A blazer is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples, seamlessly transitioning from formal to casual settings whether paired with dresses, shirts, or even coats. However, the right top choice is essential—throwing on just any shirt underneath can disrupt the outfit’s balance, making it feel either too formal, too casual, or mismatched. This guide will help you elevate your blazer outfits effortlessly, showing you the best shirt options to go with it.
Best Shirts to Wear Under a Blazer
The shirt you wear under a blazer defines the outfit’s tone, style, and sophistication level. Some options lean more formal, while others create a relaxed yet refined look. Here’s how to choose the best one.
Classic Dress Shirts
A dress shirt is the ultimate formal choice when paired with a blazer. Its stiff collar, buttoned cuffs, and structured fabric make it ideal every time.
Choose Your White Dress Shirts
White dress shirts remain a foolproof option, complementing any blazer color. Light blue dress shirts offer a softer alternative while still maintaining professionalism. If you want variety, don’t skip pastel tones like soft pink, gray, and beige, or stripped and micro-checked patterns.
To keep the look sharp, always tuck in your dress shirt and consider rolling up the sleeves for a relaxed yet polished effect.
Button-Down Shirts
A button-down shirt is a familiar piece for those who want to combine both formal and casual. Unlike traditional dress shirts, it features a collar with buttons that keep it in place, making it an excellent pairing for structured and unstructured blazers alike.
Blue Button-down Shirt & Brown Wool Blazer
Similarly, a white button-down shirt is always a to-go option. Show your slightly bolder style by dressing in earthy tones like olive, rust, or mustard. If you put on a dark blazer, opt for the soft contrast from pastels.
A slim-fit button-down ensures a sleek silhouette, preventing excess fabric from bunching under the blazer. Leave the top button undone and choose a textured blazer like tweed or wool to achieve a modern business casual style. See more about how you can leverage your look with a tweed blazer.
Oxford Shirts
An Oxford shirt strikes the perfect balance between structure and casual ease, thanks to its thicker fabric and textured weave. Its shape holds well under a blazer, making it a staple for smart-casual outfits.
A white or light blue Oxford shirt paired with a navy or charcoal blazer creates a professional and timeless appearance. For a more relaxed business look, light-colored Oxfords with unstructured blazers and chinos work well.
Discover Double-breasted Blazers
Round-Collar Shirts
Round-collar shirts, like Peter Pan and crew neck styles, provide a chic and vintage-inspired alternative to traditional collared shirts. Their soft, rounded neckline adds a delicate touch, making them perfect for achieving a romantic, retro aesthetic under a blazer.
Cropped blazers complement round-collar shirts well, while textured blazers enhance the vintage appeal, adding depth and sophistication. Layer a statement necklace over the collar to elevate the outfit further with personality.
Imperial Red Lady-collar Shirt & Pink Herringbone Tweed Blazer
Polo Shirts
A polo shirt bridges the gap between casual and dressy. When paired with a blazer, it creates a sporty yet refined aesthetic that works well for smart-casual and business-casual dress codes.
A neutral-toned polo with a beige or navy blazer and chinos is always a never-failed office look amazingly showing professionalism. Switch to a fitter polo (a slim-fit cut is ideal) to exude a more modern and laid-back vibe. Avoid oversized logos or overly bright tones when styling these garments together. 
| Types of Shirts | Features | Style Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Dress Shirts | - Stiff collar, buttoned cuffs - Structured fabric - Best for formal settings |
White/light blue shirt + navy blazer |
| Button-Down Shirts | - Buttoned collar for a secure fit - Mix of formal & casual - Versatile styling |
- White for versatility - Earthy tones for bold contrast |
| Oxford Shirts | - Thicker, textured fabric - Holds shape well - Smart-casual staple |
Light-colored Oxford + unstructured blazer + chinos |
| Round-Collar Shirts | - Soft, rounded neckline - Vintage-inspired look - Feminine & chic |
Round-collar shirt + cropped/tweed blazer + statement necklace |
| Polo Shirts | - Sporty yet refined - Great for smart-casual - Works well under blazers |
Neutral polo + charcoal blazer + chinos |
Silk & Satin Blouses
A silk or satin blouse adds a touch of femininity and sophistication to a blazer outfit. The soft drape of silk contrasts beautifully with the sharp lines of a blazer, making it ideal for business settings or evening wear.
