Style Formula: White Shirt + Jeans + Flats

Style Formula

The formula that never actually goes out of style. If you only remember one combination from this whole site, make it this one — it’s close to universally flattering and works for nearly any casual-to-smart-casual occasion.

Woman in a white button-down shirt, straight-leg blue jeans and black ballet flats walking on a Paris street

The formula

Three pieces that never actually go out of style.

Flatlay of a white button-down shirt, straight-leg blue jeans and black ballet flats on a cream linen surfaceclass=”se-formula-pieces-row”>
1

A crisp white shirt

Reads as polished on its own.

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+
2

Straight-leg or slim jeans

Keeps the outfit simple without looking underdressed.

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3

Simple flats

Rounds out one of the most reliably “done” outfits there is.

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Styling notes: leave the top button or two undone, and tuck the shirt in loosely rather than fully — it keeps the outfit from feeling too buttoned-up. Roll the sleeves for a more relaxed feel, or knot the shirt at the waist for a slightly different silhouette.

The shirt carries the polish

The white shirt reads as polished on its own, which means the rest of the outfit can stay completely simple without looking underdressed — one of the most reliably “done” outfits there is.

Explore more outfit formulas in our Style Formulas guide.

Make it work for your shape

This formula can work for every body shape. Explore your shape for tailored styling tips.

Hourglass body shape illustration

Hourglass

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Rectangle body shape illustration

Rectangle

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Inverted triangle body shape illustration

Inverted Triangle

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