May 23, 2014 12:19
by Lauren Brain

The brain behind thecutandpaste.com

Glance over any list of the top wardrobe staples every woman should own, and alongside the tailored blazer, great pair of boots and flattering jeans - inevitably you’ll find the white business shirt.

It’s there for a very good reason; this is one hard-working item of clothing. It can take you from work to dinner, a night out or weekend of shopping, all with a little outfit tweaking and accessory reinvention.

Sometimes though, we all find ourselves in a wardrobe rut. You know the one, where you see work clothes as purely ‘for work’. Oh no, fashion-loving friends. This versatile go-to can be styled differently to the way it looks between the hours of nine and five. How, well here’s a taste…

Nice ‘n easy
A white shirt with a simple pair of denim cutoffs and ballet slippers is such a timeless, classic outfit. It shows you’re put together but without trying. For cooler months, add that other staple – the blazer, and wear it with the sleeves pushed up.

Dress it up
Statement jewels can change the look of almost anything, so try layering necklaces over an either fully-buttoned white shirt, or undo a few buttons and wear it that way. This would look great styled with a little mini and strappy heels.

In the now
Have you tried the overalls trend? Long or short, overalls need to be worn with a basic staple underneath, so roll up your sleeves and give it a go. Try it with a pair of boots and a fun tasseled handbag.

Up the ante
How? Leather. You can never go wrong with chic black and white, so team your white shirt with a pair of slim-fitting leather pants and add a pair of pointed animal print pumps for added wow factor.

Go for Camo
For an easy weekend outfit, grab your favourite pair of distressed jeans and white shirt and wear them with a khaki or camouflage anorak, to add a little print. When it comes to shoes, sneaker wedges or simple white Converse would work.