For a flattering combination, fitted blazers highlight the flowy fabric, while cropped blazers allow the blouse to become a statement piece. Longline blazers are also a great option for layering, giving a chic, elongated silhouette.
Sleeveless Blouses
A sleeveless blouse is the most comfortable option for warmer months, offering a breezy alternative. Pairing a sleeveless blouse with a linen or lightweight blazer can create a cool summer look for a business woman.
However, to maintain a refined appearance, opt for structured fabrics like crepe or silk rather than overly soft materials. Choose a well-tailored blazer to contrast the bare arms, and avoid sheer or tight-fitting fabrics that can bring up an unflattering outline. If you want to wear sleeveless blouses for a more professional occasion, a high-neck one is recommended to ensure a polished and put-together look.
| Types of Blouses | Features | Style Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Silk & Satin Blouses | - Soft, flowy fabric - Adds elegance & sophistication - Ideal for business & evening wear |
- Tuck into a fitted blazer - Pair with a cropped blazer |
| Sleeveless Blouses | - Lightweight & breathable - Great for summer - Works for both casual & professional outfits |
High-neck sleeveless blouse + structured blazer |
How to Pair a Blazer with Other Tops
Blazers are incredibly versatile, and pairing them with different tops can also transform your look. To make your blazer stay the focal point of a well-balanced and stylish outfit, check out:
Turtlenecks & Knit Tops
For turtlenecks, a fitted, thin design going with a blazer offers sophistication, perfect for autumn when the cold winds just come. On the other hand, a chunky knit paired with a relaxed-fit jacket presents a cozy appearance, making you outstanding on the most chilly days.
The combination of different textures, such as a ribbed or cashmere turtleneck with a plaid or tweed blazer, can create excellent layers for the outfit. Finishing with straight-leg jeans will turn you into a modern chic girl.
Design Your Fall & Winter Blazers
T-Shirts
A plain white or neutral T-shirt is the easiest way to dress up a blazer in casual and business casual settings. But if you want a completely street-style look, change it to printed or graphic tees under a minimal structured blazer.
The fit of the T-shirt matters. A slim-fit tee keeps the look sharp, while an oversized tee creates a laid-back, energetic vibe—best paired with a slouchy or oversized blazer.
Camisoles
Comfortable and sleek, a camisole is great for both work and casual settings. Especially for daily wear, a lace-trimmed camisole and a relaxed-fit blazer are a perfect match. The key to styling camisoles is choosing luxurious, lightweight fabrics that drape smoothly under the blazer without adding bulk.
Because camisoles are often simple in design, it’s a plus to “accentuate” them (and your blazer) with statement necklaces or delicate scarves.
Hoodies
Pairing a hoodie with a blazer is a modern take on streetwear-inspired fashion. It blends casual comfort with tailored structure, making it a go-to for athleisure and smart-casual styling. A gray or black hoodie under a blazer creates a sleek, urban look that pairs well with dark jeans and sneakers.
For the best result, opt for slim or medium-weight hoodies rather than bulky ones. The color of the hoodie should complement the blazer— usually neutral and monochrome tones, or you can add contrast with bold-colored hoodies.
| Types of Tops | Features | Style Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Turtlenecks & Knit Tops | - Warm and stylish - Creates a sleek silhouette - Great for layering in colder months |
- Fitted turtleneck + structured blazer - Chunky knit + oversized blazer |
| T-Shirts | - Casual yet versatile - Works for both minimal & bold looks - Available in fitted & oversized styles |
- White t-shirt + navy blazer - Graphic tee + relaxed blazer |
| Camisoles | - Lightweight & feminine - Adds a soft, elegant touch - Works for both day & evening looks |
- Silk camisole + tailored blazer - Lace-trim cami + relaxed blazer |
Why the Right Shirt Matters When Wearing a Blazer
The shirt you wear under a blazer does more than complete the look—it determines the overall fit, proportion, and style impact. Choosing the right piece ensures that the blazer’s structure remains intact while enhancing the outfit’s sophistication.
