Ways to Style a White Button Down Shirt – and Look Fabulous in It (Especially for Women Over 50)

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

Nothing beats this combination—ever. I pair my white shirt with wide-leg dark jeans (so flattering!) and throw on a blazer for a business casual twist. Black boots, a structured handbag, and a simple watch finish the look perfectly. Easy, classic, done.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Jeans - NYDJ Women's Teresa Trouser Jean

Blazer - ebossy Women's Blazer Suit

Boots - Thursday Boot Company Women's Chelsea Boots

Bag - Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Pants - LOMON Wide Leg Capri Pants

Sneakers - Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Sneaker

Bag - Tory Burch Women's Ever-Ready Tote

Hat - Adidas Adjustable Cotton Hat, Relaxed Fit

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.

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Shorts - luvamia High Waisted Cotton Bermuda Shorts

Sandals - Steve Madden Women's Hadyn Slide Sandal

Bag - - Tory Burch Women's Ever-Ready Tote

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.

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Shorts - luvamia High Waisted Cotton Bermuda Shorts

Sandals - Steve Madden Women's Hadyn Slide Sandal

Bag - - Tory Burch Women's Ever-Ready Tote

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Bag - Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28

Flats - Tory Burch Women's Reva Travel Ballet Flats

Shades - Tory Burch Sunglasses 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 feels like I belong in a coastal style magazine.

Style tip: Choose an oversized fit for that cool, borrowed-from-the-boys look.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Pants - High Waisted Palazzo Pants

Flip-flops - Project Cloud Flip Flops for Women

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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Skirt - Kate Kasin Womens Elastic Waist Pencil Skirt

Cardigan - Women's Classic Long Sleeve Knit Cardigan

Bag - JW PEI Orla Weave Handbag

Shoes - Naturalizer Women's, Bristol Sandal

7. Classic White and 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.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Shirt - MUTTITOP Button Down Shirts

Pants - G4Free Wide Leg Pants

Vest - Sweater Vest V Neck

Bag - JW PEI Orla Weave Handbag

Shoes - Naturalizer Women's, Bristol Sandal

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.