How to Style a White Button Down Shirt: 4 Effortless Looks That Prove It’s Anything but Basic

The white button down shirt is a forever piece—crisp, clean, and endlessly adaptable. But beyond boardrooms and uniforms, it’s also a surprisingly creative styling piece. Whether oversized, tucked, layered, or casually undone, this staple offers the perfect canvas for both minimalist and statement-making outfits. In this guide, we’re breaking down four distinct ways to wear the white button down shirt. From tailored workwear to chic monochrome looks, you’ll find an outfit for every mood and moment.
1. Downtown Uniform: Styling a White Button Down with Black Trousers and Ballet Flats
There’s something undeniably chic about the contrast of a crisp white shirt with tailored black pants—especially when styled with a modern, nonchalant twist. Take inspiration from this look by letting the shirt hang loose and unbuttoned at the hem to show off just a sliver of skin. Paired with classic black trousers and soft ballet flats, the result is effortlessly cool. Add a butter-yellow mini bag and tortoiseshell sunglasses for a touch of polish that still feels laid-back. It’s the kind of outfit that works from a morning coffee run to an afternoon gallery visit.

ANINE BING
Blaine Trouser - Black
$160
$400
ANINE BING
TOTEME
Straight Suit Trouser
$500
FWRD
Saint Laurent
Pleated grain de poudre wool wide-leg pants
$1,600
Net-a-Porter
Chloé
Wool-gabardine flared pants
$894
$1,490
Net-a-Porter
ALIGNE
Darla Linen Trousers
$170
Shopbop
ANINE BING
Carrie Pant - Black Linen Blend
$300
ANINE BING
LOULOU DE SAISON
Sofe cropped wool-twill straight-leg pants
$150
$300
Net-a-Porter
Mugler
Pierced high-rise flared pants
$700
$1,000
Mytheresa
2. Tailored Ease: Pairing a White Button Down with Beige Pleated Trousers and Kitten Heels
If you’re looking for a more refined take, pair your white button down with beige pleated trousers. The relaxed drape of the shirt contrasts beautifully with the polished silhouette of the high-waisted trousers, while a white tank layered underneath keeps the look fresh and modern. Finish it off with delicate black heels and a leather shoulder bag for a clean, elevated ensemble perfect for city strolls or casual client meetings. Add a belt to cinch the waist and enhance the tailored effect.

Purdey
Logo-embroidered cotton-poplin shirt
$435
Net-a-Porter
Courrèges
Embellished cotton-blend poplin shirt
$276
$920
Net-a-Porter
Brunello Cucinelli
Oversized bead-embellished cotton-blend poplin shirt
$998
$1,995
Net-a-Porter
Mango
Slim-fit poplin shirt
$89.99
Mango
Filippa K
Sammy Shirt
$300
Filippa K
KHAITE
Missa oversized cotton-poplin shirt
$440
$880
Net-a-Porter
Gucci
Tie-neck cotton-poplin shirt
$1,250
Net-a-Porter
TOTEME
Embroidered organic cotton-voile shirt
$312
$520
Net-a-Porter
3. Deep Tones, Light Layers: Layering a White Button Down with Burgundy Skirt and a Knit Sweater
A white shirt also makes the perfect layering piece for transitional dressing. Try styling it with a sheer burgundy midi skirt and a soft grey knit sweater, creating a contrast of tones and textures that feels seasonally rich and visually compelling. The white button down adds crisp structure beneath the soft knit, while the deep red tones in the skirt and accessories offer a warm palette. Complete the look with burgundy slingbacks and a matching pouch bag—this is an ideal ensemble for dinners, or days when you want to look put-together but feel cozy.

Camila Coelho
Osiris Maxi Skirt
$70
$178
Revolve
WeWoreWhat
Midi Chiffon Cutout Skirt
$107
$118
Revolve
Mango
Midi satin skirt
$79.99
Mango
Bottega Veneta
Asymmetric wool midi skirt
$1,900
Mytheresa
Alexandre Vauthier
Jersey pencil skirt
$306
$612
Mytheresa
Magda Butrym
Asymmetric ruched jersey midi skirt
$582
$1,455
Net-a-Porter
LISA YANG
Ameline Skirt in Burgundy
$287
$895
Revolve
Saint Laurent
Midi Pencil Skirt
$1,250
FWRD
4. Polished Comfort: Styling a White Button Down with Cream Skirt and Loafers
Channel quiet luxury by pairing your white button down with a cream-colored skirt and classic black loafers. The elongated silhouette of the skirt offers a sleek counterpoint to the relaxed drape of the shirt, especially when layered over a white tank and accessorized with sunglasses and pearls. A slouchy tote in a neutral tone adds practicality without sacrificing style. It’s an elevated outfit that feels both wearable and refined—perfect for brunch dates, creative meetings, or simply feeling chic on the go.

Faithfull The Brand
Baia Midi Skirt
$170
$180
Revolve
KHAITE
Lenno silk and cotton-blend midi skirt
$948
$1,580
Net-a-Porter
TOTEME
Organic cotton-blend bouclé maxi skirt
$300
$600
Net-a-Porter
Mango
Long gathered panel skirt
$89.99
Mango
Helsa
Palmer Knit Skirt
$198
Revolve
Loulou Studio
Atri layered cotton-blend twill midi skirt
$176
$390
Outnet
ALFIE
Valletta Skirt
$420
FWRD
Mango
Textured fitted skirt
$49.99
Mango