How to Style the Best Women’s White Button-Down Shirt

I’m back today with another styling session – this one is all about how to find and style the best women’s white button-down shirt! A few months ago, I shared ideas on how to wear a button-down like a pro. The response from readers was so great that I wanted to dive in even further. While that post covered many different styles and outfit combinations, today I’m honing in on quite possibly the most classic of the bunch: a chic white button-down. Because, let’s face it, not all white tops are created equal, and finding the right one is no easy feat!

In today’s post, I’ll cover different types of these shirts (slinky, gauze, crisp, and more!), my personal favorites, and fresh ideas for how to style a women’s white button-down shirt in 2025.

Finding the Right White Button-Down Shirt

When picturing a white button-down, most of us instinctively imagine a crisp, fitted style. But there are actually a lot of options out there! You can find everything from casual gauze shirts to oversized silhouettes to elongated cuts.

While the variety of options is nice, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. So I wanted to share three of my tried-and-true favorites I reach for over and over again. These button-downs are styles that I own, love, and can confidently recommend!

An Everyday Gauze Button-Down

A loose-fitting gauze button-down is an excellent choice for summer. It’s already hot, hot, hot here in Florida, so I’m always looking to throw on something loose and made from breathable fabric.

While I’ve owned quite a few gauze button-downs in my day, this under-$20 style and this classic gauze shirt have held steady as my favorites. Not only are they timeless and comfortable, but their price points are very hard to beat. Both of these tops look great dressed down with denim shorts and city sandals or dressed up with an unexpected sparkly skirt and flashy shoes.

A Slinky, Sleek Shirt

I’ve been on the hunt to replace my favorite poly button-down – looking for something with a great fit, no sheen, and a slightly longer length. After months of searching, I finally found the ONE! This sleek button-down top is exactly what my wardrobe was missing, and it has quickly become a closet MVP.

One of my favorite purchases from 2024 was this timeless button-down shirt, which I bought in two colors – white and a striped blue. Sadly, this style is now sold out. Lucky for you, I recently found this extra-long poplin shirt, which is very similar and a fraction of the price!

I love playing with length and volume when styling this top. For example, it looks great paired with a mini skirt and the bottom half left unbuttoned for a chic, effortless vibe.

How to Style a Women’s White Button-Down Shirt

Once you find the perfect women’s white button-down shirt, it’s time to put it to work! The great news is that these pieces are essentially blank canvases with endless styling possibilities. On the flip side, I’ve found that sometimes styling such a versatile item can be more daunting than styling something super specific. I can easily get so overwhelmed by the endless outfit possibilities that I end up feeling stuck.

When that happens, I like to go back to a few of my tried-and-true white button-down outfit formulas. These are combinations I can always count on – whether I’m going for a simple everyday look, an editorial vibe, or something in between.

Simple Styling

Let’s start simple! I always find that the trick to wearing versus styling a simple look is choosing the right accessories. And you know what looks great with a white button-down? A trusty pair of denim and classic Chanel flats. Add a chic bag and pile on the jewels to complete the look!

These gold knot earrings, this turquoise necklace, this Dorsey jewelry tennis necklace, and this long chain heart necklace are my current accessories of choice. And yes – I’d wear them all together! I love the layered necklace trend; it adds the perfect amount of fun and interest to an otherwise simple outfit.

I’d also throw on my favorite watch and this under-$40 ring to finish it off. And if you’re looking to add a little extra pop to this easy look, consider a belt, a pair of oversized shades, or a silk scarf tied around your neck!

Casual-Cool Styling

Next up, let’s explore a casual-cool way to wear a women’s white button-down shirt. I recently got this striped skirt, and I love how it looks paired with an oversized button-down and sleek brown sandals.

If you’re feeling extra spicy, try layering the matching top over the shirt for a bold twist! Finish off the look with a minimal, sleek bag – like this Savette bag – to keep things polished and elevated.

Add Some Print

A classic white button-down is practically begging for a bit of print or color. This printed maxi skirt that recently caught my eye would look so chic paired with this sleek button-down and a striped sweater thrown over the shoulders. You could also add this yellow Chanel bag I’ve been eyeing on The RealReal for another pop of color!

P.S. If you love adding fun hues to your summer outfits, be sure to check out my clothing color combination guide! I shared my current favorite shade pairings, along with tips on how to make a colorful outfit flow seamlessly.

Let’s Get Editorial

Whenever I’m looking for inspiration to style something in a completely new way, I think about my friend Chloe King. She has such a fantastic ability to have fun with fashion and dream up totally fresh ways to wear everyday items.

So, if I were going for a unique, editorial spin on a simple white button-down, I’d ask myself, “How would Chloe style this?” For example, you could replace this striped button-down with a crisp white one – what a fab look!

Making the Most of a Simple White Button-Down Shirt

Whether you’re searching for the perfect women’s white button-down shirt to wear this summer or you’re feeling stuck styling one you already own, I hope these ideas have been helpful. The good news? Once you find a shirt you love and get into a styling groove, a classic white button-down can carry you from season to season with endless outfit possibilities!

Looking for more tips and outfit inspiration? Don’t miss my post on How to Wear a Button-Down. And for even more summer style ideas, check out these favorites: