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
-
I'm High-Key Obsessed—Nordstrom Has the Best Basics, and They're on SaleTop-tier pieces ahead.
-
We're Fashion Editors—Everything We Saw, Wore, Did, and Ate During NYFWLet's dive in.
-
Jenna Lyons's World: Her Go-To Red Lipstick, Her Latest Eyewear Collab, and the J.Crew Pieces She Still Wears TodayA true fashion icon.
-
Not Into Trends? Renée Zellweger's Winter Outfit Combo Is 100% ClassicJust as you are.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For This Effortless Wardrobe Essential When I Don't Know What to WearHere are nine easy ways to style the piece.
-
Emma Chamberlain's World: Her Warby Parker Collab, Two-Phone Rule, and Spiciest Fashion Takes"I just want to bring the most joy to people."
-
The Shirts Londoners Are Willing to Line Up and Down the Street ForThe perfect button-down shirt does exist.
-
Jennifer Lopez Wore the Pretty Shirt Trend That Makes Even Y2K Jeans Look ElegantWe love an elevated J.Lo outfit.
