They always say that you should dress for the job you want, and not the one you have. This statement rings true, to an extent, but it’s often easier said than done. A staple item in any professional’s wardrobe is the faithful business shirt: if you know how to style it properly, that is.

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Have you been looking for a quick and easy crash course on styling business shirts? Then look no further, because this article will fill you in on just that – and even more. By the time you’re finished reading it, we guarantee you’ll be promoted to business shirt specialist!

What is a Business Shirt?

First things first, let’s discuss what a business shirt actually is – and why it’s a great thing that you need to wear one. At its most basic level, a business shirt is a shirt that is worn by businessmen, businesswomen, and businesspeople in a business environment.

But it’s much more than that. A business shirt is a base for any outfit in the office that ensures that the wearer always looks presentable, appropriate, and ready to take on any job thrown their way.

By design, a business shirt will have a stiff collar that stands upright when buttoned all the way up and that opens slightly when the top two buttons are left undone. In addition, business shirts are specifically designed to be tucked into pants so they’re longer than other shirts.

The 3 Big Benefits of Wearing Business Shirts

If you’ve decided (or been told) to wear a business shirt, a wise decision has been made. This is because, among many other different factors, business shirts are known for being:

Versatile: Business shirts are very easy to dress up or down according to the occasion. Depending on how you style it, you can wear the same shirt to a casual client lunch and an important meeting.
Affordable: Though some business shirts cost more than others, they’re generally very affordable. Regardless of the price you pay upfront, a quality business shirt will pay itself off in next to no time as it is a true investment into your professional life.
Multipurpose: Though business shirts are specifically designed to be worn in a professional environment, you’ll find that you wear it in many places other than the office. You see, business shirts are much smarter than T-shirts, but not as smart as dress shirts, so you can wear them in pretty much any environment.

Styling Business Shirts: Tips for Men

When paired with a suit and tie, business shirts can be worn to important meetings with high-powered company executives. When tucked into a pair of blue jeans, a business shirt is the perfect choice for a quick check in with a contractor.

It truly does come down to how you choose to style it. Of course, the easiest – and most effective – way to style a men’s business shirt is with a tie. But that is far from the only style choice you have. Here are some other incredibly popular styling tips for your business shirt:

Pocket square
Cuff links
Socks
Briefcase
Watches
Handkerchiefs
Belts
Glasses

Styling Business Shirts: Tips for Women

No matter how you style it, a business shirt on a woman looks smart, professional, and – quite frankly – powerful. Women truly do have free reign when it comes to styling business shirts, and a properly styled business shirt can be worn in just about any business setting.

Of course, a woman can pair their business shirt with specific makeup, nail polish, and shoes to achieve a full head-to-toe polished and professional look, but that’s not all you can do to get the most out of a business shirt. Here are some other incredibly popular business styling tips for your business shirt:

Necklaces
Earrings
Rings
Bracelets
Handbags
Belts
Scarfs
Clutch purse
Neckerchiefs

Styling Business Shirts: Tips for The Non-Conforming

As the world becomes a more accepting place, so does the workplace. That means that the workwear wardrobes of those who don’t conform to the traditions and expectations of a specific gender aren’t limited as they once were.

No matter who you are, you can rock a business shirt and look good doing it. The following style tips for business shirts can be applied to all individuals that decide to wear a business shirt:

Blazer
Slacks
Tie
Bows
Glasses
Cardigans
Waistcoats
Suspenders
Pins or badges

Conclusion

And there you have it: everything you need to know about styling business shirts for men, women, and everyone else in the workspace. When styled properly, a business shirt really is the backbone of any outfit and – dare we say it – any wardrobe.

Now that you know exactly how to turn a basic business shirt into a workplace wonder, you’re all set for success – in the style department, at least. Are you ready to get down to business styling your business shirts?