Fashion

6 Ways to Wear a Basic White Shirt

A simple white blouse doesn't have to be the mark of a boring wardrobe. Instead, use it as the anchor for a variety of fun and functional outfits  

By Ali Crane /

A simple white shirt can be the linchpin of your constantly evolving style

The basic white blouse is the Swiss Army Knife of your closet – it’s useful in every situation and an integral piece that can anchor almost any style.

These six different looks for six different occasions are all crafted around the same white sleeveless blouse from H&M. With just one white blouse, you can cleverly put together for work, play, or just lounging around the house.



The Laid-back Weekend Look

It’s a Sunday and you’re relaxing, the last thing you want to do expend energy putting together an outfit.

An easy way to pull things together without much effort is to wear something casual, then find one or two items that pop.

Take your basic tee and jeans and add a splash of colour with a big floral cardigan, perfect for lounging in. The white blouse acts as a blank canvas, and its effortlessness balances out the busy print of the cardigan. Add in a basic black bag, cute sandals and a hat to hide a bad hair day and you’re ready to start the day.

Hat: Forever 21, $16; Cardigan: Zara, $20; Bag: Aldo Shoes, $57; Shoes: Forever 21, $21. Jeans: Zara, $50.



The Music Festival Look

Summer is the season of music festivals, the perfect place to show off your boho-inspired fashion. The white blouse will fit right in and keep you cool in the sun.

Keep the last three buttons on your white top undone and tie the ends into a knot. Slip on your printed maxi-skirt, then add big sunglasses, a fringe bag and big earrings. Enjoy the music and stay comfortable in this free-spirited ensemble.

Hat: Forever 21, $14; Shirt: H&M, $20; Sunglasses: Forever 21, $6; Bag: Aldo Shoes, $52; Shoes: Payless Shoes, $12; Skirt: Top Shop, $100; Earrings: Claires, $9.88.



The Office Look

Look great and feel confident at work with a perfectly polished and professional outfit. The blouse works in this outfit as a clean, crisp and professional base for the rest of the ensemble. Pair it with a black blazer, also a wardrobe essential. With a fun printed skirt that’s not too loud, you can show off your distinctive flair while keeping things work appropriate.

Blazer: Zara, $83; Shirt: H&M, $20; Earrings: Urban Outfitters, $15; Bracelet: Icing, $6.78; Shoes: H&M, $31; Skirt: Top Shop, $83.



The Hanging out with Friends Look

Be a girl’s girl by combining a floral print skirt, cute heels, and a pearl necklace. Wear this on an impromptu lunch date or while shopping with friends. Give the white blouse a preppy feel by tucking it into the skirt and adding the short pearl necklace on top.

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $17; Hairclip: Forever 21, $2.92. Skirt: Top Shop, $36; Shoes: Forever 21, $34; Necklace: Zara, $31; Clutch: Forever 21, $21; Shirt: H&M, $21.



The Party Look

A night on the town is a good reason to have some fun with what you’re wearing. That means bringing out the big statement accessories, like sky-high heels and loud pops of colour.

Dress up the basic white blouse with bold accessories like a studded clutch, a cuff bracelet, and a fringe necklace. The skirt adds a jolt to the outfit with its bold purple/blue colour, so you’ll stand out in the best way possible looking fierce, flirty and fun.

Necklace: Forever 21, $9.18; Bracelet: H&M, $11; Clutch: Forever 21, $29; Shoes: Forever 21, $31; Shirt: H&M, $20; Skirt: Top Shop, $58.



The Urban Look

This street-inspired look is all about being fashionable and functional. Stay on trend by pairing the blouse with a military jacket and fun printed pants that shout “look at me!” The white shirt is simple, so it balances out the rest of the look and keeps the focus on the awesome patterned pants.

Bag: Top Shop, $125. Jacket: Urban Outfitters, $62. Pants: Zara, $37. Shoes: Ardene, $21. Earrings: Ardene, $10. Shirt: H&M, $20.