The white shirt is a classic item that will never go out of style. Let’s look at how to wear a white shirt in style!
Here are just some of the advantages of a nice white blouse
- It gives you a clean crisp look.
- There’s a style of white shirt to suit any style personality.
- It combines with every other color you have.
- It is a perfect background for your fabulous accessories like jewelry and scarves.
- It is perfect to wear with all the printed trousers that are so fashionable now.
- You can wear them in so many different ways.
– Tuck them in.
– Wear with a belt
– Semi tuck
– Wear them loose over a singlet
– Tie a knot in front
– Wear to the Oscars with a formal long skirt (remember Sharon Stone!). Or wear to Wimbledon tucked into a pleated skirt (Meghan Markle).
The white shirt is one of my 28 wardrobe essentials every woman should own.
I always make sure I have a white shirt in my closet because of its versatility.
If you are still looking for the perfect one, here are 13 different options for you to choose from.
I will continue to show you how stylish 40+ women are wearing their white shirts right now.
Scroll down and you’ll also find ideas on how to wear a white shirt, what to wear with your white shirt as well as a capsule wardrobe featuring 9 outfits.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
A white shirt for work
Whether you’re wearing it to work or not, a crisp white shirt is the perfect addition to your closet.
Wear it to the office, or just wear it with jeans!
![White work shirt | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lafayette-148-New-York-blouse.jpg)
White silk blouse
If you’ve been reading 40+style for a while, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of natural fabrics, particularly silk.
![White silk blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Veronica-Beard-silk-blouse.jpg)
White silk shirt
Here’s another lovely option if you’re looking for a silk shirt style with a more structured collar rather than a silk blouse.
![White silk shirt | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lagence-silk-blouse.jpg)
White see through shirt
If you want to add a bit of subtle sex appeal which is still incredibly classy, you could try a sheer or see-through shirt and add a camisole underneath.
You might want to take a look at this piece on the best camisoles for women over 40.
![White see-through shirt | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Ming-Wang-windowpane-plaid-button-up-shirt.jpg)
Ming Wang windowpane plaid button-up shirt
White long sleeve blouse
Do you prefer a long-sleeved option when it comes to blouses and shirts? Then this classic style could be for you.
You can still give it a more casual look by rolling up the sleeves if you don’t always want to wear them down to your wrist.
This could be a great option to wear with leggings.
Here’s more inspiration on how to wear leggings for women over 40.
![White long sleeve blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eileen-Fisher-jersey-tunic.jpg)
White sleeveless blouse
On the other hand, if you are searching for a white blouse for summer, or your shoulders and arms are part of your body you love, you could show them off with a sleeveless shirt.
![White sleeveless blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Anne-Klein-peter-pan-collar-blouse.jpg)
Anne Klein peter pan collar blouse
White short sleeve blouse
Of course, you don’t have to go long, or totally sleeveless. Sometimes, the middle ground is a good style to choose.
I think this would be lovely with shorts for the summer months.
![White short sleeve blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Eileen-Fisher-linen-blouse-1.jpg)
White sheer blouse
Another option for you if you are looking for a lovely sheer blouse. You can pop a camisole underneath this one and wear with everything from jeans to leather pants to a pencil skirt.
![White sheer blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Equipment-silk-shirt.jpg)
White ruffle blouse
You can see already that there are so many different styles of white shirt that you’re sure to find one that suits your style personality.
For added interest, you could try some ruffles or ruching.
![White ruffle blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ruffletop.jpg)
Bishop + Young ruffle sleeve blouse
White lace blouse
Another fantastic idea if you want to add interest to the white blouse is choosing an option with lace.
Lace is particularly on trend this fall so you could wear with your jeans and booties to take this look into the cooler months.
![White lace blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/laceshirt.jpg)
White chiffon blouse
Chiffon isn’t a type of fabric as such. You can make chiffon from silk, nylon or polyester. Instead it refers to the properties of the fabric.
A chiffon shirt is made from a fine gauze so you’re likely to want to make sure you’re wearing underwear which provides you with some coverage underneath.
![White chiffon blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Kut-from-the-Kloth-blouse.jpg)
womens oversized white shirt
Oversized clothing is particularly on trend right now. But if you do opt for an oversized shirt, make sure that you get the balance right with the rest of your outfit.
For example, you could wear this over skinny jeans, or over a fitted dress. Or you can add some structure by wearing a cropped jacket over your shirt.
