Although no one can deny the importance of investing in an arsenal of functional basics, we have to face one harsh fact: Staples can sometimes feel stale. It's one of the greatest quandaries facing the fashion crowd, especially when discussing one essential: button-down shirts. While we could never stand to live without this staple, we have to admit that styling (or lack thereof) can make even the most expensive button-down shirt look cheap. Sure, there are those tried-and-true ways of wearing this basic: button it up and leave it hanging or tuck it into your denim. While both options undoubtedly work and look polished, we wouldn't put it past you if you thought to yourself, Been there, done that.
After all, figuring out how to wear a button-down shirt in new creative ways takes serious forethought! But before you spend too much time overthinking ways to reinvent your favorite blouse, best believe we've got your back. Ahead, we're sharing our comprehensive guide on making the button-down shirt in the back of the closet look instantly more expensive through a few easy-to-copy simple outfit formulas and straightforward styling tips. Additionally, we've shared a curation of some of the best button-down shirts for women to shop right now (in case you're overdue for an upgrade). Trust us, these 14 button-down-shirt outfit ideas will transform this "stale" item into something truly sophisticated—sans extra forethought or effort.
Tip #1: Add Base Layers
WEAR: Sunglasses + White Button-Down Shirt + White Tank Top + Black Capri Pants + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Mules
Styling Notes: It might not sound groundbreaking, but one of the simplest ways to make any button-down shirt look more expensive is to start by adding base layers to your look. There's something about an exposed tank-top or T-shirt under a slightly open button-down shirt that will always scream "money."
Tip #2: Layer a Cardigan on Top
WEAR: Brown Cardigan + White T-Shirt + Brown Button-Down Shirt + Brown Belt + White Jeans + Brown Pumps
Styling Notes: On top of adding base layers to your button-down-shirt outfit, there's another way to make this staple look more expensive: add a cardigan over the shoulders. By incorporating light top layers into your look, you'll tap into the inate preppiness of this piece in a way that will have everyone whispering "they're so posh" when you walk by them.
Tip #3: Incorporate a Menswear Tie
WEAR: Black Eyeglasses + Trench Coat + White Button-Down Shirt + Black Tie + Black Belt + Black Trousers + Black Kitten Heels + Black Structured Handbag
Styling Notes: While styling your button-down shirt in a more prep-inspired way is always a safe bet, it won't necessarily stir up excitement. Thankfully, there's another place you can draw inspiration from while styling this staple: the menswear department. Frankly, there's no better way to make a woman's button-down shirt feel a bit spicier than by styling it with a tie stolen from your favorite guy—sharing is caring, after all!
Tip #4: Pair With a Tailored Blazer
WEAR: Black Tailored Blazer + White T-Shirt + Striped Button-Down Shirt + Black Belt + Baggy Jeans + Black Loafers + Black Barrel Bag
Styling Notes: For a more casual approach to styling this classic suiting separate, ditch the tie in place of a tailored blazer. No matter the shape of blazer—be it one with a boxier fit, a nipped-in waist, or a cropped iteration—styling it with your button-down shirt is a more straightforward way to lean into the "masculine" aspect of this staple without having to raid the menswear department.
Tip #5: Belt It
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Silver Hoops + Black Blazer + White Button-Down + Brown Rope Belt + Brown Shoulder Bag + Black Trousers + Black Heeled Mules
Styling Notes: In addition to adding a blazer to your look, you can make an oversize shirt look more tailored by belting it. Incorporating a belt is a simple but sophisticated way to make a button-down shirt look like it was made specifically for you (even if you bought it from a run-of-the-mill box store).
Tip #6: Cuff It
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Gold Earrings + Black T-Shirt + Black Striped Button-Down Shirt + Gold Chunky Cuff Bracelet + Black Belt + Black Trousers + Black Bowler Bag + Black Flats
Styling Notes: Belts are the only way to adapt the portions of your button-down shirt—enter chunky cuff bracelets into the chat. If you have an oversize button-down with sleeves that are a little too large, consider layering cuff bracelets on top of them to make the piece feel more tailored (without actually having to take it to a tailor).
