We all know that a white blouse is an absolute wardrobe staple to have year round. Every woman should have one in her closet. It is so easy to go from casual to dressy, from a work look to a weekend look, and everything in between. Today I combined the ever-classic white blouse with other staple wardrobe pieces to create a chic and versatile look. I gave you options to style this look at a higher price point versus a lower, more affordable price point. That way you can splurge and save wherever it works best for your budget. Click the image above to shop or keep scrolling for more options.
How to Style a White Button Down Blouse | High vs. Low
A question I often hear is what is the difference between a button up and button down shirt. So, what’s the difference? A button-up shirt is any shirt that buttons up the front, while a button-down shirt has small buttons that secure the collar. The terms are often used interchangeably, but now you know! I own both styles, so it just depends on the brand, fit, and fabric moreso than if it is button up or down.
Let’s start with the white blouse. This button down cotton blouse is really beautiful and high quality. For a less expensive option, this poplin button-up shirt is a great choice that’s still well-made. Pair the blouse with a stylish pair of chocolate brown jeans, like these Favorite Daughter high rise wide leg jeans or these high-waisted wide leg jeans for an option on sale for under $30. It’s the perfect color combo for fall!
A color combo I love for fall is black and chocolate brown. As long as the shades you use are true black and a rich brown, this combo is always chic! For an elevated look, I love to pair a white blouse and brown jeans with some chic black slingbacks. These Saint Laurent slingback pumps are gorgeous and are a must-have wardrobe piece. For a very similar pair at a lower price point, check out these slingback pumps.
You’ll also want a black handbag to match your shoes. This Khaite black leather shoulder bag is the chicest everyday bag that you can wear to elevate your look. This handbag is an equally as chic and similar option for only $35. Now all you need is a chic pair of designer rectangular sunglasses, gold knotted stud earrings and a designer belt. For more affordable options, check out these sunglasses, knot stud earrings and belt. Complete your look with the perfect shade of lipstick and you will have the ultimate elevated fall style.
How do you like to style your white button down blouse? Check out more fall styles HERE.
Have a great weekend! See you back here on Monday.
xoxo – Tanya
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Tags: high vs. low, white blouse
A sweater can be wore 4 different ways.
Love this post!! One item that is great to work 4 different ways is a light silky type scarf (not a big heavy one meant for warmth)!! With those types of scarves in pretty colors/patterns, they can be used as:
– a scarf
– a belt
– as a hair accessory – either tied around the base of a bun, or a ponytail.
– tied to a handbag as an accent
Denim jean jacket. With white jeans, black slacks, a black sheath dress, a flowery summer dress. Pretty much anything in the closet.
Thank you for this reminder about a white button down! I love to use a belted in look with mine…just adds a nice touch with black slacks and heels. Appreciate your many tips…..
A Classic White Shirt!!
Grey sleeveless dressy top. Can wear it with white shorts or jeans, or a denim jacket on the weekend or a floral kimono or a cardigan for work.
A stable in my closet is the black
pencil skirt. It can be dressed up or down. Great piece to include in our closet.
My black Theory blazer was a great investment. I wear to work with the matching Demitria pants; I wear it with blue jeans for a casual, chic date night with my husband; With white jeans and a silk cami for girls night out; and with a pencil skirt for a power meeting.
The always versatile short caftan! I have a new one in colors of blue, black and white, and great mulrpti patterns of leopard and bold swirls. I have worn it for 5 days straight with different outfits for 5 very different occasions.
Enjoy your blog!
I have a duster from Maura’s. I’ve worn it over white shorts, Jean’s and buttoned it up and worn it as a dress.
I have a dress shirt and a jacket that I have used several ways. I love clothing that can be used it multiple ways.
My go to for a multiple option piece of clothing is my black pants. I can dress them up with a gold/cream blouse, for girls night out with a red tank under the ever popular white blouse, throw a black t shirt and black blazer and I am ready for a day of meetings or pair it with a solid color tank and coordinating long cardigan and I am ready for church followed by brunch with the family. Enjoyed reading other reader comments on their go to piece. Gives me lots of ideas.
Love this blog post! The most versatile piece in my wardrobe is a light weight black cardigan
I always make sure to pack it when I travel looks great with jeans or shorts over a basic tee, sleeveless dresses, with Joggers or yoga pants for casual travel and best of all as a robe if the hubs decides we must sleep in a freezing cold hotel room!
Have a blessed weekend
I love a black cashmere turtleneck sweater:
1. With a pencil skirt for the classic win
2. With black slacks and bow flats to channel Audrey Hepburn
3. With red pants – hello holidays!
4. With jeans…I prefer the first three but this look will work on a busy errand day!
A great pair of black leggings or skinny jeans ‘jeggings’ is my go to and can be dressed up or down in so many ways! Thanks for all your hard work Tanya! Your fabulous finds make it so easy for the rest of us to stay looking chic and well styled!
My muted blue leopard silk “poet “ shirt has proven itself very versatile!
With leggings, dressy jeans, black slacks or skirt!!!
