Sorry, White Button-Downs—This Simple Upgrade Is Going to Replace You

Welcome to The Great Try-On—our digest of everything you'll need for your most stylish season yet. We identified the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe, which consists of seven practical hero items. A few of our editors tried on each of these wardrobe builders, with head-to-toe looks styled by our editorial director, Lauren Eggertsen, so you can see how they look IRL. From the trousers everyone's talking about to the skirt that goes with absolutely everything, we hope that these photos and the candid reviews of each item will help you shop for a seasonal wardrobe filled with essentials and trend-forward pieces you'll wear for spring and beyond.

There are certain items that quietly take over your wardrobe each season, and this spring, it's the pastel poplin shirt. The runways this past season highlighted this style as a chic alt for the classic white button-down. Once we realized we were packing one for every trip, it became pretty clear that this was a versatile essential, and it only gets more fun when pastel colorways become involved.

The appeal is obvious: It's crisp but low effort, polished but not fussy, and ideal for layering under a trench coat or tossing over a tank when the temperature inevitably hits 80° midday. Pastel poplin shirts are always around, but this season's versions feel especially good—slightly oversize, often found in unique colors, and just structured enough to pass as put-together. Our editors tested a few standout options in different fits and colors, and the results made one thing clear. If you're going to buy one thing to wear on repeat this spring, it might as well be a pastel poplin shirt.

First up, we're talking about a surprisingly elevated piece from a streetwear lover's brand. This pastel shirt immediately caught our attention for all the right reasons. At first glance, it might look like your typical crisp button-down, but there's a subtle detail that sets it apart. Keep scrolling to see why fashion editor Sierra Mayhew is calling this a summer essential.

Sierra's take on the pastel shirt: "My greatest styling piece come summer 2025 is going to be a pastel button-down shirt. I plan to wear it over a swimsuit, tossed on top of a tank top and denim shorts, on its own as a dress—the possibilities are endless. This one is fun because it has an open-back detail, and the quality of the fabric was so noteworthy."

Styling tips: This Ami shirt in pastel yellow has a cool, utilitarian edge with its exaggerated back split and silver-tone buckle. Pairing it with a simple white T-shirt underneath lets the shirt's unique details stand out and makes for the perfect spring layering technique. To add some contrast, Sierra styled it with tough, moto-inspired shoes that bring a bit of rebellious energy to the pastel color scheme. This combination of a relaxed fit and edgy footwear strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and bold.

Shop the shirt: Ami Oversized Wool Shirt ($650)

This modern statement piece is made from 100% wool. It features button fastenings through the front, an exaggerated back split, and a silver-tone buckle for a utilitarian edge. The oversize fit with dropped shoulders gives it a relaxed, chic silhouette, while the soft color adds a fresh spring touch. For best care, it's recommended to dry-clean, ensuring this versatile piece remains in your wardrobe for years to come.

Classic, timeless, and utterly irresistible—next up, we have Dries Van Noten's cotton poplin overshirt that is oversize and chic. Keep reading to see how associate features editor Ana Escalante found the fit and how she styled it.

Ana's take on the pastel shirt: "Anything Dries goes in my book. You can imagine my surprise when I tried on this shirt in a size small (what?!) and it was perfectly oversize. For reference, I'm usually an XL or even XXL, so if that's any indication, this shirt runs big. Like most of the Dries Van Noten pieces I've worn and collected over the years, I feel incredibly comfortable in it. It doesn't feel tight, itchy, or overly loose. I also love the perfect shade of blue it comes in."

Styling tips: We're never again calling a button-down shirt boring after seeing how Ana styled this piece. While most would add a pair of white trousers to this look and call it a day, the simple addition of a green cashmere sweater made all the difference—wrapped around the waist in the form of a perfect pop of color. There's no better way to be styling your crisp shirting for spring.

Shop the shirt: Dries Van Noten Cotton-Poplin Shirt ($470)

The Dries Van Noten Cotton-Poplin Shirt is a refined yet versatile staple for any wardrobe. Made from 100% cotton, it features classic buttons on the front and a crisp, clean silhouette that's both polished and comfortable. The soft color adds a refreshing touch, while the mother-of-pearl buttons provide a luxe finish. When taken care of properly, this shirt is high-quality and designed for long-lasting wear.

Finally, discover a unique take on the pastel shirt—delivered by Carven's love for a good scarf detail. Read on to see why senior fashion editor Eliza Huber found this item to be the ultimate statement piece for a minimalist.

Eliza's take on the pastel shirt: "I've been a fan of the pastel-shirt trend for a few years now, starting really with pastel pink but expanding my collection to a handful of soft shades. I didn't have anything in green, though, until this Carven shirt, which comes with a detachable scarf, came along. Carven is one of my absolute favorite brands right now and a must-stop whenever I'm in Paris. The construction of its pieces is unlike any other brand I've encountered in my years as a fashion editor. This shirt is no exception. It falls beautifully and languidly on the body, a feature the scarf only adds to. The color, too, is beautifully muted and subtle."

Styling tips: A piece like this does all the talking, so there wasn't much styling to do when it came down to it. Eliza chose sculptural gold jewelry, simple leather accessories, and minimalistic cigarette pants to finish out the look. With these items on hand, you could make any outfit look 2025 coded.

Shop the shirt: Carven Scarf-Detailed Silk Shirt ($960)

This Carven Silk Shirt in Sage Green is a luxurious piece that brings a sophisticated twist to any wardrobe. Made from 100% silk, it features button fastenings through the front and a chic scarf detail that adds a unique, refined touch. The soft color, designed in a pistachio hue, gives it a fresh yet timeless feel perfect for dressing up or down. This elegant piece is the kind of investment you'd scoop up during a trip to Paris—noting its clever combination of both style and quality.