Even if you don’t work in an office, you may own the classic white button up. I had a few over the twelve years that I was in the work force; but I made sure to get a really great fitting one after that was all over. Not just in case I went back; but it was a great wardrobe staple!
THE CLASSIC WAY
Of course a nice crisp white button up looks super sharp AND professional under any blazer (my favorites are black and navy, BIG SURPRISE, I’m sure!) I actually love how wearing this crisp white button up (from Banana Republic) under this more casual boyfriend blazer from Zara, and letting the sleeve lengths vary shows my style is just a little edgy. (Find ways to wear things that allow the details to show off YOUR Method to Style.)
LAYER IT
This was a total afterthought with this dress; but I love it for two reasons. One, it levels up the very casual plaid dress. It’s short sleeved and is ALL pattern, so breaking that up with this top, is another fun way to style this white button up. It just levels up the everyday dress and gives a little more coverage (depending on the time of year, or occasion). I wore this during Ramadan in Dubai, which requires a much more modest wardrobe in public, yet felt like a look I would definitely embrace again!
LAYER OVER IT
Add a classic white button up UNDER something unexpected, like an off the shoulder light knit sweater! I’ll be honest, I was inspired to try this look after one of my favorite looks that Anne Hathaway wore in The Devil Wears Prada! That’s some of the best ways to find a new look in your closet, really….get inspired from looks you see on the big screen, in magazines or online. I think you might be pleasantly surprised with what you can come up with!
Image copied from Google Search – HollywoodReporter.com
STATEMENT ALL ON IT’S OWN
Then there is this look…..all on it’s own. Rockin’ the crisp collar, unbuttoned to a V, tucked into a great and also classic pair of black trousers (these ones are personal favorites because the added black leather trim on the waist and just inside the pockets. Again…special details to set them apart!)
THE OTHER STUFF
I love pairing a necklace with an outfit that matches the neckline of the top. Looks complimentary and fills the space nicely; but you can also wear multiple delicates if you aren’t into big chunky accessories.
A fun patterned or sparkly shoe always adds a little personality and flair to your look. Don’t be afraid to be bold, it’s just a shoe after all.
Pop of color with a bag, if you happen to have one on hand, is always fun; but going classic and neutral looks super polished as well.
ONE MORE THING
A woman’s classic white button up shirt will be cut and designed much different than a man’s. The movies always show women walking around the “morning after” in the man’s shirt; but that’s pretty much where the place for that ends.
Men’s shirts, even the slim cut, are built much different, and EVEN IF you are well endowed, and have a large chest to style around, I encourage you to stay in the ladies section. This is where a tailor can be your best friend! In the store, fit your chest, then have the tailor take it in on the sides, with darts like you see above on this blouse, to appreciate your womanly curves and fit comfortably and correctly!
Happy Styling friends! xo Taryn