I have a soft spot for the classic white shirt — you know the one: crisp collar, slightly oversized, perfectly simple. It’s the kind of piece that somehow always feels relevant whether you’re rushing out for coffee or planning a weekend away. I’ve worn mine in countless ways, and over the years I’ve found three surprising styling approaches that never fail to make it feel fresh. They’re easy, accessible, and rely on little tweaks rather than a whole new wardrobe. Here are the looks I reach for when I want the white shirt to look unexpected and distinctly mine.

The white shirt as a dress (with a belt and attitude)

I remember the first time I treated my oversized shirt like a dress — it felt rebellious and comfortable all at once. This works best with a longer, slightly boxy shirt (think men's-cut or a larger-size women’s style). Slide it on, pop a belt where your waist is, and suddenly you’ve turned a basic into an outfit that feels intentional.

How I style it:

  • I choose a leather or woven belt — something with texture — to avoid a too-polished look. A chunky vintage belt or a braided one from H&M gives a relaxed feel.
  • Footwear depends on the season. In spring and summer I’ll wear flat sandals or white trainers; in autumn I swap in mid-calf leather boots for a slightly tougher edge.
  • Layering: if it’s chilly, I add an oversized blazer or a cropped denim jacket. The contrast between the shirt’s softness and the structure of a blazer is one of my favourite contrasts.

    • Pro tip: If the shirt is borderline short, wear fitted bike shorts or a slip underneath for comfort, and keep the belt slightly loose for movement. I often roll the sleeves up twice and add a few mismatched rings to keep the look more personal than museum-perfect.

    Under a slip dress — modern, easy layering

    This is now one of my go-to transitional looks. Wearing a white shirt under a satin or silk slip dress transforms both pieces: the slip loses some of its ladylike gloss and becomes day-appropriate, and the shirt looks more editorial. It’s a trick I picked up from street style shots and made my own by choosing shirts with softer collars or a slightly worn-in texture.

    Why it works:

  • The contrast of crisp cotton and fluid silk is visually interesting and adds depth without much effort.
  • It’s a quick way to stretch your wardrobe across seasons — layer with tights and ankle boots in cooler months, or sandals and simple jewellery in summer.
  • It’s forgiving: the shirt covers whatever you want to hide (arms, neckline), while the slip adds colour or sheen.

    • How I put it together: I usually choose a tonal slip (champagne or black) and a classic white shirt with the collar peeking out. I’ll also try buttoning the shirt just at the bust and leaving the rest undone so the slip can show through. For a slightly undone look, I knot the ends of the shirt at the front or tuck one side in.

    Tucked into tailored shorts with a blazer — the summer-to-autumn anchor

    If you think tailored shorts are only for vacations, try pairing them with a sharp blazer and a tucked white shirt. This combo is one of my favourites for those in-between days when you want to feel pulled-together but not overdressed. It’s surprisingly versatile — you can make it work for a lunch meeting, a casual Friday, or a city stroll.

    How to make it work:

  • Choose high-waisted tailored shorts in a neutral: khaki, navy, or camel. The high waist is flattering and gives you more options for tucking and layering.
  • Keep the shirt neat — a soft tuck (French tuck) works wonders. I rarely do a full tuck; instead I slip the front into the waistband, let the back hang, and button the cuff slightly loose.
  • Blazer choice: cropped or slightly oversized depending on your mood. A relaxed, boxy blazer makes the shorts feel modern, while a fitted blazer gives a sharper silhouette.
  • Shoes: loafers, chunky sandals, or clean white trainers. If it’s cooler, ankle boots add a grounding element.

    • Accessories: I love adding a slim leather belt, a structured bag (think small satchel), and a pair of sunlit gold hoops. A silk scarf tied around the neck or bag handle instantly elevates the outfit.

    Practical tips for choosing and caring for your white shirt

    Not every white shirt will be perfect for all three looks, so here’s what I look for when I’m shopping or editing my wardrobe:

  • Fabric: A medium-weight cotton captures structure without feeling like cardboard. Poplin for polish, a soft brushed cotton for a lived-in vibe.
  • Fit: Keep one fitted, classic shirt (for work or smoother silhouettes) and one oversized piece for dresses or layering. You’ll get mileage from both.
  • Collar and cuffs: Decide if you want a stiff collar (more formal) or a softer, worn collar (more casual). I prefer softer collars for layering under slips.
  • Care: White shirts need attention — treat stains immediately and avoid over-bleaching which can weaken fibers. I use a gentle oxygen-based brightener and hang to dry on a padded hanger to avoid shoulder bumps.

    • Small styling details that lift the look

    It’s often the little things that make the difference:

  • Proportions: Balance oversized with fitted — if the shirt is large, pair with slim bottoms or a defined waist.
  • Texture: Mix fabrics (leather, satin, linen) to keep an outfit interesting.
  • Buttons: Leaving a couple of buttons undone or swapping the top button for a small brooch adds personality.
  • Colour accents: A pop of colour — a bag, lipstick, or shoes — can make a simple white shirt feel deliberate and current.

    • My last bit of encouragement: don’t be afraid to experiment. The white shirt is forgiving — it loves being rethought. Try a style you wouldn’t normally wear and see how it makes you feel. Often, that little bit of risk is where the joy in dressing lies.