![White oversized shirt | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Vince-cotton-shirt.jpg)
White cotton blouse
Another great natural fabric to choose when looking for the perfect white shirt, is cotton.
![White cotton blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Vince-split-neck-blouse.jpg)
There are a few drawbacks to a white shirt as well
Having talked about how essential a white shirt is, and shown you some you could try, it’s only fair to tell you about the drawbacks.
- It can make you look a bit washed out (adding accessories can help with this)
- They get dirty really quickly (Getting the right product for washing can help. Check out these tips on how to wash a white shirt.
How to wear a white shirt – What to wear with it
With those points in mind let’s have a look at some ideas of what to wear with your white shirt and some fabulous examples of women wearing the white blouse in style and some of the best white shirts in stores now.
Tops and jackets to wear with your white shirt
Really, anything goes when it comes to choosing options to wear with your white shirt. The beauty of a white shirt is its versatility.
You can wear any jacket or coat style over it, and you could also choose to add an extra layer with a v-neck sweater or cardigan.
![Outerwears for white tops | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/outerwears-4.jpg)
Halogen single breasted blazer – Halogen moto jacket – BB Dakota belted vest – Halogen cashmere sweater
White shirt and jeans
I always think that a jeans and white shirt look is an absolute classic that you really can’t go wrong with. But, I also love the look of red and white worn together.
![Pants for white tops | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pantsandjeans.jpg)
J Brand crop wide leg jeans – Paige bootcut jeans – Jag Jeans skinny jeans – Halogen ankle pants
Skirts and dresses to wear with your white shirt for women
Again, you can wear any style of skirt with your white shirt. You could choose to tuck it into a fuller skirt or a pencil skirt. Or you could wear your white shirt under your dress for a preppy look.
![Skirts and dress for white tops | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/skirts-and-dresses.jpg)
Ming Wang ruffle hem midi skirt – Halogen a-line skirt – Boden pencil skirt – Boss sheath dress
Shoes and accessories to wear with your white shirt
There’s nothing a white shirt doesn’t go with. But, how about keeping your look monochrome and adding some black.
Or you could add a pop of color or pattern with some red or leopard print.
![Accessories for white tops | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/accessories-4.jpg)
Cole Hann calf hair flat – Converse sneaker – Vince Camuto cutout sandal – AGL slingback pump – Urban Originals satchel – Kate Spade New York crossbody bag – Kendra Scott pendant necklace – Kate Spade New York statement necklace
How to wear a white shirt in many different outfits – a capsule wardrobe
![](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/how-to-wear-white.jpg)
White shirt outfit ideas with Skirts
Here’s some more inspiration for you on what to wear with your white shirt.
![White shirt and printed skirt | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/sylvia-wearing-white-shirt.jpg)
Here’s how I wore my white shirt (above), with my abstract print skirt and silver shoes. You can get a similar shirt here.
![White bell sleeves blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/White-bell-sleeves-blouse.jpg)
Deborah (above) keeps her monochrome outfit interesting through the architectural shape of her shirt, which mirrors the shape created by her skirt. Check this similar bell sleeve blouse.
For more ideas on dressing for this style personality, check out this article on how to dress the architectural style personality.
![White button down blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/White-button-down-top.jpg)
Claudia (above) lets her skirt stand out through the use of a simple white shirt. Get a similar shirt here.
![V-neck lace top | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/V-neck-lace-top.jpg)
Karen (above) opts to pair her shirt with a dressy, tiered skirt. Check out this similar lace v-neck top.
![White plain tee | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/White-plain-tee.jpg)
Venetia (above) adds pops of red to her monochrome outfit. Get a similar scoop neck tee here.
Cute white shirts with pants
A white shirt looks just as beautiful with pants as it does with a skirt. As these images (below) show a white shirt will go with any color pants you happen to have in your closet.
![White ember detail crop blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-embro-detail-top.jpg)
Nina (above) opts for an all-white look with a pop of yellow. Here is a textured white top you can check out for a similar look.
![white rolled up sleeve top | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-rolled-up-sleeve-top.jpg)
Kristen (above) shows how beautifully white goes with khaki. Check out a similar v-neck blouse here.
![White puffed sleeve blouse | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-puffed-sleeve-blouse-1.jpg)
Dora (above) shows off another khaki option, with leopard print sandals. You can get a similar puff sleeve blouse here.
![White ruffle top | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/white-ruffle-top-1.jpg)
Natalie (above) opts for a ruffled shirt worn with jeans and espadrilles for a stylish, casual look. Get a similar white blouse here.
