Ah, the humble button-down shirt. Possibly the most versatile wardrobe staple you can buy, aside from maybe classic blue jeans. What a shirt does that jeans don’t, however, is make any outfit you pair it with look polished. Hands down, a classic shirt is the easiest basic you can buy to elevate your wardrobe, and every good capsule deserves one.
When I say versatile, I mean it. Whether you opt for a crisp poplin, classic Oxford, silk or linen style, there are countless ways to style a shirt. In winter, tuck it in, button it up and layer it under a knit, and in summer, it even works unbuttoned as a beach cover-up. But I think a shirt truly comes into its own in spring. It’s the perfect layer thrown over a ribbed vest and leggings and trainers for a weekend or alone with denim or tailoring for a smart way to combat warmer days. You can even tie it up as an extra layer over your summer dresses to help you get more wear out of them—the options are truly endless.
A classic white shirt like this is a wardrobe staple.
Sometimes, though, it’s easy to get into the habit of wearing your shirts with the same outfits every time. I know I’m certainly guilty of turning to my go-to shirt-and-jeans pairings on busy mornings. So I thought I’d start saving some of the best shirt outfits I come across while scrolling in order to unlock some more exciting combinations that feel particularly fresh for right now.
I’ve pulled together some recent winning looks below that I think you're going to love and shopped them out with my tried-and-tested *perfect* shirt recommendations. So whether you’ve been looking for that ultimate white shirt, a springy bright one or a classic linen style, or you’re simply looking for inspiration on how to style the shirts you already own for spring and beyond, keep scrolling to see eight fresh ideas.
1. Half-Tucked
Harriet shows us how the simple half-tuck styling trick can elevate a classic outfit.
2. Over Leggings
The easiest way to dress up your favourite low-key leggings? Throw on an unbuttoned shirt.
3. Unbuttoned With a Vest and Wide-Leg Trousers
Linen shirts are a summer saviour. Fashion people are wearing them open over a ribbed vest and wide-leg trousers this season.
4. As a Cover-Up Over a Dress
Don't just wear your shirts to the office. They make the perfect holiday cover-ups as well, or they even work thrown over a dress for brunch in the city. Tie it at the waist for another cute look.
5. Tucked Into Tailored Trousers
For a failsafe polished look, tuck your favourite style into tailored trousers, and add chic accessories. Short sleeves offer a nice spring twist on this classic.
6. With Blue Jeans and Stripes
On mornings when you don't know what to wear or need a little confidence boost from knowing your outfit is spot-on, pair a classic white shirt with blue jeans, ballet flats and a striped knit thrown over your shoulders. Effortless.
7. As a Co-Ord
Shirting co-ords are really taking off this year and for good reason. They offer a smart yet relaxed all-in-one outfit.
8. Tied Up With a Slip Skirt
Get creative and knot your shirt at the waist over a silky slip skirt for a different silhouette that makes it looks like you've put much more effort into your outfit than you actually have.
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