9 ways to wear the classic white shirt

The classic white blouse is a wardrobe staple. If you don't have one, look for one with details that show off your personal style, whether a crisp cotton or a tie-neck collar. Here are some suggestions of how to change up your look with this classic:

1) Pair it with a skirt

This Anthropologie blouse has been in my closet for about 8 years, and my love for it has never waned. The peasant sleeves and the Chinese knot buttons give it a unique look.

The circle skirt paired with it flares at the bottom, but since this shirt cuts close to the body, it doesn't bunch up when tucked into this circle skirt. This creates a seamless line and an hourglass shape.

My jewelry here is understated because I want the shirt's detail and skirt's color to get the most attention.

2) Pair it with slim pants and a jacket

The shirt's button detail still shows when worn under my leather jacket. Shirts like this often get set aside only for the workplace but paired with the leather jacket, it has potential to transition for outside of the office as well. This could be perfect for a work day that will end with happy hour - the outfit works for both settings!

The layering of the jacket and the cranberry ankle pants create a long line; this is a great #styletrick if you want to look tall and thin. (The tan heels also help!)

3) Pair it with slim pants and a sweater

As you can see, I didn't change much here. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to chat about mixing colors briefly. Cranberry and blue are an unexpected combination here, but it works because the richness of the two colors is equitable; neither one overpowers the other one.

This is another great work option, especially if you're like me, always bringing a cardigan to work in case the office's air conditioning is 5 degrees too cold.

4) Pair it with a dress

A typical crisp white button-down will work under a dress if the dress is the right material to hide the lines created by layering the shirt, and if the dress has enough give or stretch to lay seamlessly over the shirt. This dress happens to be a magical dress that hides the Chinese knot buttons, but special embellishments on your shirt may make this a little more difficult.

Even though the shirt has a Mandarin collar, the open collar on the dress makes for a layering effect that still works. Not to mention, the peasant sleeves get some attention worn this way!

5) Pair it with jeans, a blazer and flats

So many women get stuck in a rut with their wardrobes and resort to jeans and a basic top or athleisure for the casual outings of their life: grabbing a couple things from the store, picking the kids up from school, whatever.

But this outfit shows that you can be casual and still look really put together.

A crisp white blouse is an ideal backdrop for the houndstooth and leopard to work together and look really polished. This outfit has a Kate Middleton look to it, right? (She would approve, don't you think?)

6) Pair it with pants, a blazer and heels

This outfit is perfect for an an interview, but it's not too stuffy. Let's talk about why. Each of the pieces here have details that make them unique and fashion-forward, making the wearer (that's me) appear on-trend but sophisticated and professional (if I do say so myself - haha).

The Chinese knot buttons, the length of the pants and the blazer's tuxedo style lapels keep the outfit from being boring.

Unless you are in the fashion industry, you don't want to be remembered for just your interview outfit. But you certainly don't want to be forgotten because you looked or seemed like everyone else. First impressions matter.

7) Pair it with some accessories and jeans

Here, the shirt gets to be the white canvas. I chose some jeans that have been in my life so long that they just conform to my body now. With a simple white shirt and a pair of jeans, the fit matters: if something doesn't fit well, it loses its sophistication and class.

All of the metals here are gold: in the shoes, in the clutch, on the necklace, in the bracelets. The pink tassel necklaces give a subtle pop of color, and the wicker clutch can be the star of the show because it's so unique.

8) Pair it with a cozy sweater and jeans

And now you're ready for the coffee shop or brunch or a poetry reading or whatever your heart desires! For some of you, this may even be work appropriate.

The booties and the sweater make this work staple perfect for the weekend; also, this is more chic than a cozy t-shirt and Ugg boots.

I wore an open-face sweater here, but I often wear white button-down shirts under my crew or v-neck sweater. Anything with a fold-over collar or longer hem is a great layer under sweaters.

9) Pair it with menswear accessories

I'm channeling Annie Hall here, but one of my favorite fashion trends that will never go out of style for women is menswear. My favorite way of doing this myself is with this vest.

Look at this. This outfit is so simple. White shirt. Black pants. Vest. Any vest will do.

Wearing a blazer, a men's tie as a belt or tying a ribbon tied under the shirt collar as a bow tie also play with this menswear trend.

Surely, you have a white collared shirt in your closet. Go put it on and see what combinations you come up. And tell then snap a picture of it and DM me on Instagram or e-mail me to show me!