How the Right Shirt Enhances Your Look
A well-chosen shirt creates a well-proportioned appearance. The wrong choice can make the outfit look mismatched, unbalanced, or overly casual. The right shirt also affects layering and comfort—structured shirts maintain the blazer’s crisp lines, while flowy fabrics soften the silhouette.
For example, a structured button-down adds formality, whereas a draped silk blouse provides an effortlessly chic aesthetic.
Brown Plaid Wool Skirt Suit
Products in the outfit
Credit: Marta Marghidanu
Matching the Shirt to the Occasion
Blazers can be worn for formal, casual, and trendy occasions, but the shirt must align with the level of formality. For business and professional settings, a classic dress shirt or structured blouse ensures a polished appearance. In contrast, for smart casual events, a fitted turtleneck, button-down, or sleek camisole works well.
Trendy, street-style looks often incorporate graphic tees, hoodies, or relaxed knits, creating a more fashion-forward approach. When in doubt, neutral colors and classic fabrics help maintain a versatile, timeless look.
Gray Blazer with Black Tee and Jeans
Products in the outfit
Credit: Bianca
Collar Types & Their Impact on Styling
The collar of a shirt interacts directly with a blazer’s lapels, influencing how the outfit comes together.
- Point collars and spread collars from dress shirts align well with structured blazers, ensuring a crisp look.
- Round collars provide a softer, more modern feel, often working best with unstructured blazers or casual layering.
- Polo collars offer a sporty yet refined touch,
- Open-collar shirts create a relaxed, approachable aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Fabric & Fit
Fabric weight and texture impact how a blazer drapes and the overall outfit silhouette. Structured shirts like Oxfords or poplin dress shirts maintain a clean, fitted appearance, ideal for tailored blazers. Softer fabrics like silk, linen, or knit tops create a more relaxed and fluid aesthetic, pairing well with oversized or unstructured blazers.
The fit of the shirt should complement the blazer’s structure. A fitted top and a slim-fit blazer keep the outfit sleek and modern, while looser tops should styled with relaxed blazers. Layering should feel natural, without excess fabric bunching under the blazer.
Beige Linen Blazer with White Blouse
Products in the outfit
Style Tip: Always consider fabric contrast when layering to create depth and visual interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shirt should a woman wear under a blazer?
Women can wear a variety of shirts under a blazer depending on the occasion and personal style. For a formal or business look, a classic dress shirt, button-down shirt, or silk blouse is ideal. If you prefer a smart-casual outfit, Oxford shirts, polo shirts, or structured round-collar shirts work well. For a chic or trendy style, a fitted turtleneck, camisole, or a high-neck sleeveless blouse creates a polished yet modern appearance.
Can I wear a T-shirt under a blazer?
Yes! A plain white, neutral, or graphic t-shirt can look stylish under a blazer, depending on the occasion. A fitted t-shirt under a structured blazer creates a sleek, put-together appearance, while an oversized t-shirt under a relaxed blazer gives off a more casual, effortless vibe.
What color shirt goes best with a blazer?
The best color depends on the blazer's color and the occasion. A white or light blue dress shirt is a safe and timeless option for professional and formal looks. Neutral shades like beige, gray, or black provide versatility, while pastel tones or muted earthy colors can add variety. If the blazer is dark, a lighter shirt can create contrast, whereas a monochrome outfit in similar tones adds sophistication.
Can I wear a polo shirt under a blazer?
Yes, a polo shirt under a blazer works well for a smart-casual or business-casual look. A neutral or dark-colored polo with a tailored blazer and chinos creates a professional yet relaxed appearance. Slim-fit polos work best under structured blazers to maintain a sharp silhouette.
What’s the difference between a dress shirt and a button-down shirt under a blazer?
A dress shirt typically has a stiff, structured collar and is designed for formal occasions, while a button-down shirt has small buttons on the collar points, making it slightly more casual. A dress shirt pairs best with tailored blazers for professional settings, whereas a button-down shirt can be worn in both formal and smart-casual outfits.
What type of collar is best under a blazer?
Collar types should complement the blazer’s lapels. Point and spread collars from dress shirts work best with structured blazers, while mandarin and round collars create a softer, modern aesthetic. A turtleneck collar adds warmth and sophistication, and polo collars offer a sporty yet polished vibe.