I have a shorter length red linen dress that I wear many different ways. It is sleeveless and just alone with sandals is cute. Sometimes I add a tie at the waist sweater, a pair of leggings or a loose belt with tassels. I have been surprised how much I have worn it, it still looks new and it was really inexpensive when I bought it.
A white button down shirt is the one piece I find the most versatile. Dress it up or down, sleeves rolled or buttoned, with a blazer or jean jacket, no matter the season it can be utilized.
Love all the ways you have styled this! I always come to your blog when I’m looking for inspiration because you have such a classic sense of style.
I can style a black blazer many different ways. Over dresses, jeans, pants or skirts. Have a wonderful weekend!
A white linen tee is very versatile and can be dressed up or down with jewelry and scarves.
A black cotton blazer is a must have for every woman. The obvious outfit would be a work outfit, pencil skirt, chiffon blouse and a great pair of pumps. However, switch the blouse for a satin cami, throw a pair of jeans and some cute flats or sandals for a lunch date or to go shopping. Go all out with a lace bralette or maybe a fitted crop top with some bling, switch the pants for a cute pair of white shorts or a leather mini skirt and some fire red pumps or boots for a night out with the girls. No matter the situation, a cute blazer is always a great staple to pull an ordinary outfit together.
I have a lightweight blouse that I can work at least 4 different ways.
A large beautifully printed scarf can be used multiple ways… top, skirt, beach cover up, cool evening wrap over your outfit and as a scarf… Love this post you have put together…. and I could seriously use neck cream ! Have a wonderful day!
My Vince Leopard Blouse! Purchased some 5 years ago, I pair it with all my basic trousers, skirts and jeans. It travels perfectly, is a year-round weight and and can be layered with a turtleneck or under a blazer. It takes a ho-hum outfit up to interesting without being too cheeky!!
I think a nice pair of black pants can be casual with flats/sandals, dressy with heels and a fancy blouse, church with a tailored top, or easily worn to meetings/work with a professional, stylish blouse. I feel the same way about my white jeans that I bought from your post. And I wear them year round based on your recommendation, too! With bright casual tops in the spring and summer, sweaters and boots in the winter, and with fancy blouses for dressier occasions.
Thank you for your blog posts. They are incredible inspirations to so many. And game changers for our beauty routines, travel and wardrobe. And some very touching personal journeys as well.
Black pair of cotton pants that can be worn to work, church or
a casual activity. The pants can be worn with a short or long sleeved shirt, a sweater or a jacket to dress it up. The pants are perfect for this Texas weather where it is 100 to 60
degrees.
I have a navy blue shift dress that is my wardrobe work horse. It can be dressed up with pumps for dinners or dresses down with sandals for a weekend brunch. During the winter I pair with boots and a long cardigan. Definitely my go to year round.
After you had written about white jeans I finally had the courage to get a pair. I love them and they are so versatile! From casual to being dressed up, with sandals or heels, with or without a jacket, I just love them! Thank you for your fabulous style tips!
Tanya, you are on my wave link with this blog. Love the classic white button down with just about anything. Also, a nice round or v neck t shirt is a must. You can do many thing with the basics to dress up or down. Love your style!!
A black silky round neck short sleeved t-shirt. I can wear it in the summer with shorts, with a skirt, dress slacks, under a blazer and under tops/dresses that would normally be too low.
The most surprisingly versitile piece I own is a loose black and white snake print silk top. It looks great with jeans, adds some edge to a red mid-lenth skirt I have, it works with shorts or for a work meeting I can add a blazer. It also looks great with a leather jacket. It also transitions nicely from summer to fall. It is my favorite!
Looks like a great line of products! I like to take my Veronica Beard blazer and wear it with white jeans and tennis shoes, with white jeans and heels, with black pants or with a black skirt, depending on how casual or dressy! You can also pair with cami to dress up or blouse, depending on your look. Also can zip in hoodie to change look as well!
I would love to try (and need) a good neck cream-it’s one of the areas that is really showing my aging. Great giveaway!
A good pair of black leggings are a piece of clothing that I tend to style in 100’s of ways in the winter.(should I admit this?!)…with tunics, boots, blazers, to lounge in, etc. Always with a very long blouse/top.
I love a classic white shirt! A classic black blazer (I like the “boyfriend” style) works equally well with jeans, a cocktail dress, tailored pants and shirt, or a skirt and shell.
Tanya, you have have outdone yourself with this post! Incredibly helpful and I love the idea of a silk white blouse.
I think a high quality white and black t-shirt is a must in every closet. This top can be styled in every way you have above.
Have a great weekend and stay cool (i.e. inside!).
I love a leopard blouse with black pants,skirt, jeans dark and denim wash. Don’t forget white jeans too! Even with red pumps!!!
I love a great white button up top! Such a classic, versatile piece – I own several different styles.
I also have a tunic that I love to wear many ways – by itself as a dress, tucked into shorts, worn over jeans, and as a beach coverup.
I have a very simple shell top that I can wear with pants, skirts and shorts, but that is only three ways!
The little black sheath dress is a perfect staple to style four ways.
A black turtleneck can work well many ways -with jeans, skirts, white pants, or under a jacket.