An anytime, anywhere staple – a crisp white shirt is every closet’s most valuable player. The enduring stalwart is a binder that allows you to incorporate it in multiple ways, making it the most authentic piece of everyday essentials you will ever own! From the classic button-down approach to nonchalantly throwing it on like a shacket – the possibilities of styling a white shirt are endless. With the right pair of accessories and styling, this underrated closet staple can make you an undisputed winner on every occasion. But our favourite go-to celebrity for white-shirt styling inspiration is Victoria Beckham, whose insouciant way of rolling up her sleeves makes us want to do the same.
However, whatever your preference, one thing is for certain – finding ‘the white shirt’ is all about the right fit and material, which makes it equivalent to fashion’s holy grail. Here are some ways to style a white shirt, as shown by our favourite stars, that can effortlessly transition into your nine-to-five plans.
For the New-Age Wedding
As your best friend’s wedding approaches, it’s your time to shine as a vital member of the trusted crew. When it comes to stealing the spotlight for all the right reasons, nothing beats the timeless elegance of a simple white shirt. Styling a crisp white shirt with a lehenga strikes the perfect balance between timeless and contemporary. You can elevate the ensemble with a statement necklace or opt for dazzling shoulder grazers paired with a headpiece for added glamour. Take cues from style icons like Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Mahira Khan and Sonam Kapoor for inspiration on how to make this look your own. To inject an extra dose of panache, consider layering with a jacket or cinching the waist with an ornamental belt. And if you’re yearning to showcase your treasured weave, take cues from Komal Pandey. Pairing a traditional saree with a white shirt will instantly add a cool spin to your look, without compromising its innate charm.
Brunch O’Clock
Brunch dates are meant to be comfy, chic and effortless, unlike glamorous dinner plans. This is exactly why a white shirt is perfect for brunches to achieve a relaxed yet stylish look. Pair it with a mini skirt like Kendall Jenner and play with statement accessories. For a summery look, go for linen trousers to ward off the humidity and match them with espadrilles. You can leave it tucked or untucked, with a few buttons undone for that relaxed vibe.
If you’re planning to meet your girlfriends after a workout session, a simple white shirt can seamlessly blend with your athleisure wear. Steal a page from Hailey Bieber’s style diary and layer it over a bralette and shorts, or knot it and team it with a tennis skirt. Accessorise with hand charms or, for a more casual look, opt for a baseball cap.
Office Core
The corporate-core aesthetic is challenging conventional ideas of boardroom fashion by inviting subtle yet impactful modifications. Elevate your professional ensemble by starting with a refined white shirt as your foundation. Enhance this classic piece by pairing it with a waistcoat, then add a dash of personality by styling the button-down of the waistcoat with a scarf, as shown by the fashion influencer Claudya Moreira. This simple tweak instantly sets you apart and ensures you make a lasting impression in the corporate world. Alternatively, opt for sophistication with a twist by pairing the white shirt with a pleated skirt, effortlessly achieving a polished and refined look that commands attention. Whether you choose the waistcoat or the pleated skirt, these unique styling approaches redefine office attire, allowing you to showcase your confidence and individuality while maintaining an air of professionalism.
For a Romantic Evening
When it comes to choosing the perfect outfit for a date night, the simple yet sophisticated white shirt might not be your first choice; but don’t underestimate its allure. The understated elegance of a white shirt holds a unique charm that can effortlessly captivate your date. To elevate your look, consider pairing it with a contrast skort or mini-skirt. This adds excitement to your ensemble and ensures that you shine even in the dimly lit ambiance of a cozy bistro. To ace this look, try layering the shirt over a skirt for a chic and sophisticated look just like Ananya Pandey. If you are looking to master the art of styling the shirt sideways, then turn towards Deepika Padukone for inspiration. Her unconventional approach adds a modern twist to the outfit and immediately puts the wearer in the spotlight.
Remember, the key to styling a white shirt is in the details – experiment with different fabrics, textures, and accessories to create looks that reflect your personal style and the occasion.