Nuevo Culture

5 Refreshing Ways to Wear a White Button-Up Shirt in 2021

The question of how to style a white button-up shirt has often been answered with “a pencil skirt” or “a pair of trousers.” But the shirt that’s usually reserved for interviews and board meetings is getting a casual-cool makeover this summer. Perhaps you’ve seen some of your favorite designers or style stars layering them over cheeky bikinis or mini dresses. It seems the garment has been repurposed from polished office wear to a goes-with-everything cardigan. A boxy, long-sleeve button-up will keep you covered, especially when you’re indoors and the air conditioning is blasting, while a lightweight linen blend won’t feel too heavy during warmer months.

One of the most coveted button-up blouses is The Row’s oversized number, which Kendall Jenner stepped out wearing recently. Instead of fastening each button, she left the shirt completely open and layered it over a classic T-shirt. Jenner isn’t the only one showing us how to style a white button-up as outerwear during warmer months. Jessica Alba, Lori Harvey, and Irina Shayk have all also demonstrated refreshing ways to wear the trending top over a bralette, mini dresses, and bodysuits. If you’re thinking about giving your (or your boyfriend’s) polished shirt a modern twist this summer, take a look below.

Photo: Courtesy of Getty

The Chic Stroll Outfit

Get the most out of mini party dresses by pairing them with a daytime-appropriate button-up, like Irina Shayk.

The Frankie Shop Esther western pocket shirt

$125

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Topshop ruched denim mini dress

$68

NORDSTROM

Celine oversized cat-eye sunglasses

$450

NET-A-PORTER

Burberry leather monogram flat sandals

$730

SSENSE
Photo: Courtesy of Backgrid

The Casual Friday Outfit

If you work in a laid-back office, follow Jessica Alba’s lead and ease into professional dressing with an unbuttoned blouse paired with a t-shirt.

Frank & Eileen Joedy superfine cotton button-up shirt

$248

NORDSTROM

Dorothee Schumacher Sporty Power cotton twill pants

$380

MYTHERESA

Loewe cushion canvas tote bag

$1,350

NEIMAN MARCUS

Sam Edelman Briar bright white sandal

$120$67
ZAPPOS
Photo: Courtesy of Backgrid

The Dinner on the Beach Outfit

Easily go from the shores to dinner, by pairing an open button-up over your swimsuit, similar to the way Lori Harvey layered her Naked Wardrobe bralette.

By Malene Birger Derris organic cotton poplin shirt

$295

NET-A-PORTER

Max Mara Macario trousers

$795

MATCHESFASHION.COM

Ettika triple chain belt

$85

REVOLVE

Kaanas Key Largo braided raffia slip-on sandals

$109

SHOPBOP
Gotham

The Easy Office Outfit

Return to the office looking effortlessly sharp with a crisp, oversized blouse paired with loose trousers just like Kendall Jenner.

The Row Luka oversized cotton poplin shirt

$1,090

NET-A-PORTER

The Row Igor pleated cotton wide-leg pants

$990

NET-A-PORTER

The Row classic leather belt

$595

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

The Row Constance heeled leather sandals

$850

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Photo: Courtesy of Dominic Jones

The Travel-Ready Outfit

Before take off, ensure your outfit is layered to perfection with a polished topper, similar to Akech’s.

Everlane the clean silk relaxed shirt

$100

EVERLANE

Rosetta Getty split-cuff skinny scuba pants

$690$389
NEIMAN MARCUS

Tapper 18-karat rose-gold plated AirPods rope chain

$100

URBAN OUTFITTERs

Jordan Air Jordan 1-Mid Melody Ehsani sneaker

$1,469

FARFETCH