How to Wear Long Sleeve Shirts

Co-authored by Dina Scherer and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: October 26, 2021 References

Long sleeve shirts are a staple in the closets of many different people. The versatility of this shirt makes it a great component in nearly any outfit, be it formal or casual. If you are going to a special event, try wearing your long sleeve shirt in a more laid-back style. If you’re planning on dressing up, use your best long sleeve shirt to make yourself look as elegant as possible!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Testing Out Casual Looks

1
Wear a button-up shirt with some khakis for a business casual look. Try on some khakis along with a solid-colored shirt to tow the line between casual and formal. If you’re wearing a dress shirt or other button-up garment, make sure that you button it up all the way. To balance out the neutral tone of the khakis, wear a brighter shirt color, like light blue.^{[1]
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- For example, try wearing a collared, long sleeve blue shirt with a set of khakis and a pair of nice loafers or dress shoes.
2
Prioritize comfort by wearing a long sleeved shirt with leggings. Keep your legs warm with some leggings while giving them room to breathe. To complete this laid-back outfit, keep your long sleeve shirt untucked. If you’d like to make this ensemble a little more stylish, try on some saddle shoes to finish the look.^{[2]
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- For instance, pair a long, flowy long sleeved shirt with a pair of black leggings. To accessorize, slide on some black and white shoes along with a dark beret.
- If you’d rather add a bit of elegance to this outfit, try wearing a collared, button up shirt instead.
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3
Go for an alternative vibe by pairing a cropped shirt with some leather pants. Test out a rock-n-roll style by trying on some tight leather pants. For a sexier look, try to pick the most form-fitting pants as possible. If you’d like to spice up your outfit, try out a pair of sandals instead of boots or running shoes.^{[3]
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- For example, pair a cropped, sold-colored long sleeve shirt with a pair of black leather leggings. Accessorize this outfit with a dangling necklace as well as a pair of hoop earrings.
4
Opt for a grungy look by pairing a button-up shirt with some jeans. Make your long sleeve shirt look especially casual by pairing with a set of jeans. If the weather is on the chillier side, this type of outfit can help you balance fashion and warmth at the same time. If you’d like your look to be a little edgier, try on a pair of ripped jeans instead.^{[4]
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- For a fun, contrasting look, try pairing a solid-colored, long-sleeved some light blue jeans that are ripped around the knees.
5
Roll up your sleeves to add some elegance to a wrinkly ensemble. Take the ends of your long sleeves and roll them up, scrunching them around the elbow. If you’re wearing a dress shirt, unbutton the cuffs or lower half of the sleeve before rolling anything up. For a smooth but casual look, try to keep the sleeves bunched around the elbow.^{[5]
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- For instance, pair some cargo pants with a multi-colored long sleeve top. Add a touch of professionalism to the cargo pants by rolling the fabric up to
Tip: Add a casual flair to any kind of outfit by rolling your long sleeves up to the elbows. This works especially well with dress shirts and other button-ups.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trying a Formal Style

1
Tuck a long sleeved blouse into a long skirt to add some flair to your style. Attend formal events and parties without worrying about setting aside a dress. Instead, split your outfit into 2 parts: a fancy long sleeve shirt and a long skirt. Aim for the skirt to reach below your knees without touching your ankles. Instead, try showing off a bit of your lower leg!^{[7]
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- For instance, tuck a white, long sleeved shirt into a long, black skirt. Finish off the outfit with sunglasses and a pair of ankle-high boots. To accent the outfit, choose a skirt with a white design or insignia printed on the front.
2
Pair a button-up shirt with a blazer to give off a sleek vibe.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} Get ready for any formal or professional occasion with a blazer or sport coat. If you’re worried about your long sleeve shirt being too bland or informal on its own, slip a blazer over top! Depending on the color scheme of your outfit, a blazer can take your ensemble to a newer and sleeker level.^{[9]
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- For example, go for a monochromatic look by pairing a white long sleeve shirt with a black blazer and set of dress pants. To complete the outfit, add some fancy, high heeled black shoes and a dark clutch.^{[10]
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  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.}
- If you’d like to add some personality to your outfit, try on a patterned blazer instead.
3
Opt for a classy look with dress shirt and nice pants. Go for an easy look by pairing some zip-up dress pants with a solid-colored long sleeve shirt. To make the outfit look even fancier, try tucking the shirt into your pants. Keep the outfit simple by adding a monochromatic handbag and pair of elegant shoes like loafers or high heels.^{[11]
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- For instance, tuck a white shirt into a dark pair of dress pants. Finish off the ensemble with some dual-toned gray and black shoes as well as a black handbag.
4
Add a necktie to your dress shirt to complete a glamorous outfit. Take any wardrobe to the next level of elegance by adding the proper accessories. If you’re wearing a dress shirt, try adding on a patterned or solid-colored tie, depending on the rest of the outfit. If you’re wearing a vest or jacket over your long sleeve shirt, opt for a necktie instead.^{[12]
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- Additionally, opt for a long sleeve shirt with a fancy collar if you’d like to make your outfit a little classier. For instance, look for shirts that have cascade, Pierrot, Jabot, or circular ruffle collars.^{[13]
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5
Throw on a scarf to give your ensemble a dash of elegance. Give your outfit a bonus touch of style by layering a scarf on top. If your long sleeve shirt has a more open neckline, try concealing it with a tied scarf. If you don’t want to worry about looping the scarf at all, just dangle both ends down the front of your chest instead.^{[14]
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- For example, pair a tightly wrapped scarf with a tight leather jacket to give off a sleek, form-fitting look.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dina Scherer
  Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
  Expert Interview. 22 October 2021.} If you’d prefer something looser, go for a circular scarf style.
- Don’t be afraid of contrast! Take your outfits to a new level of fashion by pairing dark scarves with lighter shirts, and vice versa.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you style long sleeve shirts?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

And you can wear it in a lot of different ways! You can wear it with a miniskirt, or a shiny skirt so your look has a little bit more pizzazz. You can also layer it with a blazer, a tailored vest, or a motorcycle jacket. This piece is truly versatile!
Question

How do you rock a long sleeve shirt?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

A long sleeve shirt doesn't have to be too simple. Try looking for pieces that have details, like one with an open back or a symmetric cut.