This very common wardrobe staple made a guest appearance on several spring 2016 runways. Should you choose to accept this trend, your challenge is to find inventive and contemporary ways of styling the shirt we all know and love so that it looks anything but basic.
Here are nine ideas that will get you thinking about your white shirt in brand new ways.
1. Open in all the right places
White button-down shirt open
Instead of popping a few buttons at the top, leave half of your button-down open — at the bottom — and show off a beautiful belt and pleated pants. The first look comes courtesy of Mai Style Pages fashion blog and the following look is thanks to the British fashion blog Boho Tailor.
White shirt open
More: 11 Fashionable ways to wear knee-length boots
2. With a statement tie
White shirt with bow
Wear a tie with feminine flair simply by using ribbon fabric to create a bow. Or play up the masculinity of a white shirt by sewing an extra swatch of white fabric by the collar in order to make your own cute shirt tie. Then pair it with the sweetest floral miniskirt in your closet.
White shirt and tie
3. Prints that bring out personality
White button-down in pug print
Your white button-down doesn't have to be all white. A pattern brings out your charm and personality and instantly elevates a pair of jeans or a simple skirt.
4. Preppy flair
White button-down shirt trend
Got a bright sweater and want to make it pop? Layer it over a crisp white shirt and slouchy, low-rise trousers (total spring trend) to bring a bit of preppy flair to your wardrobe.
5. A ruffled treat
White shirt with ruffles
Ruffles won't ruin a classic button down. The texture and bulk will liven up any white button-down shirt and help you create an interesting look. Add jewelry for extra flair.
More: 6 Creative ways to wear gloves this season
6. Under overalls
White shirt and overalls
Sweet and prim with short sleeves and a Peter Pan collar, this adorable white shirt looks anything but plain under another big spring trend: denim overalls. This look comes courtesy of blogger and stylist, Running in Chanel.
7. With leather
White shirt with leather
A high contrast black and white look is as simple as pairing a white shirt with edgy black shorts or pants as French blogger at The City Loves Fashion did here.
8. White shirt with a train
White shirt with train
There's no better way to add drama to an otherwise understated outfit of boyfriend jeans and a white button-down shirt than by adding fabric and creating the more eye candy. Throw on an incredible pair of flashy heels and you're a queen. This shirt was designed by an independent designer on Etsy.
9. Shirt as dress
White button-down shirt as dress
If your white shirt is long enough and your dress is short enough, the two can meet somewhere in the middle and create this sexy little look. Keep things preppy and tame by pairing them with simple loafers and no jewelry.