8 Non-boring Ways to Style a White Shirt in 2024

Effortless, faultless, timeless – these are some words that describe just how functional a classic white shirt is. A must-have for this very reason, a well-styled white shirt can lend a polished look in an instant. More importantly, there is NO wrong way to style a white shirt. Unless, of course, you wear it with… erm, nope, still no wrong way to wear it. That said, you may find yourself occasionally wondering how to style this versatile number in an interesting and modish way – and that’s what this blog will help you do.

With the recent momentum in minimalism (thanks to the ‘old money aesthetic’ and countless other micro-trends involving white), the classic white button-down has gained newfound importance. Spotted on just about everyone – right from Dua Lipa to Jennifer Lawrence – we need no more convincing that it’s time to invest in (or retrieve from the dark corner of your closet) the good old white shirt. As far as styling is concerned, read on for 8 white shirt outfit ideas that are on-trend and will take you from shabby to chic within minutes.

1. Corset It

Our muse for this look is the ever-so-chic Deepika Padukone. Taking a cue, you can style an oversized white shirt with a contrasting lace corset for a unique touch. A clever balance between the cool girl aesthetic and innerwear-as-outerwear trend, the relaxed yet shapely silhouette makes this outfit appropriate for day, night, or really any time you want to wear it. To accessorise, DP goes for black stiletto heels and a statement gold cuff bracelet. You can follow suit or make it your own by adding a pop of colour!

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2. A Sweater Vest? Yes!

Somewhere between dark academia blowing up on TikTok and our continued obsession with all things 90s, sweater vests became cool again. Besides, this sleeveless v-neck sweater is one of the easiest things to pair with a white shirt. It also adds just enough warmth for transeasonal months and a touch of texture to your fit. Taking a page from Pinterest for this outfit idea, you can style a sweater vest with your classic white shirt for a quintessential old-money aesthetic. Go for muted solids or a fun print – no rules there, really. For bottom wear, choose from a midi or mini skirt, straight-cut trousers, or mom jeans – the options are endless. Accessorise with a Gen-Z-approved beaded necklace or a Y2K-inspired string of pearls. Keep the earrings minimal, like simple pearl studs.

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3. Over a Dress

For those looking for white shirt outfit ideas you can recreate in a literal minute, we got you. Layer it over a short bodycon dress and you have an off-duty model outfit right out of the styling 101 book. Case in point: Irina Shayk in a white button-up and a black bodycon dress. Put together a similar outfit with a solid bodycon dress (ruched sides? Yes, please) and your oversized white shirt. For jewellery, go for a gold or silver-toned necklace and hoop earrings (the bigger the hoop!). Slip into neutral-coloured sandals and grab the cutest handbag you have (or get one with a chain link handle). Try this zero-effort, too-zen-to-give-a-damn outfit for your next coffee run or movie date.

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4. Metallic Mood

In case you forgot, we’re reminding you that metallic madness was real in 2023. From the runway to fast fashion brands, our collective approval of metallic was splashed across clothes, nails, handbags, and makeup. Some of this love trickles down to this year, too. Taking inspiration from one of Zendaya’s many cop-worthy looks, you can style your white shirt with a metallic grey mini skirt. Just like the Euphoria (2019) star, you can opt for matching strappy heels or keep it casual with white sneakers (or stockings and ankle boots for some warmth). This look is perfect for any party you’re about to attend or host – don’t forget to blast a disco playlist in the background while you’re at it!

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5. Dressy But Casual

Is business casual the vibe you’re going for? Then layer your white shirt over a solid white tee tucked into tailored trousers. You can take inspiration from our fave Jenner girl, Kendall, and stick with neutral colours (black, white, beige, or brown). For footwear, a pair of thong-strap flats or kitten heels will do and keep accessories minimal to achieve that clean and sharp look. Our beloved Kenny wears a dainty gold-toned pendant and a face mask. While it’s socially acceptable to wear business casuals just about anywhere now – you do you, sis – we recommend this outfit for college, work, or a formal event.

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6. Country Diva Vibe

We turn to Taylor Swift countless times for both inspiring music and style. When it comes to wearing a white shirt, Taylor does it the country-girl-meets-diva way, and so can you! Note that she wears a cropped shirt but you can switch it for your regular white button-up, too. Style it with a pair of denim shorts and black ankle boots. You can either knot your shirt or do a French tuck for a light dose of style. For jewellery, Taylor wears drop earrings (we found a lookalike piece; see below) and nothing else, acing that easy-breezy vibe.

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7. Like a Dress

Speaking of easy-breezy, what’s breezier than no pants? If you’re wondering why we’re suddenly asking you to ditch bottom wear – going pantless is currently trending. There are two ways to do this: wear something long enough so there’s no need for pants or simply show your lingerie to the world (no judgement). But not everyone’s mom is letting them leave the house with undies on display, so we recommend the former. Inspired by the queen of effortless chic, Rihanna, you can style a longline or tunic shirt like a dress. Cinch the waist with a leather belt and opt for matching footwear. Riri wears a brown leather belt and brown heels (we found a similar one for you!). Add a touch of glam with stud earrings, and you’ve got yourself a cute little outfit (and the undies are where they should be!).

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8. The Mia Wallace Way

A conversation about white shirts is incomplete without mentioning this iconic outfit. Trust us when we say we saved the best for last with this one. Who says you have to wait for Halloween to embody Mia Wallace (or Vincent Vega)? If you’re a Tarantino fan, every day is a good day to dress like you’re in Pulp Fiction (1994). Here’s how to recreate Uma Thurman’s character’s white shirt outfit from the legendary Jack Rabbits Slim’s dance contest scene – pair a white shirt with black jeans or trousers with a bell-bottom silhouette. If you’re a sucker for detail, wear a black bralette and undo the top buttons to let it peak slightly. Go for gold-toned ballet flats for footwear and paint your nails vampy red (hello, 90s trends, we meet again). Now this one’s optional but highly recommended – grab your friends and go do the twist in this outfit!

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