5 Ways to Wear a White Button-Down Shirt

May 14

Who doesn’t love a crisp, classic, white button-down shirt? From oxford to broadcloth to linen and beyond, this closet anchor has stood the test of time as a must-have for women of any age, size, or style sensibility. Throughout the evolution of fashion, dominating trends have swung wildly from one season to the next, and yet this singular piece has sustained.

Easy-Chic

It’s easy enough to throw on this grab-and-go item, pop the collar and head out the door feeling put together, but there is room to embrace some individual spin and rework this timeless topper in fun, fresh and more fashion forward ways. To begin, grab your chosen chemise butonnée and tinker with the following how-to’s.

1. Cool Girl:

Put on the uniform of your fave white shirt and jeans, but tweak the look by rolling up the sleeves to above the elbow and give the bodice a casual front tuck, inserting just the very front of the shirting into the waistband of your bottoms, allowing the fabric on the sides and the back to cascade effortlessly downward.

2. The Sophisticate:

Follow the Cool Girl’s lead at the elbows, but elevate the ensemble by leaving all shirttails out and belt your button-down at the waist.

3. Pretty Woman:

The classic white shirt is the perfect layer when a sweater or jacket are just a bit too much. Throw on your favorite maxi or mini dress and top with your button-down, tying it just under the bustline for a little extra sauce.

4. The Everyday Lady:

Perfect anytime, anywhere, this style hack lets you be basic with a twist. Instead of tucking in your white shirt, simply tie it at the waistline just where it meets your pants or skirt, giving an accessorized, belted effect.

5. The Over-Under:

Throw your style approach in reverse by wearing your white shirt under your favorite sleeves dress or sweater for a crisp contrast and some extra coverage when a little bit of sleeve can go a very long way.

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Lyndsay Camins

Lyndsay Camins is a freelance writer based in sunny Southern California. Mother to two humans and one furball, she is an avid cook, complete workout-aholic, and self-described arm candy to her equal parts loving and patient husband. A former force in the fashion industry, Lyndsay switched gears in her middle life to pursue a career in writing so that her 3am notebook scribbles might have an opportunity to be shared with the world. She will write for anyone, anywhere, at anytime for the sake and true love of the written word.