Tip #7: Bunch It Up With a Brooch
WEAR: Stacked Silver Rings + Yellow Pinstripe Button-Down Shirt + Silver Brooch + White Trousers + Slide Sandals
Styling Notes: Another type of jewelry that can make even this "simple" shirt feel more sophisticated: a brooch. While most might consider adding this jewelry to the lapel, if you want to make it look even cooler, try bunching your shirt around the waist using a brooch (as shown above). It will not only make an oversize shirt more fitted but also surely catch everyone's attention.
Tip #8: Go Oversize
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Black Oversize Button-Down Shirt + Black Watch + Black Tote Bag + Black Maxi Skirt + Black Flip-Flops
Styling Notes: When you don't feel like putting a ton of effort into styling this staple in new ways, consider one of the oldest hacks in the book: Go for an oversize silhouette. Opting for an extra-large button-down shirt basically does all the work of making your ensemble feel more elegant with little effort.
Tip #9: Wear Your Button-Down Like a Dress
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Long Necklace + Oversize Navy Button-Down Shirt + Black Handbag + Black Slide Sandals
Styling Notes: You can lean into the oversize silhouette even further by styling your button-down shirt as a minidress. If this styling hack feels a little too risqué for your taste, consider investing in a shirtdress or styling your oversize button-down with slide sandals to give it a more casual feel (as shown above) to make it more appropriate.
Tip #10: Add a Corset
WEAR: Light-Blue Button-Down Shirt + Black Corset Top + Gray Wide-Leg Trousers + Black Heels + Black Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: If you want to accentuate your figure rather than drown in an oversize frock, consider adding a corset into the mix. Not only will layering a corset top on top of a button-down shirt make it a bit more formfitting, but it's a sultrier take on styling the otherwise "masculine" staple.
Tip #11: Play With Prints
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Black Pinstripe Blazer + Light-Blue Pinstripe Button-Down Shirt + White Tank Top + Black Belt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Black Ankle Boots
Styling Notes: Looking for a more straightforward way to make this staple look more visually intriguing? Play with prints. The light-blue striped shirt in the back of your closet can suddenly become more striking when paired with a contrasting black blazer. While you can mix any print you want together, sticking to pinstripes is a foolproof way to ensure it looks posh.
Tip #12: Add a Sweater
WEAR: White Button-Down Shirt + Black Off-the-Shoulder Sweater + Black Belt + Black Midi Slip Skirt + Black Mules + Black Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: If mixing prints isn't appealing, you can create the same visual effect by layering a sweater on your shirt. The secret to making it visually compelling is choosing a sweater with a neckline that will show off your collared button-down (such as an off-the-shoulder, asymmetrical, or V-neck knit).
Tip #13: Embrace Alternative Neutrals
WEAR: Headband + Gold Earrings + T-Shirt + Tan Suede Button-Down Shirt + Dark-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Brown Barrel Bag + Brown Loafers
Styling Notes: Besides embracing layers, the next best way to make this particular essential pop is by playing with your color palette. No, you don't have to embrace the rainbow, but opting for a button-down shirt in an alternative neutral (think brown, olive, navy, gray, etc.) can have the same impact.
Tip #14: Pay Attention to Texture
WEAR: Sunglasses + Tan Trench Coat + Black T-Shirt + Denim Button-Down Shirt + Baggy Jeans + Black Ballet Flats + Slouchy Black Handbag
Styling Notes: When all other styling hacks fail to make your staple button-down shirt stand out, it's time to pull out one last trick: Pay attention to texture. Whether you opt for a denim, suede, satin, or linen version, deviating from the classic cotton-poplin blend can transform basic from "dull" to downright decadent at the drop of a hat.
