How to Wear a White Dress Shirt for Spring

by Anna Villaruel
(Seoul, South Korea)

April 11, 2012: If you want to take your white dress shirt beyond professional office work attire and away from its reputation of being too plain - then combining it with your casual everyday clothes is essential!

Product info: Buy the shirt at Old Navy
I know that many of you associate a white dress shirt with professional office work attire. A tailored shirt completes the look of a pencil skirt and dress pant, and it’s crisp, clean and structured - which is perfect for the classy career woman... But a dress shirt is so much more than that!

If you have a Classy or Trendy clothing personality, you’ll appreciate the shirt’s flexibility while maintaining its sophistication. By creating a juxtaposition of classy and trendy you’ll witness the true art of chic outfit styling! And it’ll multiply your outfits

Let's look at how you can achieve a chic and feminine look with a plain dress shirt:

Trendy Skirt

A skirt completely changes the mood of the dress shirt. You’ll adore the feminine look a skirt gives! Tuck it in and wrap a belt or wear it loose and casual. Adding a pair of high heels is essential – try wedge or gladiator sandals.

Play it up with pearl earrings and/or a statement ring. Complete the outfit with a blazer.


Product info: Black skirt - Red tail hem skirt - Print skirt

Skirt ideas:

Tail hem skirt, floral skirt, denim skirt, khaki cargo skirt, slim midi skirt, pleated skirt

Denim Jeans

Wearing the shirt with jeans is a great way to polish up the denim look. Add a pop of color with a pair of colored jeans – try bright red or coral, or a sweet mint or pink denim color. Class it up a notch with a skinny belt wrapped around the waist and a pair of pumps.

Finish off the outfit with a casual jacket (leather jacket or safari jacket).


Product info: Pink jeans - Blue jeans - Coral shorts

Denim ideas:

Colored jeans, denim shorts, dark blue skinny or wide leg jeans, white jeans (but make sure to mix and match with colors and/or interesting accessories. If you prefer it clean and simple, combine the shirt with other garments and accessories in similar value of shade (for example - nude, beige, light grey, pastels, etc.)

Pretty Dress

Take the white dress shirt and throw it on a flirty, romantic dress – wrap a skinny belt around the waist or wear it completely open. Balance out the crisp look of the shirt and the girly floral print with a pair of trendy sandals.


Product info: Yellow ruffle dress - Blue dress - Black wrap dress
If you want to maintain a simple and classy look - try a wrap dress. The layering adds a different twist to it!


What do you think - are white dress shirts for professional office work wear only? How would you wear a white dress shirt?



Additional fashion advice:

• Guide to Womens Dress Shirts
• How to Buy a Dress Shirt
• How to Look Chic & Feminine in a Dress Shirt