“how do I make a professional button-up shirt look fashionable & feminine?”

dear apricot,

I was is need of some dress shirts for going on job interviews this summer so I ordered a few online at Forever21. I figured Forever21 is a woman’s store so the shirts must have a feminine fit or cut. But unfortunately, I got the package this morning, tried the shirts on, and the shirts are oversize (size xsmall!) and the collar appears a bit stiff. I’ve seen girls rock the button-up oxford-esque look before, but am I just incapable of pulling it off? How can I style these shirts so they look more fashionable and what can I pair with them so I look more feminine?

— Ginnifer.

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Hello Ginnifer,

There are so many ways to make a button-up shirt look fashionable & feminine. Here are my suggestions:

(for product information, click here.)

It can seem daunting at first to try to make a stiff, professional shirt look fun, flirty, & feminine, but it’s absolutely possible! Just try not to look at it as a “professional shirt.” View it more as a simple white shirt. Your options will immediately open up & become more creative when you take the serious word “professional” out of it.

Things you’ll need:

• Skirts; full or slim (pencil), printed or solid, it doesn’t matter. Just as long as it suits your personal taste.
• A low v-necked dress.
• Slim fitting pants, in whichever color your prefer.
• Bold accessories: printed flats, gold earrings, & sheer stockings, for example.

Create the looks:

• Try getting some skirts to dress up your work look. A pencil skirt is instant feminine, while a shorter, fuller skirt is much more whimsical. Choose a skirt according to your style. To make it even more girly, pair a skirt with some sheer black stockings.
• Find a pair of nice fitting pants & tuck the button-up shirt in. Pair it with some animal printed shoes, & you’re good to go! This outfit is professional, but not serious. Your personal flair is still evident.
• Have a deep v-necked dress that you love, but can’t wear to work because you feel it isn’t appropriate? Your dilemma is solved if you layer the button-up shirt underneath the dress. Finish off the look with pretty gold earrings, & pointed-toe shoes & you’re ready to take the office by storm.

I hope these tips help you! There are many other ways you can dress up (or down) a button-up shirt; these are just some of my favorites.

The key is to think outside of the box when it comes to a white button-up shirt. Be willing to experiment & see what looks best for you. As I always say, if you don’t like the way a certain combination looks, you don’t ever have to try it again!

— apricot.

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