Out shopping office women’s wear? It seems only yesterday when we didn’t care about shopping for one because casual and comfort is the way of life.

And some ladies feel like they even have to wait until they are successful to start dressing the part.

Well, I have every reason to counter that idea.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re just starting out or at the peak of your career. You can look like a million-dollar with a simple level-up strategy on basic wardrobe items.

So for all intents and purposes, why don’t we look at one of our favorite classics: the white shirt. It remains to be a workwear staple for many reasons.

Office Wear for Women: The Classic White Shirt

The white shirt is a timeless piece in any person’s closet; it is simple, chic, comfortable, and versatile.

From fitted to loose, to linen or poplin, there are endless ways you can style the white shirt. Meanwhile, the occasions one can wear it to are only limited by imagination and invitation.

Not to mention, the white shirt is economical and non-discriminatory because there are no budget constraints to own one.

In fact, you can walk into casual and chic apparel stores for women and find their latest take on a white shirt. Or you can choose from the signature white shirt collection of Carolina Herrera.

Then it feels pretty brilliant once you realize that the price tag doesn’t play a big part. Because the real secret lies in how you pull off the style and make it your go-to piece in your wardrobe.

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How to Dress Up the Classic White Shirt for Work

To demonstrate further, we scoured the scenes to spot the powerful ladies who will inspire you to wear the classic white shirt all the time. From our favorite white-shirt muse Victoria Beckham to HRH Queen Letizia, these gorgeous celebrities know the right style (or stylist) to make a statement with this basic item.

Below are the Finesse to Success best style pairing picks for women to take their look with the classic white shirt look to the next level:

Pencil Skirt

Angelina Jolie is out here glowing and showing us that despite being covered up, traditional pieces can still look alluring at any age. She kept most of her accessories in light nude colors to give fresh complimentary elements to her white and black ensemble.

SHOP:
Theory
Traceable Wool Knee-Length Pencil Skirt
(Neiman Marcus)

Straight Cut Trousers

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is looking fit for royal business. Her outfit of choice: crisp white shirt, folded to the elbows and tucked in her trousers, and a perfectly coordinated brown belt and pumps. Keeping her hair styled down definitely gave us a softer appeal.

SHOP:
Theory Thaniel Approach Cropped Slim Pants (Neiman Marcus)

Polka Dot Prints

Nicki Hilton’s style from the waist up: immaculate white shirt, pearl earrings and hair bun looks a hundred percent boardroom. Waist down: polka dot prints, bow knot, and red pumps scream fun and fearless. She’s giving us a perfectly-balanced look for the modern-day woman at the office.

SHOP:
The Drop Women’s Maya Silky Slip Skirt
(Amazon)

Wide-Leg Pants

Olivia Wilde is teaching us how to rock the white shirt in her khaki-colored wide-leg pants. She managed to look red carpet-ready by keeping the rest simple while not getting heavy and thick on the accessories.

SHOP:
Theory High Waist Wide Trouser in Red (Amazon)

Plaid Prints

Fashion is forever embedded in the Olsens. That’s what Elizabeth proved to us in this plaid print that looks effortlessly flattering with a classic white shirt. The soft material of the shirt gives a flawless contrast to her well-tailored pants giving it a versatile look. This can be easily worn with either high-heels or flats.

SHOP:
Tommy Hilfiger Printed Pants Casual Plaid Pants (Amazon)

Above-the-Knee Skirt

Miranda Kerr is looking sharp yet feminine in her white shirt and circular skirt. The all-black combination of sunglasses, handbag, and strappy heels accessories? Très chic. Other types of skirts cut above-the-knee are ideal for this office look. However, if you opt to wear a miniskirt, pair it with dark hosiery or boots to become an appropriate look for work.

SHOP:
COS Pleated Wool-blend Skirt (COS)

Pop of Color

Royals may be traditional, but they are as modern as they can be when it comes to fashion. A white shirt paired with a red, well-tailored skirt looks so sophisticated on Queen Letizia. Every detail of this look exudes power, beauty and grace, quite fitting for Her Royal Highness.

SHOP:
Vince Smocked Midi Skirt (Neiman Marcus)

Statement Belts

Sophia Turner is taking the lead on saving us dollars from buying too many clothes by turning a basic look into a figure-hugging, elongated image with the help of a wide statement belt. Genius.

SHOP:
Valentino Garavani V-Logo Wide Box Leather Belt (Neiman Marcus)

Culottes

Culottes are staples in professional women’s wardrobes that come in many forms, colors, and materials. This modish look by Olivia Palermo is giving us all reasons to get our hands on as many white shirts as we can to mix-and-match on different styles.

SHOP:
Club Monaco Women’s Kora Culotte (Amazon)

Printed and Pleats

The #bosslady icon looks as posh as ever in a white shirt balanced against the spiciness of this uber-stylish pleated skirt. Seriously, we love her style so much. Have you seen our favorite Victoria Beckham looks to steal for that next big meeting?

SHOP:
Le Superbe Pleated Stripe Midi Skirt (Neiman Marcus)

All-White Everything

A white-on-white is a personal favorite of mine since it’s the type of pairing that many are afraid to try. By the looks of it, Anne Hathaway is a brave soul, too. She’s not worried about spilling coffee or smudging her make-up which makes her a stand-out beauty in this all-white ensemble.

SHOP:
Milly Carreen Straight Floral Lace Midi Skirt (Neiman Marcus)

There you have it!

Now you know how versatile one classic item can be, you can plan better for your next workwear shopping trip.

As our parting tips for you:

• Try on different styles and textures fit to your body type
• Invest in quality pieces that you can wear for a long time

If you need personal advice for your own signature professional look, you can drop us a line here.

For the women at the office, what are your favorite looks with the classic white shirt?