How To Style a Button Up Shirt

A button up shirt and jeans is the definition of an elevated, effortless look. It’s the outfit you throw on without thinking and still get compliments on.

Whether you’re heading to brunch, class, or just running errands, this combo never fails and can be styled a million different ways to suit the destination and occasion.

How we’re styling it:

• Try an oversized shirt with only the middle couple of buttons done up.
• Style it over a white tank, lace bralette, or ribbed crop underneath.
• Pair with straight-leg or baggy jeans.
• Accessorise with a chunky belt, black sunnies, and bold rings.
• Finish the look with loafers, ballet flats, or pointed boots.

This styling hack is peak cool girl layering. A button up shirt instantly adds an elevated feel to any chunky knit, and the contrast of a structured collar with soft knitwear makes it feel chic. The trick is to play with proportions. Oversized shirts peeking out from under boxy sweaters always look intentional.

How we’re styling it:

• Go oversized so the cuffs and shirt hem peek out under your sweater.
• Pair with a boxy, slightly oversized crewneck for a flattering silhouette.
• You can also layer under a fitted cardigan for a preppy aesthetic.

If you want an easy layering formula that works year-round, a button up under your jacket is it. From oversized shirts under long coats to fitted shirts under cropped jackets, this quick combo is the cheat code to elevated everyday looks.

Our Global Style Director, Char, says, “Oversized shirts look amazing under longline coats. Pop the collar over the jacket and let the cuffs peek through as well. It’s such an easy way to layer during the colder seasons!”

How we’re styling it:

• Layer an undone shirt over a tank before adding your jacket to complete the look
• Fitted button ups pair perfectly with cropped jackets like bombers to keep the silhouette chic

Think of the button up as your easiest throw-on-and-go piece.

When styled as an overshirt, you can add a sleek, elevated feel to your beach day and coffee run looks. It’s lightweight enough to layer, but still adds structure to your outfit. If you’ve just got roped into some last minute plans, reach for your button up shirt!

How we’re styling it:

• Wear open over your bikini with sunnies for beach and pool days.
• Go for white jeans and a tube top. Keep it neutral with a cream shirt, brown belt, and slides.
• Keep it unbuttoned and oversized for that relaxed, undone look.

Short sleeve button ups are having a major moment. They’re comfortable, versatile, and super flattering.

Whether you’re going for a sporty, preppy, or party girl look, they’re the kind of essential you can keep at the front of your wardrobe season after season.

How we’re styling it:

• Pair with micro shorts and tall boots for a statement summer fit.
• Try with a skort, loafers, and socks for preppy vibes.
• Go sleek with capris and a fitted short sleeve button up, with ballet flats.