Sartorial inspiration for the most versatile and timeless wardrobe piece of all time.
Few pieces have stood the test of time quite like the classic white shirt. From Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to Princess Diana and Cindy Crawford, style icons of every decade have always embraced the simplicity of the white button-up shirt. The staple can be worn with jeans, power suits, eveningwear, or even a swimsuit, instantly creating a look that is timeless, elegant, and effortlessly chic no matter what the occasion.
Whether it’s made from crisp cotton or breezy linen, there are endless ways to wear a white shirt. Style it with trousers and a blazer for walking into the board meeting like a boss. Throw it on with blue jeans and sneakers for Sunday brunch with your girlfriends. Roll up the cuffs for a more relaxed fit or dress it up with tuxedo studs for a little bit of added elegance. When you find that perfect tailored fit that’s just the right amount of oversized, a white button-up shirt can serve as the base to virtually any look.
If you need a spark of inspiration for what to wear with a white shirt, look no further than our go-to styles and looks. We’re breaking down seven no-fail outfit ideas that work for the office, date night, and beyond—all of which center around the classic white shirt. Take note...
Classic 9-to-5
There are an endless amount of ways to wear a white shirt for the office, so many variations that you could technically wear the same one all week with an entirely different ensemble each day. One of our favorite go-to style formulas for professionals is the classic White Husband Shirt tucked into our timeless Kiki Pants for a minimal white and black pairing. Simple, but impactful in every way. Personalize the look by adding your favorite style of studs—silver, gold, gunmetal, or rose gold are our favorites for a day at the office.
Relaxed Weekend Off
If you’ve ever posed the question, “can I wear a white button down with jeans?” please know that the answer is always a resounding YES! There is no look quite as modernly elegant as a white button-down shirt paired with blue jeans—it’s the ultimate all-American casual meets sophisticated elegance. Tuck it in or leave it untucked for a more relaxed, undone look. Top it off with your favorite sneakers, loafers, or heels depending on the occasion and add accessories that help make the look more your own.
Jet Set Holiday!
White shirts aren’t just for the board rooms—bring yours along on vacation too and utilize the piece as a swimsuit coverup. Take note from all our favorite style icons, no holiday look is chicer than a white shirt styled over your bathing suit. Add sandals, a sunhat, and a straw tote bag and you’ve got instant glamour for a day in the sun.
Date Night
Take your white shirt out for date night by pairing it with a slinky silk skirt. A white shirt styled with the sleek and silky Cosmopolitan Skirt creates an elevated, but sexy look for dinner, drinks, or even a cocktail party. Add a pair of strappy heels and statement jewelry for a polished finish to the ensemble.
Work From Home Attire
Even if you’re still working remote, a white shirt is the ultimate Zoom meeting essential. Style it with the soft House Trousers, specially designed for taking conference calls from the couch. You’ll look polished and professional while keeping comfy all day long—is there anything more you could ask for?
Day-to-Night Life
Offering up a more playful take, style your white shirt with the Austen Skirt for a look that can take you from the office to happy hour with friends. Professional by day and flirty by night, tucking a white shirt into an A-line skirt creates a look that does it all. Style a blazer over top for meetings to create a chic skirt suit look, and then let a few buttons undone for a night on the town afterwards.
Suit Up
There’s nothing more confidence-inducing than putting on a power suit. Styled with a tailored blazer and slim fit trousers, a white button down shirt serves as the perfect middle-ground to any suit look. Add silver or gold tuxedo studs to elevate the look even further and stand out during all your presentations.
Now that you’ve got the inspiration, all that’s missing is the perfect white shirt. If you haven’t already, meet our all-time bestseller: The Husband Shirt. Worn by CEOs, entrepreneurs, and powerful women all around the world, The Husband Shirt is the ultimate power piece. Tailored with just the right oversized fit, it features elongated cuffs, a classic stitched tuxedo pleat, and the signature MN logo embroidered on the back of the neck. Make it your own with our Husband Shirt Builder—a tool that lets you customize everything from the fabric to the color, studs, and monogram of your choice. The ultimate wardrobe essential just got a lot more personal—and we guarantee it’s one you’ll wear forever.
