The white shirt – an icon of the last century so widespread that the term white collar workers is still widely used today to refer to office workers. Nowadays office wear is much more diverse in terms of colour, style, and most importantly freedom to wear (almost) whatever you want. Yet the plain white shirt is still so widespread that if you walk into any shop for working professionals, they will have a plain white shirt on offer. But a plain white shirt certainly shouldn’t be perceived as boring! So here are 5 easy white shirt outfit ideas to instanly look unique, chic and elegant.
If in doubt, anything looks good with a white shirt.
Victoria Beckham
Unless otherwise stated the style is created with my @hawesandcurtis women’s double-cuff shirt.
The collar
Beyond a necklace, there’s many other accessories you could use to turn it into a unique look, such as ribbon for a chic and elegant ‘french’ look (you can buy any colour from most DYI shops), a scarf (for a more dramatic effect pick a bigger scarf). Or even the detachable fur from your coat’s collar. Secure it with safety pins or using a brooch like I did below – perfect for winter to keep you warm.
The sleeves
Specialist shirt shops such as @hawesandcurtis and @charlestyrwhitt have double cuff shirts for women. Double-cuff is so much more fun than buttons which you obviously don’t have the freedom to play with and change all the time. You can tie ribbon in a bow, use colourful cufflinks to match your trousers or skirt or even leave the sleeve uncuffed for a casual look. The best part is that even if you don’t have a double-cuff shirt and cufflinks, you can borrow your boyfriend’s/friend’s and recreate the look!
Layering
I’m not talking layered with a jumper or a jacket. I’m talking that beautiful sleeveless top or dress that you probably don’t wear to work anyway ! So you solve this problem and add a new item to your work wardrobe whilst also making your white shirt look beautifully styled!
Invest in a unique piece
Yes, it’s a plain crisp white fabric but the design of these shirts makes them unique. Like this shirt I bought from a small shop in a hidden street in Bulgaria, @muse_shop. The collar, the contrasting black ties which you can tie in endless number of ways, the assymetrical front and back makes it unique and quirky. Or the cape shirt below (which I honestly can’t remember where it’s from). So if you want to just put your shirt on and turn heads without bothering to pick accessories and even if you’ve only paired it with black trousers, don’t go plain, go unique.
Here are some of my favourite unique design white shirts at the moment.
Get creative
The last one requires minimal sewing but the result is spectacular.
+
It took me around 1h 30 min to sew them on the white shirt (while watching a movie). I’m a beginner at sewing so if I can do it, anyone can!
Inspire us all with your white shirt outfit ideas below! How do you style your white shirt?
Harvey Lee
8 August 2024“Love these white shirt outfit ideas! They’re classic and versatile—perfect for any occasion.”