When it comes to wardrobe staples, nothing rivals the versatility of a white shirt. Whether you're dressing up for an event or heading out for coffee, a crisp white shirt is the ultimate blank canvas. At Wrenby's, our signature linen and cotton shirts are designed for comfort, elegance, and year-round wear.
Here are 10 inspired ways to style a white shirt, including chic ideas for those sheer or semi-transparent styles.
1. Tucked into High-Waisted Trousers
A classic combo that never fails. Pair your white shirt with high-waisted trousers—think beige linen, wide-leg cotton, or tailored wool. Tuck in the shirt neatly and add a slim belt to emphasise your waist. Perfect for both the office and brunch.
Style Tip: Roll the sleeves to elbow height and layer with minimal gold jewellery.
2. Layered Under a Slip Dress
Bring a feminine twist by layering your white shirt under a silk or linen slip dress. This adds dimension to your outfit and lets you wear dresses during cooler months.
Best For: Lightweight or sheer white shirts with a soft drape.
3. Worn Open Over a Tank or Crop Top
Treat your white shirt as a lightweight overshirt. Wear it open over a tank top or bralette with high-waisted jeans or shorts for a laid-back, vacation-ready look.
Style Upgrade: Try tying the shirt ends into a knot at the waist.
4. With Tailored Shorts & Loafers
This polished-meets-casual look is ideal for spring and summer. A crisp white shirt paired with tailored shorts and loafers gives a sophisticated city vibe.
Add-On: Slip on a blazer for an elevated edge.
5. Knotted Over a Dress
Don’t just wear a shirt under a dress—tie it over one! This works wonderfully over midi dresses, cinching your waist and adding texture.
Pair With: Linen shirt + floral dress = warm-weather perfection.
6. Under a Structured Blazer
For a professional setting or evening look, layer your white shirt under a blazer. Keep it buttoned up or leave the top few undone for a relaxed contrast.
Choose: A slightly sheer or draping fabric to soften structured silhouettes.
7. With Denim and Statement Accessories
You can never go wrong with jeans and a white shirt. Add bold earrings, a woven bag, or printed scarf to bring personality to the simplicity.
Try This: French tuck the front into high-rise jeans and leave the back loose.
8. Half-Tucked into a Midi Skirt
Balance femininity and edge with a flowing or pleated midi skirt. Tuck in just one side of the shirt to give it an effortless, asymmetrical vibe.
Finish With: White sneakers or leather sandals for contrast.
9. Buttoned All the Way Up with a Statement Collar
Create a fashion-forward look by fully buttoning your white shirt and adding a bold accessory—like a detachable collar, a silk necktie, or a chunky necklace.
This Works Well With: Sheer shirts with structured collars.
10. Styled Transparently—The Right Way
Sheer or semi-transparent white shirts are breezy, beautiful, and perfect for summer—but they can be tricky to style confidently. Here’s how to wear them with elegance:
How to Style Sheer or See-Through White Shirts:
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Underpinning is key: Pair with a nude or white camisole, bralette, or bodysuit that complements your skin tone.
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Layer smartly: Try a tailored blazer or lightweight knit over your shirt for structure and coverage.
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Monochrome layering: Layer a sheer shirt over a white tank for a seamless, tone-on-tone aesthetic.
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Belt it: Add a belt to define the waist and anchor the lightness of the look.
Sheer doesn’t have to mean revealing—it’s about balancing lightness with layering and intentional styling.
Final Thoughts
The white shirt is the definition of timeless. At Wrenby's, we believe it’s also a tool for self-expression. Whether it’s sheer and breezy or crisp and tailored, let your white shirt carry you from weekday to weekend with ease.
Ready to style yours?
Explore our Women's section for ideas and inspiration.
Further Reading
How to create a timeless capsule wardrobe?
How to style linen shirts every season?