Dress Shirt Styling Tips: How to Look Sharp for Any Occasion

Quick Answer: How Do You Style a Dress Shirt?

  • Formal: a white or light blue shirt, tucked in, with a suit and tie.
  • Business casual: a solid or subtle pattern, tucked in with dress pants, no tie.
  • Smart casual: under a blazer or sport jacket with an open collar, or with a quarter-zip over it.
  • Casual: a patterned shirt with casual pants, sleeves rolled.

A dress shirt is the most versatile thing in your closet. The same shirt can go to a wedding, a meeting and dinner, depending on how you wear it. Here's how to style it for any occasion.

Start With the Fit

Styling only works if the shirt fits: the collar fits two fingers, the shoulder seams sit at your shoulders and the sleeves end at your wrist bone. Our full guide on how a dress shirt should fit covers every detail.

Choosing the Right Shirt

  1. Start with white and light blue. They work with everything.
  2. Add subtle patterns, like fine checks or micro-prints, for variety.
  3. Add colour for weddings and events: pink, lavender or a deeper shade.
  4. Choose easy-care fabrics. Non-iron and stretch shirts look crisp all day.
  5. Pick your fit: Slim Fit or Modern Fit.

See which dress shirts every man should own.

How to Style It by Occasion

Formal events

Tuck it in, button the collar and wear a tie with a suit. Match your belt to your shoes. For black tie, wear a white tuxedo shirt.

Business casual

Tuck it into dress pants and skip the tie. Leave the top button undone. Add a blazer for meetings or a quarter-zip sweater on cooler days.

Smart casual

Wear it under a blazer with an open collar, or layer a full-zip sweater over it. A patterned shirt works well here.

Casual

Patterned and sateen shirts can be worn with casual pants. Roll the sleeves to just below the elbow for a relaxed look. If you'll untuck it, make sure it's not too long.

Colour Pairing Tips

  • Navy suit: white, light blue or pink shirt.
  • Grey suit: white, light blue or lavender shirt.
  • Black suit: white or black shirt.

For more combinations, see how to match your tie to your suit and shirt.

Want a softer, stretchier option? See butterknit vs. regular dress shirts.

FAQ

How should a dress shirt fit?

Two fingers should fit in the buttoned collar, and the shoulder seams should sit at your shoulders.

Should I tuck in my dress shirt?

With a suit or dress pants, yes. Untucked works only with casual outfits and the right length.

What colour dress shirt is most versatile?

White, followed by light blue.

Shop Dress Shirts at Tip Top

Find dress shirts in Slim Fit and Modern Fit, or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.

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