Ways to Style a White Button Down Shirt - and Look Fabulous it It (Especially for Women Over 50)
Discover 7 stylish ways women over 50 can wear a white button down shirt—classic, casual, or chic, this timeless piece never goes out of style.
FASHION
Ms. Arj
8/15/20254 min read
7 Fabulous Ways to Style a White Button Down Shirt (Women Over 50 Edition)
If I had to pick one wardrobe hero that’s saved me countless “I have nothing to wear” moments, it’s the classic white button down shirt. Simple? Yes. Boring? Absolutely not. This little beauty can be casual one minute and dressed-up glam the next.
And for us fabulous women over 50? It’s a dream piece—comfortable, timeless, and endlessly chic. Whether you’re headed to lunch with friends, the office, or the beach, it works with you, not against you. Here’s how I style mine again and again without anyone realizing I’m basically living in it. 😄
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1. Classic with Denim
There’s nothing more timeless than a white shirt with great-fitting jeans. Lately, I’ve been loving it with wide-leg dark denim—it feels modern and elongates the legs. Throw on a blazer for instant business casual, then finish with black boots, a structured handbag, and a simple watch. Easy, classic, done.
White button down shirt - Siliteelon Womens Classic-Fit Dress Shirts Long Sleeve Button Down
Wide leg jeans - Dokotoo Women's Casual High Waisted Jeans Stretch Wide Leg
Blazer - CRAZY GRID Women Business Casual Blazer Jacket
Boots - DREAM PAIRS Women's Retro Elastic Chelsea Ankle Boots
Bag - Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39
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2. Summer Blues with Striped Crop Pants
Some combos just feel like summer, and white with blue stripes is at the top of my list. I style mine with blue striped crop pants, comfy white sneakers, and a blue tote. Add a crisp white cap, and you’ve got a fresh, breezy, and comfortable outfit that’s ready for any sunny day adventure.
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White Shirt - Siliteelon Womens Classic-Fit Dress Shirts Long Sleeve Button Down
Tote Bag - Tory Burch Women's Small Ella Tote
Cap - Atticus Poetry Hat, Embroidered Brushed Cotton Women’s Baseball Hat
Sneakers - On Women's Cloudswift 4
3. Weekend Chic with Shorts
Yes, women over 50 can rock shorts—and look amazing doing it. For casual days, I go with denim cutoffs and sandals. When I want to step it up, I choose tailored linen shorts, add a straw tote, and pop on sunglasses for an easy vacation-ready vibe.
4. Effortless with Jeggings
When comfort is the goal but I still want to look “put together,” I reach for an oversized white shirt with jeggings. Simple flats, a crossbody bag, and dark sunglasses make this the perfect running-errands-meets-coffee-date outfit.
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White Shirt - Siliteelon Womens Classic-Fit Dress Shirts Long Sleeve Button Down
Ballet Flats - Tory Burch Women's Minnie Travel Ballet Flats
Bag - JW PEI Women's Mini Flap Crossbody or COACH Cassie Crossbody 19
Sunglasses - Tory Burch TY 7167 U 170987 Black
5. Beach chic
One of my favorite ways to wear a white button down is as a light beach cover-up. I throw it over a tank top, leave it unbuttoned, and pair it with soft linen pants and flip flops. It’s breezy, effortless, and gives that “I just stepped out of a coastal magazine” feel.
Style tip: An oversized fit adds that cool, borrowed-from-the-boys touch.
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White Shirt - BONITEE Oversized Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt
Pants - SimpleFun Women's Floral Wide Leg Pants
Sunglasses - Tory Burch TY 7167 U 170987 Black
Flip Floops - Archies Arch Support Flip Flops Women – All-Day Comfort
6. Office-Ready Elegance
For a meeting or work setting, I tuck my white shirt into a pencil skirt or tailored trousers. Classic sandals and minimal jewelry keep it elegant. When it’s chilly, I layer on a cardigan for a soft, polished finish.
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White Shirt - Siliteelon Womens Classic-Fit Dress Shirts Long Sleeve Button Down
Cardigan - LILLUSORY Women's Fall Cardigan
Skirt - Kate Kasin Women's Tweed Pencil Skirt Knee Length High Waisted Skirts
Sandals - Naturalizer Women's, Bristol Sandal
Bag - Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag or JW PEI Women's Elise Top Handle Bag
7. Classic White & Black
You can’t go wrong here—black and white is timeless. I like to layer a black vest over my white shirt for a modern, chic twist. It’s a quick style trick that makes me look instantly pulled together with almost no effort.
Why I'll Never Quit this Shirt
The white button down is my ultimate style safety net—it works with my wardrobe, my lifestyle, and my age. It can be classic or playful, casual or elegant, and it never goes out of style. Honestly, I’m tempted to buy a backup… just in case :)
Shop the look
White Shirt - Siliteelon Womens Classic-Fit Dress Shirts Long Sleeve Button Down
Vest - Sweater Vest for Women V Neck Sleeveless Knit Solid
Pants - NIMIN High Waisted Work Pants for Women Shoes
Shoes - Naturalizer Women's, Bristol Sandal
Bag - JW PEI Women's Eloise Shoulder Bag or Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 20