Kris Jenner works hard, but I’m convinced my white button-down works harder. There is not one piece in my closet that single-handedly gets more wear than my white button-down shirt. Whether it’s worn over a bathing suit with white linen pants, under a blazer with trousers, or tossed over a tank top and jeans, this piece is so versatile and polished all at the same time.
When we talk about best basics (often), there are a few main pieces that are so necessary including quality T-shirts, well-fitting jeans, tailored suiting, and (my hero piece) the button-down. Layering options with a button-down are endless, plus it gives an air of effortful dressing immediately, whether or not it was truly an effortful look.
Button-downs don’t always have to be stiff and business-like, especially in times of work-from-home and hybrid-work environments. I’ve tapped my favorite fashionable Instagrammers for five new button-down outfit ideas. Shop my take on their looks below.
1. Vests
Vests are a great transitional piece and also super versatile in your wardrobe. Match them with a trouser for a full suit look and pop the set over a white button-down for an ultra-tailored menswear-inspired outfit.
Shop The Look
2. Baggy Trousers
It may seem like a dichotomy but a well-tailored pair of baggy trousers is about as chic as it gets. Find a pair that has an intentional wide leg and somewhat of a puddle-pant feel. This gives just the right amount of effortless polish to any look. Wearing it with your oversize white button-down is an obvious way to look super put together.
Shop The Look
3. Ballet Flats
Upgrade your sweatpants by pairing them unexpectedly with your crisp button-down. A fun tote bag and pretty flats perfectly complete this trend-forward look.
Shop The Look
4. Longline Coat
Elevated pajama pants or just wide leg satin trousers are a super comfortable way to make hybrid-work dressing chic. Add on a classic neutral bag and a longline coat to complete the ensemble.
Shop The Look
5. Cropped Sweater
Layering a button-down underneath a cashmere sweater is always chic. Make it edgier with a pair of parachute pants and the cool-girl sneaker of the year, Salomons.
Shop The Look
Next: My Friend Needs New Jeans on an Under-$100 Budget—46 Pairs I Suggested
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your AttentionI'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.
-
I'm Swapping Out My Crewneck Tees for These 7 Rich-Looking Neckline SilhouettesUltra-cool and ultra-chic.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
31 Zara Summer Standouts Fashion People Are Swooning OverShop them before they sell out.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
It's Officially a Butter-Yellow Summer—27 of the Chicest Finds at Zara, Nordstrom, and J.CrewFashion people love this color trend.
-
3 Aesthetic Pairings to Try If Your Wardrobe's Starting to Feel StaleFoolproof solutions.
-
I Can't Stand It When People Follow These Fashion Rules to a TIt's time to break the rules.
