7 Ways to Style a Business Shirt

Ahh yes. The humble business shirt. What was once only a style for men in corporate jobs has now become a staple piece for just about any wardrobe – including women! There are many ways to wear and style a business shirt, meaning they’re no longer just meant for the office.

If your staple shirt has gotten a little tired, try some of these styling tips to take your outfit from drab to fab!

1. Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!
   We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – accessories can (literally) transform an outfit! Whether it’s a cute belt, a flowy scarf, some chunky jewellery, your new favourite bag or a fun hat, the possibilities are endless when it comes to accessories. Whether you’ve dressed the shirt up or made it more casual, choose accessories that fit the same vibe and get ready to step out in style.
   
2. Add a pop of colour and experiment with textures and patterns
   When adding pieces to your outfit, play around with colour, texture, and patterns. You’d be surprised by some of the patterns you’d assume would clash but actually work really well together! A plain white shirt can style well with most things, so don’t be shy to experiment with combinations you’ve been hesitant to try in the past.
   
3. Keep it casual
   So, you want to wear a business shirt but keep your look casual? It’s much easier than you think! Here are our top tips:
   

Switch up your ‘bottoms’

Instead of wearing dress pants or a corporate skirt, opt for a more casual piece on the bottom. Play around with items like chinos and even denim to get an effortlessly casual look. When finding alternate bottoms to wear with a business shirt, we recommend pieces like our Lawson chino pants, Detroit shorts and Detroit cargo pants.

Try some loafers or slip-on shoes

Whether you want to try the ‘no sock’ look or just pair it with your favourite set of sneakers, there are so many ways to dress a shirt down with simply your shoes. Designer sneakers can help add a pop of colour to your outfit while simultaneously dressing it down. Some simple pumps are another great option.

Make some small adjustments

Sometimes, dressing a shirt down doesn’t need any extra bits and pieces – it can be done with what you’re already wearing! To turn a dress shirt into something a little more casual, simply take off the tie (if you’re wearing one), undo the top few buttons and roll up the sleeves. Effortlessly casual but with such a great effect!

Layer it under a comfy sweater

In the chillier months, layering your shirt under a knit vest or sweater adds warmth and gives off a more relaxed look. If you’re wearing it under a sweater, try pulling out the collar and cuffs so the shirt can be seen underneath. We recommend pieces like our Milano pullover, Milano cardigan, and Cool stretch longline vest for this look.

Loosely tuck or knot the front

Another way to make your shirt more casual is to experiment with how your shirt is sitting. Try loosely tucking in an oversized shirt or knotting it in different parts. You wouldn’t think there would be so many options for tucking and knotting, but there are! Check them out here.

Experiment with other pieces
Who said your shirt could only be worn with pants or a skirt? There are so many ways you can play around with it – you may even want to try some of the following ideas:

• Cover a ribbed knit turtleneck with an open dress shirt for a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
• Wear a cable-knit jumper over the top to add some preppy style.
• Add a dress shirt under a sleeveless jumpsuit or overalls to bring some collegiate energy to a painter-inspired outfit.
  

Dress it up
You’ve dressed it down for more casual occasions, but what happens when you want to dress it up for the office or events? Here’s what we suggest:

Add a blazer and dress pants

You can’t go wrong with a blazer and dress pants for a more formal look. If you want to take it to the next level, wear a vest underneath your blazer and put on your best dress shoes. Stockings are another addition that works well if you're wearing a skirt. Our recommendations include our Bianca jacket, Classic jacket, Classic knee-length skirt, Classic slim pants and Cool stretch longline vest.

Dress up the accessories

Accessories don’t just make an outfit casual; they can also put the finishing touches on dressing up an outfit. Elegant additions such as belts, ties or neck scarves, pocket squares, cufflinks and simple jewellery can finalise an outfit.

Keep it neatly tucked

For a corporate look, keep your shirt neatly tucked in. Ensure that there’s no overhang at the front and that you don’t have a ‘tail’ sticking out of the back! Tuck the shirt in a way that looks neat and professional and won’t come untucked during the day.

1. Consider the collar and cuffs
   The collar and cuffs of your shirt can dictate the overall tone of your outfit. If your collar is crisp, clean and neatly placed (whether under a garment like a sweater or on its own), ensure that you’re giving off a professional feel by keeping things tidy. Keep your sleeves rolled down, and consider cufflinks for your shirt. If you opt for a more casual look, you can be a little more relaxed. Roll up those sleeves, lose the tie and open up some buttons for an effortless look.
   
2. Find the right cut
   The vibe of your outfit will depend on your shirt style. Classic cut shirts work well for corporate uniforms and provide a clean fit. If you’re after something more flattering – particularly for the ladies – a slim-cut shirt can give your outfit more shape and style. Choose an oversized shirt if you want to play around more with casual looks and wear your shirt over other garments.

Business shirts have become a wardrobe staple for the corporate world, with men and women using them to make their look more formal. However, a business shirt is an excellent piece for any wardrobe and can be worn in so many ways. If you’d like to check out the shirts we have on offer, head to your closest Fashion Biz Canada distributor today.