No wardrobe is complete without the humble white shirt. One of the most versatile pieces you can own, this fashion staple can be styled down for day, up for night, and a myriad of ways in between.

What with the British weather about to turn, finally we can start thinking about summery outfits. Essentially, the white shirt is a game changer — whether you style it with a suit, layer it over a sleek swimsuit or add over cycling shorts, there are so many ways to style the wardrobe classic for summer.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to take the white shirt straight into summer 2019 then you’re in luck — we’ve chosen 10 of the best ways to wear it, as shown by some of our favourite influencers. Be prepared for serious outfit inspiration is 3, 2, 1…

1. Wear with a neutral suit

Be it a coloured trouser suit or a summery shorts suit, it’s all about the suit this year. Go classic and style your crisp white shirt a chic beige suit and this season’s key dad sandals. 

2. Team with cycling shorts

Like it or not cycling style shorts are big news this season thanks to the likes of Chanel putting them on the ss19 catwalk. Try them out by teaming with an oversized white shirt to balance out the tight silhouette.

3. Layer over a slip dress

Slip dresses should be part of everyone’s capsule wardrobe for summer. For day time, layer a lightweight white shirt over the top and tie at the front for a whole new look. Shell accessories and raffia bag not essential, but advised. 

4. Pair with a printed midi skirt

Tamum teams her well-fitted white shirt with a Christopher Kane midi skirt and wins all the style points. Take note and add a bright colour-pop heel to finish off the ensemble. 

5. Add over a swimsuit

Stylist, Pernille Tiesbaek shows the ultimate Scandi way to style swimwear. Adding an oversized shirt to a white one-piece and adding a straw bag is the poolside outfit we’ll all be copying. 

6. Pair with denim

White shirts and denim go hand in hand. Of course this Chanel shirt that basically went viral looks amazing with any outfit, but it’s the style we’re most interested in. The slightly cropped, short sleeved shirt is the lightweight style you’ll wear all summer long. 

7. Tuck into wide leg trousers

Go for a sleek printed style like Mytheresa buying director, Tiffany and tuck it into super wide legs trousers. Whether you wear this to work, brunch or as a sleek evening look you’ll wear this duo on repeat for any occasion.

8. Tie at the front to wear as a cropped style

We can’t get enough of Gabi’s outfit. The tied shirt, perfect summer trouser style and statement mules is a look that’ll never date. 

9. Make a statement

Of course a white shirt looks chic when it’s kept simple, but it also looks just as good when paired with a statement outfit. The sleeves on this By Timo shirt are dreamy, add to this a Ganni leopard wrap skirt and embellished heels and you get one winning look. 

10. Throw on over a crop top

While many of us will thing crop top days are long gone, by adding an oversized shirt over the top it gives them a whole new lease of life. High waisted trousers are the key to wearing them and Sylvie proves monochrome never fails. 

Five of the best white shirts

Opening image: Getty