How to Style Shirts, T-Shirts and Tops

How to Style Shirts, T-Shirts and Tops

A crucial, versatile part of any discerning wardrobe, there are so very many types of tops, jumpers, tees and shirts to choose from when building your collection. 

So, how do you style them all to create dynamic, unique and interesting outfits every time? Well, we've got a few top (no pun intended) tips to help you out. Whether it's making a polo pop or letting white linen shine, you'll be wearing any shirt or blouse with flair in no time at all.

How to Style Tops for Women

The likelihood is you’ll be wearing some sort of top every day, whether it’s the trusty work blouse or the ‘nice top’ of ‘jeans and a nice top’ fame. But how can you make these shirts stand out? 

How to Style a Women’s T-Shirt

A t-shirt is the go-to of casual apparel, easily paired with jeans or thrown over loungewear for comfort. Don’t pigeonhole the tee into just being a casual item, though. It can be a garden party delight with a maxi skirt or an evening-out showstopper when matched with heels and a leather jacket. 

Check out our graphic tee styling guide to see just how versatile the humble t-shirt can be. 

How to Style a Blouse

A beautiful blouse is a workplace staple. Combined with a skirt or tailored trousers it creates a smart and sophisticated look. Showcase your personality with this professional ensemble by opting for a gorgeous floral blouse or some eye-catching embroidery.

A blouse can also be dressed down for smart casual style. Buddy your blouse with a pair of jeans for a shopping trip or a laid-back lunch. 

How to Wear a Tunic Shirt

We love a tunic here at Joe Browns, and it’s easy to understand why. Longer and floatier than your typical shirt, this boho favourite makes a wonderful top with jeans or leggings but transforms into a mini dress when matched with tights, making it a perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe.

Our tunic styling guide can help you turn heads in this fabulous and flowy top. 

How to Wear Oversized Shirts

Will the oversized look ever go out of fashion? We hope not! An oversized shirt offers the opportunity to play around with silhouettes in exciting ways. 

Contrast the looseness of your oversized shirt with fitted skinny jeans, leggings or even short shorts in summer. Try a bohemian look with an oversized shirt over a maxi skirt. Or create an hourglass shape by cinching your oversized shirt in the middle with a lovely, chunky belt. 

How to Wear a White Linen Shirt

A white linen shirt is light, airy, elegant, and pairs with almost anything. Embrace its neutrality by pairing it with earthy neutrals, or enjoy the opportunities offered by the versatile white hue by matching it with brightly coloured trousers and skirts.  

A white linen shirt is a fabulous blank canvas, allowing you to layer up with accessories that flaunt your style. Try rows of beads or a statement brooch.

Thanks to its lightness and coolness, a white linen shirt is a must for your suitcase when travelling abroad. Wear it as a beach cover-up over your swimwear or open over a vest. 

How to Wear Women’s Jumpers

When the weather drops, a jumper or knitted top becomes a go-to for lots of our outfits. Give them a preppy flair with a collared shirt underneath, or pair them with a skirt and ankle boots for the quintessential autumnal look.

You can even throw a jumper over your favourite summer dress to wear it in winter too. See our knitwear guide for more ideas. 

How to Style Tops for Men

Men don’t have the option of dresses as the ladies do, so fellas will be styling a top every single day! With that in mind, it’s understandable that styling might get stale, and an outfit shake-up might be in order. 

How to Style Polo Shirts

Polos are a go-to for effortlessly dapper styling. Try it with chinos and loafers for old money style, layering with a cable knit cardigan in the winter months. 

In summer, look suave at the barbecue by wearing your polo with cargo shorts and sandals, finishing off with a cap for the cricketer look. 

Want more polo ideas? See our top polo styling picks. 

How to Style Men’s T-Shirts

A t-shirt with a graphic is a great way to share a little bit of you with the world, whether it’s a guitar print displaying your love of rock and roll or an animal print showing that you live life on the wild side. 

Wear your t-shirt with distressed denim for a grungy look, or read our graphic tee styling guide for more ideas. 

How to Dress Up a Shirt

The classic shirt can be dressed up or dressed down to suit your needs. With a waistcoat and tailored trousers, it's ideal wedding attire, and with a blazer, perfect for the workplace. 

However, the versatile shirt can also be dressed down just as easily. Relax it with jeans or shorts and trainers when you head out for a pint.

How about those times when you want to dress your shirt up, but not too much, for those tricky smart casual occasions? Chinos and brogues are your friends here. Or try switching out the blazer for a smart cardigan.
 
For more fun with shirt styling, see our five must-have shirts and advice on what to wear them with. 

How to Style Patterned Shirts

At Joe Browns, we’re all about embracing patterns. Bring the fun to a formal event with a floral shirt, and you’ll stand out from the crowd of black-and-white suits. Bring your patterned shirt to life even more by matching it with vibrantly coloured tailoring.

For more advice on embracing pattern and flair in your tops, see our funky shirt style guide or our inspiration piece on how to wear a printed shirt. 

How to Wear Jumpers for Men

In the colder seasons, a jumper offers plenty of fashion options for a man. The casual henley, with a jacket and jeans, is perfect for an autumn stroll. Then switch to a thick cable knit or funnel for those windy winter walks. 

Swap out your shirt for a polo-neck jumper, and you can warm up a suit instantly. For less formal fashion, try taking styling types from preppy Prince William and wear a crew-neck jumper over a collared shirt.