A white shirt is useful because it can change character with the pieces around it. Start with a shirt that feels comfortable at the shoulder and lets you move; the five combinations below are editorial ideas rather than a required formula.
One shirt, different moods
For a relaxed weekday, wear it open over a T-shirt with straight jeans. For a sharper work outfit, button it and add tailored trousers and a jacket. A soft half-tuck can show the waist without making the shirt feel too formal.
At the weekend, roll the sleeves and pair the shirt with a long skirt and flat shoes. In cooler weather, let the collar and cuffs show beneath a fine knit. For an evening option, try a shirt with dark trousers and a piece of jewellery you already own. The same shirt can look entirely different when its sleeves, collar and hem are styled differently.
Make it yours
Fabric weight, transparency and length all affect how a shirt works. Try the outfit in daylight and move around before deciding whether it needs a layer underneath. There is no single correct white: warmer ivory and cooler optic white each have a different feel. Follow the garment’s care label to keep the fabric in good condition.