A white button-down is one of those classic pieces that ends up on every must-have list, but few women really know how to wear one or to choose one. Many women (and I used to be guilty of this) think of it as something you wear with suits when you work at a suity job in a suity office, but the opposite is true. When you combine the menswear styling of a button-down with the menswear styling of a typical suit, you get a masculine look. I prefer silk blouses and printed tops with suits instead, or at least a button-down glammed up with great jewelry. In my opinion, the white button-down is best worn in less obvious ways: with a full skirt, Carolina Herrera style, or half-tucked, with slouchy jeans.
If a tailored look is what you’re going for, and not a slouchy one, then look for a shirt that has darts at the back to define the waist. This key detail, the secret to an impeccable fit, makes the difference between a shirt that looks chic and one that looks cheap. So if the Old Navy button-down is the only one that fits in your budget, take it to a tailor and spend another few dollars to make it look custom-made and ultra-expensive.
Here, creative ways to style this most basic of basics.
White Shirts for Every Budget
If you don’t already own this staple, choose the simplest style in the best quality you can afford. These are all classic enough to wear everywhere, with everything.
I hope you’re inspired to break out this “boring” basic this week, and make it your own!
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