inject a pop of color into your summer ensemble. The bright pink color comes in all forms for the summer; there are separates for those who only want to inject only a flash of fuchsia into their ensembles.
No matter the hue of pink you choose, a classic white shirt always adds an air of sophistication to a relaxed pair of shorts.
White Shirt + Shorts + Sandals
Trends come and go, but shorts will forever be a summertime staple. European women know how to style basics very well.
If you love utilitarian pieces like boilersuits, and mechanic jackets, the next item on your list should be a pair of classic, khaki cargo shorts. The style goes back to its basic silhouette roots sticking to neutral colors and classic details.
Finish off the classic look with an oversized button-up and toe ring sandals.
White Button Down + Shorts + Pumps
You can’t deny the ease of a pair of jean shorts in the summer and sometimes, you just can’t beat the basics.
And what is more basic than a crisp white button-up shirt and denim shorts? For a jean short that’s pre-styled, consider one with a paper bag waist, topped off with a coordinating belt or tie.
Style the closet classic with paperbag jean shorts and black pumps for a look that has the street style seal of approval.
Shirt + Skirt + Sandals
The crisp white shirt transcends trends and seasons. The clean, crisp shirt can be paired with everything. 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.
There is still something especially festive about wearing monochrome look, especially a tonal white one, during the summer months.
Shirt + Skirt + Flats
I am personally a big fan of the boxier, more androgynous style – one that fits loosely over the mid-section and skims over the hips. An oversized blouse turns any casual look into a show stopping outfit.
For a summer party , a crisp white shirt will look truly decadent with a fun, multi-colored skirt and “look at me” sunglasses.
White Shirt + Sandals
For those very warm days, opt to turn a silky blouse into a must-have dress. Pants are optional with this summer look. The versatile item can essentially be styled as a dress during those humid days.
The hero accessory is the silky, headscarf. Silky scarves, smattered with colorful waved prints, are perfect for the lazy days of summer.
Shirt + Bathing Suit
It is one of the many ironies of life that sometimes the best looks come from the least effort.
What other item could equip you for a job interview, a party look, a date night outfit and a trip to the beach? There are so many different ways to style the classic piece, yet the white blouse is a look onto itself.
