Every women’s closet needs at least one great white shirt. The perfect white button down is versatile, timeless, and classic. Today I am joining my pal Jennifer for our Monthly Over 50 Style Edit. We are chatting about the classic wardrobe staple we all know and love. My favorite fabrics are poplin, linen, or cotton for comfort and durability. You can dress them up or down. Let’s talk about timeless must have white shirts for women over 50.
This is a topic I ten to visit annually. I am afraid to tell you how many I have in my closet. You can read my post from last year How to Rock a Great White Shirt Over 50 here. I love the flattering pleating on the sides of this top shop white shirt from Nordstrom. This silhouette would be flattering on almost everyone. I am wearing a medium but I am going to return for a small. I paired it with my Spanx faux leather leggings, Vivaia comfy loafers and great crossbody bag. You can use the code 12Cindy for a 12% discount on any item on the Vivaia website.
SHOP THE LOOK
This Sojourn blouse from Athleta is no longer available, but there are several on eBay that I have linked below the pic. Every time I wear this shirt I get compliments. It has a luxe sort of party in front business in back look that I love. This shirt does not wrinkle, has a large front pocket, is moisture-wicking and is spf50. It is great for travel. They need to bring it back. The mules are from Madewell. They are no longer available but you an find them on eBay here. The bag is older from Rag and Bone.
SHOP THE LOOK
This great not to slim and not too oversized shirt from Athleta is a staple in my closet. I paired it with slim J Jill boyfriend jeans, a gigi pip hat and a utility vest from Banana Republic. The cotton version of this vest is no longer available but I linked the suede version below the picture.
SHOP THE LOOK
This white duster (on sale) from Nordstrom could be styled multiple ways. I styled it here with a pair of my favorite Lysee faux leather leggings, bone accessories, comfy Vivaia shoes and my Eric Javits bag. If you would like to purchase any of the Vivaia products you can use the code 12Cindy for 12% off anything on their website.
SHOP THE LOOK
The duster could also be belted. On the left I belted it with a leather obi belt, and on the right I double belted it. I am wearing it with my Spanx faux leather leggings, comfy block heeled (yes you heard it heels) boots from Vivaia and their great handbag. Remember to use the code 12Cindy if you wish to purchase any Vivaia products. I am very impressed with the products I received.
SHOP THE LOOK
I purchased this H&M white shirt last year in small. It has a great price point of $24.99 and is a cotton blend. I am wearing it with the wonderful eileen fisher terry trousers in XS. The covered placket gives it more of a dress shirt vibe. My necklace is from Parham and Company Studio. My bracelets are vintage.
SHOP THE LOOK
I love this banana republic factory western white shirt (it is $39 on sale!). I am wearing it tied at the waist, with the sleeves rolled up. I am pairing it with my favorite Eileen Fisher terry skirt, Eric Javits hat, purse and sandals (also on sale). It could also be worn with a tank under it as a jacket. I think all of these pieces are great season spanners this time of year. Later in the fall you could wear the shirt with jeans or pants and a blazer. I am wearing a small in the shirt, (it has a bit of a slim fit) and an XS in the Eileen Fisher organic cotton terry skirt.
SHOP THE LOOK
For further reading you might enjoy:
14 Best White Button Down Shirts-NY Mag
I was gifted all of the products from Vivaia. I have been wanting to try them since so many of you have highly recommended them. I found the shoes to be true to size and they comfortably fit over my bunion. I was really shocked at how comfortable the block heeled boots are. I love the two handbags. The crossbody is big enough to fit my laptop. They are both roomy, chic, and practical. Remember if you would like to purchase any of their products to use the code 12Cindy for 12% off. Thank you for reading Six Timeless Must Have White Shirts for Women over 50. If you have a white shirt you love please share. Now let’s pop over and visit Jennifer for her picks.
A WELL STYLED LIFE
Cindy, I say this every time you post, you look amazing and your outfits look fabulous! Not to mention your beautiful smile and spirit just shine!
Thank you for sharing all of these beautiful white shirt options! I have a closet full of them and love them
The great thing about a white shirt is that it comes in all price points and you can find them everywhere to fit your budget.
Have a wonderful week!
Thanks for the round-up of white shirts. You and I have talked about how we think our silver hair shows off white better than before. There is a Nordstrom brand that has lots to choose from called FoxCroft. I have bought 2 of the same and they are no-iron which makes them great for travel. There is a gorgeous one in a BR catalog that I got yesterday but it’s silk so consequently more expensive. It has gorgeous cuffs. I bought a longer shirt in linen but learned that wasn’t such a good idea since there is more to wrinkle when it hits below your derrière.
I look at this blog as inspiration not an online shopping site. If Cindy shows a pricey item, I can try to find a less pricey option. There are many websites where that is possible. I think Cindy is trying to show us what we can do and not asking us to copy her exactly.
I just can’t get “into” white shirts as hard as I’ve tried. Some of these look too oversized for a petite and in others, I would “lose” my short neck. You, however look great in all and very stylish.