![White cutout long sleeves | 40plusstyle.com](https://40plusstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/whitecutoutlongsleeves.jpg)
Abi (above) wears a sheer lace, white blouse with sandals for a perfect vacation look. Check out this lace top for a similar look.
Check out our article on how to wear a shirtdress.
How do you feel about the white blouse? What are your ideas on how to wear a white shirt?
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Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Thanks for this post Sylvia, I’m a huge white shirt fan, but always struggle with that yellow, dingy ring around the collar. I find the upkeep on them is a pain, but have some tips in a post I wrote about white shirts. Lemon juice and shampoo!
love your blog.
Becca
I own an extra large men Geoffrey Beene white shirt that I wear all the time with jeans, skirts and capris.
…in my opinion there are just a few things more elegant of a white shirt. It goes with almost everything and make you look great!
I bought my very first white shirt last fall – only because Tim Gunn recommends it as a wardrobe staple. I’d never considered it before! So, I bought a very simple, medium quality white shirt. Kendall Farr says there are countless shades of white, and you need to get in natural light to determine if you have one that works with your complexion. A starting point would be to determine if you need a warm or cool shade of white. I was surprised to discover a cool, bright white worked better for me – not what I would have expected! She advises not removing tags until you are 100% sure you’ve purchased the right white shirt for your colouring.
I’ve come to appreciate my white shirt for it’s classic simplicity. I usually wear it with a black skirt, so it is super simple basic look, but feels elegant and understated at the same time.
Funny. I don’t think I have ever not had a white blouse. I like its simplicity and to wear it with one other color.
Here is Singapore though my conventional long sleeved shirt with collar does not get a lot of wear. I miss it. I’m sure I would wear it a lot more with jackets if I lived in a colder climate.
I haven’t worn conventional long-sleeved blouses for some years but have various white tops for summer. White t-shirts are a must have item to wear under cardis and jackets. White is not great next to my face unless I have a tan though.
They are not the perfect color for me either, but I wear them any way…. Conventional white shirts look great with scarves. Perhaps give that a try?
The button down on the model on the left is super gorgeous! I want a pair please.. do you happened to know who made that piece?
GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
Unfortunately I don’t have any info on the blouses featured in the images…
Hi,
I just purchased a cute twin set from Lilla P. It is a great knit tank and cropped knit sweater in white. I also have about 4 really well made white cotton blouses and a couple of off white silk tops. Big collars help to add interest. French cuffs or smart buttons can make a white blouse much more interesting.
Banana Republic has great oxford cloth right now. Good pricing.
I love piling necklaces, scarves… anything.
Yes you can be more creative with jewellery with white. I love big collars too but for some reasons all my current white shirts are now without it.. Thanks for the shopping tip!
One of my basics, I wear them with silk scarves in the summer and under coats the rest of the year.
Yes, they are perfect to combine with scarves!
I am eating my lunch at my desk at work and wearing a white shirt right now! Yes I do like them and would like another one.
Nice that my blog can be your lunch companion Marie!
I love and hate them. I love the look but they are dangerous for my figure. Never fit across the chest. When I wear them tucked in, I become very broad at the top and tiny around the hips. Like a man. So it is quite a hassle to make a white shirt work for me.
I will keep on trying though as I like the crispy look. Especially in summer when I am more tanned.
I have always liked white, but it can be a bit pale against my skin. I’m sure I’d wore them all the time if I was able to wear more jackets…
That’s one of the best basics. I’m a fan of white shirts, I have several, cotton, knitted, sheer , long sleeves, 3/4 etc, etc
Perfect with blue jeans, black pants and skirts, and printed pants
Yes I think so too. It’s perfect for the very popular printed pants now and that’s exactly how I’ve recently worn it!
I like to have a white blouse and several white tee’s on hand for layering. I don’t care for the semi-tucked, just got out of bed look, and I would not wear one unbuttoned down to my naval.
No I think few of us would wear it that far buttoned down. But I did like that photo and if you imagine the blouse a bit more buttoned up with the simplicity of the black and gold jewellery, I think it would be a great look for many women over 40.
Not a fan of the semi-tucked look either. As for the unbuttoned look, it is hard to maintain that crispness through a day but it is wearable with a pale neutral or white under it. Think cami with lace or tank. I love white shirts, I have way too many of them.
Semi-tucked would look sloppy rather than chic if I did it!