How to Style a White Blouse

Co-authored by Kyle Hall

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

The classic white blouse might be the most versatile piece in your closet. Whether you want to look classy, casual, or anywhere in between, there are endless possibilities for wearing a white blouse. We’ve compiled some of the best outfits to wear with a white blouse, from the elegant to the everyday.

Method 1

Method 1 of 13:
Stick to black and white.

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Look classic, elegant, and professional by opting for a black-and-white palette. You may rock black stilettos or you may be a white leather sneakers devotee—either way, the black-and-white look has got you covered for a sophisticated outfit.
- Grab a black clutch and heels for a chic night out.^{[1]
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- Try a sleek low bun to keep the elegant look going, or add some casual contrast with beachy waves.^{[2]
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- Black skinnies paired with an untucked shirt are a great casual look.
- Try this look: a white shirt tucked into relaxed black trousers, paired with a black belt, black shoulder clutch with gold hardware, and glossy heels to walk into the office like you’re the boss.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 13:
Wear a neutral blazer and matching trousers.

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This ready-for-work outfit brightens up the traditional suit for spring and summer. Black blazers are classic, but sometimes you want to change it up!
- If you go for a white-on-white outfit, accessorize with your favorite layered necklaces to keep it interesting.^{[3]
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- Try a beige or light grey blazer.
- Don’t be afraid to go full neutral. Add the matching beige or grey pants!^{[4]
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- Try this look: a camel-colored longline blazer, a crisp white shirt tucked into camel-colored ankle-length trousers, white leather shoes or your favorite flats, and a red handbag to get business done.

Method 3

Method 3 of 13:
Put a turtleneck underneath.

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If you’re feeling cool, or if the weather’s getting cooler, try this outfit. With this super chic pairing, you can dress it up for work with traditional trousers or dress it down with denim and leggings.
- Accessorize with hoop earrings and sunglasses for that ultra cool aura.
- Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a black turtleneck.^{[5]
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- Striped turtlenecks or solid colors add pizzazz to your white blouse and create a polished, ready-for-work look.^{[6]
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- Try this look: a white shirt unbuttoned to show your black turtleneck underneath, burgundy corduroy wide-legged pants, chunky platform boots, and a structured, boxy leather handbag to look stylish around the city.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 13:
Layer with a sweater.

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White shirts can elevate any sweater. Opt for a cable knit sweater for a preppy look or a cashmere sweater for a 9-5 or dressier look.
- Pull out the sleeves and let them show!
- For a collared shirt with a round collar, or for a more modern look, button your shirt to the top and let the sweater sit slightly over the collar instead of pulling it out.^{[7]
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- Opt for thicker or oversize sweaters to avoid seeing awkward fabric bulk when you layer.
- Tie the sweater around your neck to change up your silhouette. This works best with structured sweaters.^{[8]
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- Try this look: an ivory fisherman sweater over your white shirt with blue denim jeans and chelsea boots for trudging around the bluffs and the countryside.

Method 5

Method 5 of 13:
Go retro with a wide-leg trouser.

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Wide-leg pants bring vintage elegance to any outfit. The pants you choose will make this style either dressier or casual.^{[9]
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- Corduroy, leather, patterned, or crushed velvet pants are certainly more casual. For work, opt for neutral colors, pleated pants, and materials like wool, cotton, or polyester blends.
- Because the pants lend a looser silhouette to the bottom, we recommend tucking in your shirt to give definition to the outfit.
- Go monochrome with lighter, neutral pants for an airy look. Linen pants are a great option for casual days in the summer.^{[10]
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- Try this look: a light-colored headwrap or headband, a white shirt knotted at the bottom with rolled sleeves, flowy patterned wide leg pants, sandals, and a slouchy bag for a boho festival vibe.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 13:
Style it off-the-shoulder.

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Want to look super cute for a party or night out? Unbutton the shirt enough to let it hang off both your shoulders.^{[11]
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- Tuck your bra straps under or opt for a bandeau or strapless bra. You could also go for a colorful bralette and let some lace peek out from the neckline.
- Tie the bottom into a knot to show a little more skin.
- Try this look: a white shirt worn off-the-shoulder, a statement necklace, black leather leggings, a clutch, and your favorite nude or animal-print heels to flaunt your feminine side at the club.

Method 7

Method 7 of 13:
Wear it with a skirt.

