Refreshing seemingly plain shirts can breathe new life into the wearer's everyday outfits.
Kendall Jenner is seen strolling into the Revelie Luncheonette restaurant in New York wearing a loose, light blue and white striped shirt paired with tight black shorts - Photo: Vogue
Not chasing trends but always present in every wardrobe, the basic shirt is the most versatile item: it can be used as a light jacket in the seasons, layered underneath, and is suitable for everything from job interviews to outdoor excursions.
Perhaps that's why basic shirts are so frequently featured on the social media pages of fashion influencers.
Here are eight tips to help you elevate the look of a familiar shirt with just a few subtle variations.
Draping the cardigan loosely over her shoulders.
The simplest way that anyone can do it: drape the cardigan over your shoulders. Suitable for both work and leisure, this style will look more sophisticated if you tie it naturally, without being too formal.
The thinner and lighter the cardigan, the more easily it drapes, softening the stiffness of the shirt. This variation is especially useful on days with fluctuating temperatures.
As the temperature changes, you can flexibly put on or take off the cardigan without ruining the overall outfit - Photo: Instagram @accidentalinfluencer
Make a statement with a tie.
On days when you want to dress up more, try adding a tie. In an instant, the overall look will be completely different.
A tie offers a neutral, formal feel. Choosing a color that harmonizes with your trousers will create a more cohesive outfit. Completing the look with a cardigan or leather jacket will make the overall appearance sharper and more polished.
A slim tie gives a modern, elegant feel, while a wide tie evokes a classic, menswear-inspired vibe. - Photo: Instagram @beckybonnie
Layering two shirts
If you want to subtly showcase your sense of style without being overly elaborate, try layering two shirts. It might seem like an unexpected choice, but it creates a very unique effect.
The key is to preserve the natural wrinkles of the fabric: rolling up your sleeves, buttoning your shirt off-center… will help create an impressive overall look, as if you're wearing a stylish outerwear piece.
For those who prefer simplicity, a neutral color palette—white, light blue, beige—can still create a subtle layering effect without being visually overwhelming. (Photo: IMAXtree)
Wear oversized clothes, letting them hang loosely and naturally.
When styling a button-down shirt, the wearer should embrace the "less is more" philosophy (less is more - a minimalist design and lifestyle philosophy). A loose-fitting white shirt is the ideal starting point.
You can wear it loosely and casually with trousers to create a comfortable yet polished office outfit. Complete the look with ankle boots, a suede bag, and a leather jacket – you can easily transition from day to night without making too many changes.
You can tuck in half of your shirt, leave a few top buttons slightly undone, or roll up your sleeves moderately to create a natural yet sophisticated look - Photo: Edward Berthelot
Elegant in a suit
The combination of a shirt and suit is always a safe bet. However, instead of opting for the familiar white shirt, try a pinstripe version paired with a khaki suit.
Adding chunky-soled shoes and a structured bag will create a sophisticated, modern look perfect for the office environment.
To elevate the overall look, pay attention to the contrast between the patterns and colors - Photo: Edward Berthelot
Layering with a turtleneck
One way to master the art of styling is to make the button-down shirt the focal point of the overall look. Pair it with a contrasting turtleneck and layer it with a menswear-inspired blazer.
To complete the look, you can add a touch of American West flair with leather cowboy boots and a stylish belt that's both classic and free-spirited.
A lightweight, fine wool turtleneck paired with a cotton shirt and a structured blazer will look more fashionable without feeling heavy - Photo: 305pics
Wearing it unbuttoned with a tank top.
To wear a white shirt in a way that's both fashionable and comfortable, leave the top buttons undone and layer it with a tank top or white t-shirt underneath. This combination creates a perfect transitional feel, especially when paired with trousers and high-heeled boots.
When the temperature drops, simply adding a trench coat, leather jacket, or wool coat will give you a versatile, easy-to-wear look while still maintaining an elegant appearance.
For a more harmonious overall look, choose a tank top or t-shirt with a moderately fitted silhouette and a soft, smooth material to serve as a base for the shirt worn over it - Photo: Christian Vierig
Staying true to the minimalist black and white color scheme.
There's no better way to express the minimalist spirit than by sticking to a black and white color palette.
Start with a white shirt, paired with black wide-leg trousers, an oversized trench coat, and a light scarf.
Adding a trendy accessory like a tassel necklace will create a sleek yet captivating overall look.
A pair of pointed-toe leather shoes or knee-high boots will help elongate the overall look, while metallic silver or glossy black accessories provide a modern touch - Photo: Moritz Scholz