How to Wear a Long Shirt

Co-authored by Alison Deyette and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Whether you’re looking to style an oversized shirt, a button-down, or a long top, there are lots of different ways to wear long shirts with pieces already in your wardrobe. You can dress them up, keep them casual, or anything in between! Try out a few different styles with the pieces in your closet to look great every time you walk out the door.

Method 1

Method 1 of 11:
Balance out a long shirt with tight bottoms.

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This everyday outfit is easy to wear almost anywhere. Leggings, skinny jeans, or fitted trousers all look great paired with a longer shirt.^{[1]
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- You can dress up your look with heels and a nice handbag, or keep it casual with sneakers and a small backpack.
- Try plain bottoms for a more cohesive look, or mix it up with a fun pattern.
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Method 2

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Dress up with a fitted skirt.

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You can wear this polished look to a more formal event. Try tucking your shirt into your skirt and letting it billow around your waist a little, or just tuck the front to show off your waist.^{[2]
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- Pick skirts that hit about mid-thigh to complement this look.
- You can pair this outfit with some heeled booties and a small handbag before heading out.

Method 3

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Go for a casual look with denim shorts.

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Hot summer days might require a pair of shorts. Try some boyfriend jean shorts or distressed jean shorts to look fabulous while feeling comfortable.^{[3]
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- Keep your outfit casual with a pair of sneakers or glam it up with some booties.
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Method 4

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Try your shirt as a dress for a casual, flirty look.

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You can hang out with friends or head out to brunch in this outfit. Make sure the shirt hits at least mid-thigh, and throw on some biker shorts if you’re worried about showing too much.^{[4]
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- Slip on a pair of sneakers or flats to complete your look.
- You can dress it up with a few pieces of jewelry or a wide-brimmed hat.

Method 5

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Add layers to create depth in your look.

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As a bonus, layers can keep you warm in the fall or winter. Wear a long cardigan or a vest on top of your shirt, or put your shirt on top of a short dress.^{[5]
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- You could also try layering a crop top or tank top on top of your shirt.
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Method 6

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Contrast your long shirt with fitted outerwear.

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This will help define your figure in any outfit. Fitted jackets, blazers, and windbreakers all look great over a long shirt.^{[6]
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- If you’re out and about, try tying your jacket around your waist for a cool and casual outfit.
- Try a fashion-forward look by throwing on a fitted sweater vest.

Method 7

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Tuck in your shirt for a more creative look.

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This can work with tons of different outfits and styles. Tuck the front of your shirt into your waistband and let the rest flow out over your hips and backside.^{[7]
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- You could also experiment with tucking in just the right or left side of your shirt.
- If tucking feels a little bulky or awkward, try gathering the excess fabric and tying a knot with it to define your waist.
EXPERT TIP

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist
Alison Deyette is a Style Expert and TV Host with over 20 years of experience in fashion, style, and television. She has styled and directed photoshoots around the world for a variety of magazines, including Good Housekeeping, People StyleWatch, and Mode. Alison was also named one of the top stylists in Los Angeles by Variety magazine.

Alison Deyette
Professional Stylist

Do a half tuck for the perfect combination of polished and casual. Alison Deyette, style expert, advises: "When you want to appear taller and slimmer when wearing a long shirt, try the French Tuck (also called the half tuck). Slightly tuck a portion of your shirt into your pants or skirt in the front while leaving the back loose. It‘s all about the artful drape of the shirt in the front. This simple technique gives off a laid-back, yet still polished look to an outfit."

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Method 8

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Shrug your shirt off your shoulders for a relaxed vibe.

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You can make any outfit more glamorous with this simple trick. Pull the shirt sleeves down to expose one or both of your shoulders.^{[8]
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- This is a great look to try with shirts that have wide necks.
- You can also do this with an oversized button-down. Just leave the top 2 to 3 buttons undone to create a wide neckline.

Method 9

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Add a thin belt to define your waist.

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If you’re feeling lost in the fabric of your outfit, fix it with a belt. Tie it around your natural waistline to make your long shirt feel a little more stylized.^{[9]
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- Thin, skinny belts look great with any outfit, while thick ones can draw attention to a more glamorous look.
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Method 10

Method 10 of 11:
Wear high heels to make your legs look longer.

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Long shirts have a tendency to make you look shorter. Throw on a pair of heels to elongate your entire body and extend your legs.^{[10]
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- Heels with pointed toes will do even more to streamline your look.
- Don’t wear heels if you don’t feel comfortable in them! Fashion “rules” are all just guidelines, and your comfort should be your top priority.

Method 11

Method 11 of 11:
Keep your look casual with flats.

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You can easily dress down a long shirt with the right footwear. Sneakers, running shoes, ballet flats, or mules all look great with pretty much any outfit.^{[11]
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- Try to stay away from flip flops. These shoes might dress down your outfit a little too much and make it look less intentionally styled.
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