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For the warmer months, this is a great option. Depending on the skirt you choose, you can look either interview-ready or vacation-ready. Maxi and midi skirts are more relaxed takes on this traditional pairing, but you can also go for the professional A-line or pencil skirt, too.
- Tuck your shirt into a pleated midi skirt to mix structure with a breezy silhouette.^{[12]
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- If you’re wearing a button-down blouse, you can tie the ends when you pair it with your skirt for a perfect farmer’s market or vacation look.^{[13]
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- Pair this outfit with heels for a more formal look, or choose sneakers and sandals to stay casual.
- Chunky heeled boots will give this feminine look an edge.^{[14]
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- Try this look: a white shirt tied at the bottom with loosely rolled sleeves, a pastel midi skirt, strappy earth-toned sandals, and a straw bag to complement the soft style of the outfit.^{[15]
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Method 8

Method 8 of 13:
Cuff your sleeves for a casual look.

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How you wear the shirt itself can transform your outfit. Are you feeling preppy, chic, bohemian, or ready for the weekend?
- For a more professional look, cuff cleanly or leave the cuffs buttoned.
- Cuff the sleeves once for a more relaxed look.
- Rolling the cuffs instead of folding them will create a softer, more bohemian vibe.
- When cuffs sit higher up on your arms, they can make an unflattering horizontal line across your torso, so let them sit lower for a more flattering silhouette!^{[16]
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- Try this look: a white shirt with rolled up sleeves, chunky, layered gold necklaces, olive chinos, and brown leather sandals for your next lunch date.

Method 9

Method 9 of 13:
Let your white shirt shine under a dress.

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This outfit is flirty and fun for a night out or casual afternoon. You can also throw an oversized dress and other layers over the shirt!
- Choose a blazer dress for a slightly elevated, playful look.^{[17]
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- Pair your shirt with an oversized dress or jacket, plus a wide belt for shape.^{[18]
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- Spice it up with a silk or lace slip under your white shirt.^{[19]
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- Try this look: a plaid dress over your white shirt, lace-up black boots, and a gold watch or bracelets for a spring-to-summer transition outfit with a bit of punk flair.^{[20]
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Method 10

Method 10 of 13:
Untuck it and pair it with form-fitting bottoms.

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Letting your shirt billow out gives a relaxed vibe. Wear this look with form-fitting bottoms to add contrast to your silhouette.
- Take the untucked shirt/skinny jeans combo to the next level by wearing brogues or Oxfords for a menswear-inspired look.^{[21]
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- For a tried-and-true pairing, opt for leggings and sneakers.
- Try this look: an untucked white shirt, skinny jeans, with brogues or Oxfords for a menswear-inspired look to give an aura of casual tomboy ease as you bop around town.

Method 11

Method 11 of 13:
Add shape with a cropped sweater or corset.

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Get a little more edgy with an added layer. A corset or cropped sweater looks super cute over the top of your white blouse and it adds a bit of sass to mix up a traditional shirt.
- Choose a sweater-knit corset for more comfort.
- Try this look: a baggy white shirt with a cropped black sweater corset over it, flared black pants, black stilettos, and a delicate necklace for a grunge-meets-chic outfit.^{[22]
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Method 12

Method 12 of 13:
Pair it with blue denim.

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This look is effortless for classic casual style. Pair your white shirt with your favorite denim pieces.
- Tuck your shirt into high waisted jeans of your preferred wash. Darker washes give a little more edge, and lighter washes give a softer look.
- Throw your favorite overalls over your white blouse.
- Remember classic doesn’t have to mean boring! Spice up your outfit with accessories like a colorful scarf, bold heels, or your favorite statement earrings.^{[23]
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- Try this look: a white shirt slightly unbuttoned, distressed blue denim jeans, light brown mules or flats, and a wide leather tote bag for running those errands in style.

Method 13

Method 13 of 13:
Throw on your shorts.

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For an easy off-duty outfit, pair your white shirt with shorts. Any shorts will do!
- Patterned shorts add excitement to the basic white blouse.^{[24]
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- Throw on jean shorts and your favorite sandals or sneakers for an easy afternoon outfit.^{[25]
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- Knot your shirt for a more summery look.
- Try this look: a straw hat, your white shirt rolled and unbuttoned, high-waisted denim cutoff shorts, a wide leather belt, a canvas tote, and sandals to take it easy and bask in the sun.
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