Top 10 Ways to Style Classic Shirts For Ladies

The classic shirt is nothing short of a true icon, a wardrobe MVP that has been winning the hearts of fashion icons like Kendall Jenner and young style pioneers such as Zendaya. Whether you’re rocking classic white shirts for a business meeting or experimenting with bold outfits for a quick brunch with the girls, you can hit the streets knowing your outfit is a winner. Since the shirt is such a blank canvas, we have some ideas to help you create some style magic that will keep your look fresh, modern, and oh-so-iconic.

The Appeal of the Classic Women’s Shirt

The classic white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe foundation. Effortless and versatile, it adapts to any mood or moment no matter if you’re going with something casual or professional. There’s an undeniable allure in the simplicity of a classic white shirt. Crisp, clean, and timeless, it speaks elegance without sacrificing comfort.

 Its minimal design makes it the perfect canvas for any look. Whether tucked neatly or worn loose, it transforms your silhouette with quiet confidence. Jeans, slacks, crop tops, or jackets, you name it, a classic shirt can easily go well with it.

What makes the classic white shirt so iconic?

10 Ideas to Style Classic Shirts For Women

Effortless Casual Look

Stepping out in a crisp white shirt paired with your favorite jeans is a timeless fashion statement. And if it isn’t broken, why fix it? This is the ultimate “not trying too hard” look, ideal for a casual brunch with your besties or a quick trip downtown.

In the summer, you can roll up those sleeves and wear your trusty sneakers to complete the ensemble. If you need some more convincing, many icons have rocked this look over the years, from Nicole Kidman to the legendary Marilyn Monroe.

You can’t never go wrong with a classic white shirt look

Office-Ready Professional

Beat your Monday blues with a look that will certainly command attention. Tuck your classic white shirt into a pair of perfectly tailored trousers or a sleek pencil skirt for that polished, no-nonsense look.

Layer on a structured blazer or a cozy cardigan to balance out the modern edge with a hint of sophistication. Keep your accessories subtle, perhaps a delicate pendant or understated earrings, so all eyes stay on your impeccable ensemble. Finish off with elegant heels or loafers, and you are all set to power through your day with confidence and style.

Chic Date Night

When you're off to a dinner date or a classy evening event, switch up your look by pairing your classic white shirt with a sleek skirt or fitted trousers that highlight your silhouette. This outfit can strike the perfect balance between relaxed and formal, perfect for exuding elegance while partying.

To add a little bit of flair to the look, an elegant belt or bold earrings that catch the can easily elevate it to a red-carpet-worthy outfit. In fact, Zendaya has done it at one of the biggest stages of them all, the 2022 Oscars’ red carpet. If you’re looking to take it a step further, try a half-tuck or a cropped classic shirt to really turn some heads.

Weekend Vibes

The best thing about casual weekend looks is that there are no rules, so you can either go with a look that screams relaxed chic or experiment with some unique color combinations.

Pair your classic white shirt with your go-to relaxed-fit or boyfriend jeans, and leave it untucked to keep the vibe casual and effortless—just like a lazy Sunday brunch. Or, if you’re still feeling the 80s vibes, mix your shirt with denim jackets or bell-bottomed jeans.

Step out of your comfort zone with the classic shirt to make a fashion statement

Cool Autumn and Snowy Winter

When the temperatures drop, you will get a chance to embrace the classic white shirt in a different way. Layer it under a chunky knit sweater or a sleek trench coat to keep cozy without sacrificing chic. Think of it as your own personal armor against those crisp autumn mornings and snowy winter evenings.

The shirt peeks out just enough to add a hint of classic sophistication, while the layers create a look that's both warm and stylish. Finish with a statement scarf or your go-to boots, and you're ready to brave the cold in style.

Boho-Chic Look

The bohemian style can be tough to pull off, but you can start by embracing your inner free spirit by tying your classic white shirt at the waist for a playful, cropped look. A flowing maxi skirt or high-waisted shorts can help capture that laid-back, festival-ready vibe reminiscent of your favorite indie stars.

This type of look is specifically amazing for sunny beach days or concert nights. All you have to do is layer on some delicate, layered necklaces and toss on a fringe bag to complete the look.

Street Style Edge

The previous looks all include classic shirts as the only or the inner layer of the outfit. However, sporting a plain white shirt as an outer layer with a fitted top or even a bodysuit is also a good choice, especially if you’re into a more oversized look.

For an urban look that’s as bold as your attitude, pair the ensemble with statement sneakers that shout individuality, and you've got a look that’s ready to hit the city streets with flair. This is also where you can switch up the shirt color and give the likes of black, grey, or even red a test drive and see how they fit into an outfit of yours.

Incorporate other designs of the classic shirt into your everyday looks

Vintage Revival

Now here’s a bit of a deep cut. If you are a big fan of whatever the quirky characters of Wes Anderson have going on, you might love what we have here. With your classic shirt, try stepping back into the groovy '70s by pairing it with a pair of flare jeans. Channel that unmistakable retro vibe—think "That '70s Show" meets modern chic.

If that’s too much on the simpler side, complete the look with vintage sunglasses and a chunky belt to really hammer it home. It’s a playful nod to an era of effortless cool, where every outfit was a fashion statement.

Shirt Dress

It’s a shirt, it’s a dress, it’s both! You can transform your oversized classic white shirt into somewhat of a dress by simply belting it at the waist. This look is the epitome of minimalist cool, effortless yet stylish, subtle but bold. 

Whether you're headed to a casual brunch or a relaxed summer evening, the shirt dress goes perfectly with jean shorts or miniskirts. It can be your go-to look when you want to keep it simple.

Effortlessly Cool for the Beach or Vacation

Lastly, a classic shirt can be an amazing bikini cover as well. Embrace that sun-kissed vibe by wearing your classic white shirt open over your favorite swimsuit or a breezy tank top. Let it hang loose as a cover-up, or tie it into a playful knot at the waist for a flirty twist.

Channel your retro "Baywatch" energy for your vacation then top the whole look off with a pair of strappy sandals and a wide-brimmed hat and you’re all set to soak up the sun in style.

How To Find The Perfect Classic White Shirt?

Finding the best classic shirt for you is all about balancing different elements like fit, design, and fabric. Start by zeroing in on the fit: you want a shirt that drapes gracefully over your body without feeling too tight or too baggy. You can either go for a tailored silhouette or a relaxed, oversized vibe, it depends on which type of look you love to go for.

Next, consider the fabric. A crisp cotton or airy linen works wonders for that clean, effortless feel, while a touch of silk can elevate the look for special occasions. You can also choose sustainable materials to contribute to environmental efforts around the world.

While plain white classic shirts are iconic and timeless, other colors can also work. Aside from the gold standard, subtle variations like delicate stripes or understated prints can add a twist.

Looking to get yourself a classic white shirt  that is sustainably designed and made? SARTORÉE is an Australian sustainable luxury brand for women with an eye for classic elegance. Check out our collection, a modern interpretation of the Classic Shirts with structured collars and signature cuff details, thoughtfully designed to be as versatile as your everyday.