White isn’t my best color either. I guess it is just not my style, but I always enjoy seeing how you wear and style them and reading the other comments. They’re definitely popular, that’s for sure.
Similar more budget friendly items at Nordstrom Rack, Chicos and JCP. I love wearing a white shirt with jeans or over a tee like a jacket. I have a thin blue striped white shirt that I love. Just waiting for cooler weather! Cindy you look fabulous in all of your white shirts! Wish I still had a small waist!
Hi Sydney
I love Nordstrom Rack, but find that items are often sold out before I my blog goes live which irritates my readers. We do not have a JC Penney anywhere near us. We used to in Salinas. Chicos is always a good option!
Thank you Cindy! As others have already said, lots of great inspiration here. Love a simple, (or not so simple?), white shirt and also classic black and white.
Hi Lesley
You can’t go wrong with black and white!!
Thanks for the wide range of gorgeous options — as always, I hone in on your accessories, which are perfect for you.
Hi Bette
Accessories make the outfit in my opinion. Thanks for al of your support!
OK, any time you want to clean out your closet I’ll take your leftovers. Love your style. It’s very me.Now to look around at Athleta and Banana Republic. Love your style. Also when a price is too high for me I just look at the same store or like you ebay or simply move on to another store. Love, love your blog.
Sandra — ditto! I think Cindy does an amazing job of presenting a range of options and price points, including items on eBay and Etsy. I’ve set up several, very targeted searches on eBay just to find an item Cindy has featured, for pennies on the dollar.
Hi Bette
So happy to hear that Bette!!
Hi Sandra
I shop all of the bargain sites first! We have that in common!!
Dear Cindy
This article is abundant with fabulous ideas! I suspect we all have similar pieces, jewelry and bags in our closets… Love the white shirt with faux leather pants. Thank you for the style inspiration. Anna from Arizona! 🌵
Hi Anna
Is it still hot hot in AZ?
Hi Cindy, Finally cooling down a bit! Hoping to. Freak out my jeans and long sleeve shirts soon! Looking forward to some fall fashion fun!
CINDY: You look great in all those looks, and I love how you styled them just as you do your house.
I saw in several pictures you wearing leopard print flats/mules and since I am somewhat fashion dysfunctional (I am trying) is leopard print considered a Fall fashion. I mean, would you wear it (shoes) in Summer in 90 degrees?
Thx
Hi Paula
I don’t usually wear my leopard flats until Fall.
LOVE SEEING ALL THE DIFFERENT LOOKS YOU COME UP WITH!
I HAVE A FEW WHITE SHIRTS BUT I THINK THEY DONOT LOOK SO GOOD ON ME!MAYBE TOO BIG……….I NEED TO LOOK AT THEM AGAIN!
HERE COMES FALL WITH THOSE FAUX LEGGINGS…………….
PREPARE ME. S L O W L Y!
Hi Eliz
I am not ready for fall either. It took Summer too long to arrive here!!
You always look so fabulous in your white shirts, Cindy.! I love the long one worn with leggings. So perfect for fall! On days when I don’t know what to wear, I can always rely on a great white shirt.
Hi Jennifer
I like that long version as well and it is on sale for under $50.
Cindy gratulálok, az általad javasolt megoldások mindegyike nálunk Magyarországon is nagyon jól hasznosÃtható.
Lakberendezőként és stylistként is élvezem leveleidet!
Klára Budapestről
Hi Kiara
Köszönöm szépen a kedves hozzászólást!
Something I would really appreciate is when you have a garment over $300. On Sale, no less that you add options for those of us that find that amount overwhelming, impossible and certainly not in our budget. Options would be appreciated. You look fabulous in that blouse and vest. I would love the opportunity to emulate your style in my own affordable way. Thank you for your time.
I agree Lyn, I could never afford or never be able to justify those prices.
Hi Mary
As I said to Lyn that vest was in cotton last year and nowhere near that price. All of the shirts I featured today are well under $100 and most under $30. That particular photo was taken last year. I did add a walmart and llbean option. I hope that helps. The reason I often link to eBay is because people generally do not want substitutes. I buy most of my clothes on eBay and other resale and vintage sites, so I completely understand your concern.
I agree. More affordable options would be appreciated.
Hi Pam
I would love to hear where you would like the options to come from? I usually use eBay because they have the exact items for much less. Many of my outfits of the week have come from Zara. I do feature Target when I see something stylish. The problem is they are often sold out by the time I post. Would love to hear you ladies suggestions.
Hi Lyn
I always try to offer options on eBay for much less. In this post I featured a shirt from H&M $29.99 one from Topshop and one from Banana Republic Factory for $29.99. The vest I am wearing is from last year and it is cotton. This year they only offered the suede option. I searched for the vest on eBay and found none unfortunately. I did just find one on Walmart which I added to the widget of a similar style. Thank you Lyn for the reminder.