A white button-up shirt is the epitome of timeless fashion. Its versatility ensures that a white shirt always adds a touch of understated elegance to your look, no matter how you style it.
Have you ever found yourself staring at a full wardrobe yet feeling like you have “nothing to wear?” Enter the white button-up shirt – another wardrobe hero. Its versatility can transform any outfit for any occasion and is firmly in my Top 5 Wardrobe Essentials List.
While Wardrobe Essentials are often associated with the Capsule Wardrobe concept, I prefer to think of them as key staple items that enable you to effortlessly mix and match existing pieces in your wardrobe. A Capsule Wardrobe is ideal if you’re starting from scratch; however, by the time you reach my age, you likely have many pieces you want to style in a fresh and current way.
The Versatility of a WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT
White Button-Up Shirts are the perfect wardrobe staple because of their versatility and endless styling options. The modern, slightly oversized white button-up shirt is a game-changer, blending contemporary style with versatility. Its relaxed yet polished silhouette can elevate any outfit with a touch of effortless class. Its looser fit allows for layering and adds a modern, fashion-forward edge to any look. A well-chosen white shirt can be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe, as it can be effortlessly dressed up or down.
If you have ever doubted the versatility of a white shirt, be it from your school or corporate years or feel like you’ve got the lab coat look. The relaxed oversized silhouette is key to the modernisation of this wardrobe staple.
The styling options of this simple yet versatile item are limitless. Pair it with classic jeans, drape it over a slip dress, match it with shorts, or elevate your leggings or track pants. You can button it up or leave it loose over a racerback tank and, in cooler weather, layer it under a trench coat or a jumper for an effortlessly stylish outfit.
Styling TIPS – WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT
How you wear a white button-up shirt is also key, firstly an oversized silhouette, secondly sleeves rolled up (or turn up deep cuffs) and for the perfect effortless vibe a crossbody bag or jumper draped over your shoulders. Accessories and jewellery can also be instrumental in dressing up or down a classic and versatile wardrobe staple.
You can wear it fully tucked, one side tucked, front tucked, unbuttoned over a top, or fully buttoned and tucked in for a more polished look. Experiment to suit your style.
A white button-up shirt can still be used formally or equally to elevate something as simple as a pair of jeans or shorts. For those of us with a wardrobe full of sleeveless dresses or tops who are increasingly reluctant to bear our arms (it’s an aging thing I hear way too often). Then, the White Button-Up Shirt is a wardrobe hero and can be layered on top of sleeveless items, utilising existing wardrobe items with an effortless, timeless and ageless style.
the Best WHITE BUTTON-UP SHIRTS – THE SEARCH
For this post, I have focused on the slightly oversized button-up shirt, undoubtedly the most modern, versatile and effortlessly timeless style. The classic design ensures that it’s timeless, perfect for layering, and an item you can wear year after year.
Even though you can find them at many retailers and every price point (from fast fashion to luxury), I’ve curated a selection of the best white button-up shirts, whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or simply seeking a new addition.
I hope you find inspiration in my “Best White Button-Up Shirts for Women.” Nothing is so simple yet understatedly classic for timeless, effortless and ageless style.
Paula x
Wardrobe Essentials Edit
The White Button-Up Shirt
STYLING TIPS:
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The Edit
The Best White Button-Up Shirts: A Must-Have for Every Wardrobe
01.
TOTEME
Signature organic cotton-poplin shirt
TOTEME is renowned for its simple wardrobe staples, like this plain white shirt. If you have the budget to invest, this is a stunning white button-up shirt.
02.
HARRIS TAPPER
Kantor Shirt
The Kantor Shirt by New Zealand womenswear label Harris Tapper. This shirt is the perfect addition to any outfit. It is made from crisp white cotton poplin and has a subtly masculine shape.
Harris Tapper is known for easy elegance, subversive femininity and sculptural minimalism.
03.
ANINE BING
Maxine Shirt
An oversized button-up made from a 100% cotton shirting fabrication for a crisp, structured look. This menswear-inspired style features exaggerated long sleeves secured by triple-button detailing at each cuff.
Or you may love the best-selling oversized Mika Shirt.
04.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Lui organic cotton-poplin shirt
The Frankie Shop’s basics are designed with timeless silhouettes and lasting quality. The ‘Lui’ shirt is cut from organic cotton poplin for a relaxed fit and has a longer rounded hem at the back.
05.
ME + EM
Crease Less Cotton Relaxed Boyfriend Shirt
A relaxed boyfriend shirt is the perfect wardrobe staple for both formal and casual. The deep cuff length is perfection, turned up rather than rolled for an elegant and effortless style.
06.
FRANK & EILEEN
Eileen – Relaxed Button-Up Shirt
The perfect casual wardrobe staple. It’s on the expensive side, but people rave about it!
There is also the Shirley – Oversized Button-Up Shirt for an oversized fit.
07.
COS
Oversized Tailored Shirt
COS is one of my favourite brands for classic wardrobe staples, such as this tailored shirt.
08.
EVERLANE
The Supima® Cotton Boyfriend Shirt
I love this boyfriend shirt! The fabric has a gentle sheen, and the sleeves are cut generously at the wrist so they can be folded and pushed up to the elbow easily.
9.
ARKET
Oversized Cotton Shirt
ARKET is always a reliable option due to its affordability and quality.
10.
DISSH
Rhea White Cotton Shirt
If you want an oversized fit, DISSH is the perfect affordable option for a white button-up shirt.
11.
WITCHERY
Cotton Relaxed Shirt
This is a stunning classic cotton shirt in an oversized fit. It features double button detail and stunning oversized cuffs. I love this shirt!
Other Noteworthy Shirts;
WNU – With Nothing Underneath | The Boyfriend – Fine Poplin
COUNTRY ROAD | Australian Cotton Oxford Shirt
ARITZIA | Relaxed Poplin Shirt
J CREW | Étienne oversized shirt in lightweight Oxford
The Best White Button-Up Shirts: A Must-Have for Every Wardrobe
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Wardrobe Essentials edit
If I am brutally honest, I’m a fifty-something lover of fashion and beautiful things. And, like many people my age, my style has evolved over the years.
However, I have increasingly looked at a wardrobe of impulsive (and often extravagant) fashion purchases, with too many “I have nothing to wear” moments.
There is no doubt that, given my love of fashion, I have always been slightly dubious of the concept of a “Capsule Wardrobe”. However, I’m increasingly convinced that investing in certain quality wardrobe essentials can offer endless versatility for an elevated, timeless, effortless and ageless style.
You can enhance your personal style and save money, help the environment, and give yourself confidence that you have something to wear.
I hope you follow “Wardrobe Essentials Edit” posts with essential classic items and suggested ways to style them.
Paula x
P.s.
If you like this post, “The Best White Button-Up Shirts: A Must-Have for Every Wardrobe”, check out my Wardrobe Essentials Edit posts below;
The 10 Best Women’s Black Blazers: A Must-Have for Every Wardrobe
The Best Classic White T-Shirts; A Must-Have for Every Wardrobe
Best Oversized White Shirts for Women – A Wardrobe Essential
The Best Women’s Trench Coats – The Must-Have Transitional Wardrobe Item!
14 ARKET Wardrobe Essentials You’ll Love for Effortless Style
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links from the LiketoKnow.it (LTK) Affiliate Program. This means that if you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. However, please note that not all the links in this post are affiliate links. I only include affiliate links for products or services I genuinely recommend and believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for your support and understanding. See my disclaimer page for more information.
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