Trying to put together a white button down outfit? Here is what you need to know about how to wear a white button down shirt! Sharing my favorite white button down, how to style it, and what to avoid for various outfits.
I also have curated cute white button down outfits in this post for you to shop with ease!
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This post was originally published in June 2024 and was updated in February 2026.
Best Women’s White Button Down Shirt
It took me a long time to find the perfect white button down shirt. The Organic Relaxed Oxford Shirt from Quince is my current #1 pick. Unfortunately, the shirt (from Able) I am wearing in the images below has been discontinued. However, The Quince shirt is an excellent alternative. Made of soft, high quality cotton that gets better with each wash!
For a more budget friendly option, this white button down from Target that is surprisingly really nice. The fabric is thinner and stiff when compared to the Quince button down, but for the price it is an excellent option.
If you are looking for a linen blend white button down shirt, I also recommend this linen blend shirt from Quince! It makes for a great summer option.
SHOP: Able oversized shirt (discontinued)
SHOP: Walmart oversized shirt (get restock notification on this one!)
How NOT to Wear a White Button Down Shirt
Honestly, it was difficult for me to put together a list of things to avoid wearing with a white button down. This is a wardrobe staple, in my opinion, therefore there are countless ways to wear it. It is acceptable to wear over a dress, under a thick sweater, with leggings, with jeans. However, here is a short list of how not to wear a white button down shirt:
- with baggy undershirt
- over a thin knit shirt/sweater
- under a cropped jacket/blazer
- with another button down
READ NEXT: New Balance Outfit Ideas
How to Style a Button Down Shirt
As mentioned above, a white button down shirt is a wardrobe staple. It is a closet workhorse that can be worn with nearly anything. From a fancy silk slip skirt, to casual athletic biker shorts, there are countless ways to style a button down.
Here are some style ideas for a white button down shirt:
- White & black striped top, Jeans, and white sandals
- Denim shorts, brown sandals, brown bag
- Gray shorts, white tank, gray sneakers
- Black tank, leggings, black sandals
- Silk slip dress and flats
Women’s White Button Down Shirt Outfits
With seemingly countless ways to style a white button down shirt, here are a few outfit ideas you can easily recreate using items you may already own. All of these outfits were styled by me and utilize pieces I personally wear all the time.
As always, I strive to share realistic and attainable looks I hope you love! There is nothing worse than stumbling across a compilation of outfit inspiration from random influencers you may or may not relate to. It is important to note, these white button down outfits come from a neutral, casual, and slightly elevated wardrobe. I am a busy mom of two and keep comfort, function, and style the focal point of my wardrobe whenever possible.
How to Wear a White Button Down with Jeans
Jeans are an obvious pant option to wear with a white button down shirt. Below I have the shirt styled casually and unbuttoned with destroyed denim and a striped tank top. Also wearing my most worn Reef walking sandal. The second outfit with jeans features my favorite stretchy ankle jeans from Levi’s. Here I styled the shirt tucked in for a polished look and also untucked.
The untucked oversized white button down shirt outfit is trending, every fashionista wears it this way. The millennial in me hates the untucked look with a wide(ish) leg jean. I much prefer untucked with skinny jeans. What do you think?
Shirt // Tank // Jeans (similar) // Sandals // Bag
Shirt // Jeans // Sandals // Bag
How to Wear a Button Down With Shorts
Maybe it is because I wrote this post at the beginning of Summer, but shorts may be my favorite way to style a white button down shirt. Below I have several shorts styles including denim, linen, and utility. Each outfit has it’s own vibe. I would wear the denim shorts and white button down shirt out to lunch or shopping. The linen shorts would be great over a bathing suit on vacation or going to the pool. The utility shorts (another great Walmart find) are something I would wear to the park with my kids or at a get together with family or friends.
Shirt // Tank // Shorts // Shoes (similar)
Shirt // Tank // Shorts // Sandals // Bag
Shirt // Tank // Shorts // Sandals
How to Dress Down a Button Down Shirt
After having my second boy last year, I rarely dress up and have become a pro at dressing down everything I own, including this shirt. Below I am wearing the oversized white button down shirt, black tank top, biker shorts, and rubber sandals. The monochrome base looks chic and is also ideal for all the mom activities. Also, this tote bag is a must have! I was able to snag it on sale for under $50, with the help of special promo sales and other discounts, but absolutely understand the retail price of this thing! It holds so much stuff and is top tier quality!
Shirt // Tank // Shorts // Sandals // Tote Bag
How to Dress Up a White Button Down Shirt
A white button down shirt can be dressed up with a silk slip skirt or over a dress. I love the look of wearing a button down over a maxi dress and tied at the waist!
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