Since the Victorian era, when women would tuck button-down shirts into large skirts, many women have found a button-down shirt to be a versatile item in their wardrobes. In the 1920s, the women’s liberation movement saw more women adopting button-down shirts as a staple. By the 1960s, television shows further popularized this style, encouraging women to embrace the trend. Today, button-down shirts continue to be a fashionable and versatile choice.
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1. Button-Down Shirt + High-Waisted Trousers + Loafers
A cropped button-down shirt tucked into your favorite high-waisted trousers creates a crisp look ideal for work. Alternatively, if you want a more relaxed vibe, choose a shirt that is a little longer. Selecting a shirt in line with the latest seasonal colors will help ensure that your outfit looks trendy whichever way you choose. You can easily add visual interest to your outfit by selecting trousers and shirts with opposite textures. For example, you can wear a crisp button-down shirt with your high-waisted wool trousers.
Make sure you look and feel your best by wearing everyday shapewear under your outfit. Complete the outfit by putting on your favorite pair of loafers, ensuring that your feet stay comfortable regardless of what life throws your way.
2. Turtleneck + Button-Down Shirt + Lace Bralette + Statement Necklace + Linen Trousers + Kitten-Heel Boots
When the weather turns a little nippy, a button-down shirt is a fabulous choice when creating a layered ensemble. Start by putting on a lace bralette, then top it with a turtleneck sweater. Complete the outfit by wearing a button-down shirt over the turtleneck and then leave the button-down open. Create an interesting silhouette by wearing a longer button-down shirt over a shorter turtleneck, and add emphasis to the shirt’s opening by wearing a statement necklace. Wearing linen pants will help give your outfit a polished look. Keep your feet and ankles warm by wearing your kitten-heeled boots.
3. High-Waisted Shorts + Button-Down Shirt + Sneakers + Tote Bag
During the summer months, a button-down shirt is an ideal top to go with your high-waisted shorts. If you are heading to a casual event, consider tying a knot in the bottom of the button-down shirt to add a playful vibe to your outfit. Your fashion sneakers will be an ideal footwear choice. Beyond that, you can accessorize your outfit with a tote bag with a rope handle in a fun summer color.
4. Straight-Leg Jeans + Button-Down Shirt + Graphic Tee + Espadrilles
Embrace the minimalistic trend by wearing your straight-legged jeans with a graphic tee. Show your personality by choosing a graphic tee that you love. For example, you can create an old-school vibe by choosing one with a cartoon character from the 1980s on it, like Hello Kitty. You could also create a fairycon look by choosing one in a pastel color. Whatever way you decide to go, cover the tee with a button-down shirt that you leave open in the front. Choosing one that is a complementary color to the color of your tees will add visual interest to your outfit. Then, wear your espadrilles, as their wedge shape will help you keep your balance.
5. Blazer + Button-Down Shirt + Pencil Skirt + Luxury Watch + Stud Earrings + Pumps
You can look as powerful as you feel in your business meeting by wearing a button-down shirt and covering it with a blazer. Then, put on your pencil skirt. Ideally, you should choose a skirt that’s the same color as the blazer, but you can also choose one that complements it. Then, wear a neutral-colored button-down. It is easy to accessorize this outfit with a luxury watch and a pair of stud earrings. Complete your business outfit by wearing your pumps.
6. Slip Dress + Button-Down Shirt + Gladiator Sandals + Straw Hat + Sunglasses
Wearing a coarser-textured button-down shirt under a silky slip dress creates a visually interesting textural contrast. You will look fabulous on a first date or a night out with friends when you wear the combination with your gladiator sandals, as the straps will give the viewer’s eye somewhere to focus. If you plan to be out in the sun, consider wearing a straw hat with a wide brim and a pretty ribbon around it. Remember your designer sunglasses.
7. Skinny Jeans + Button-Down Shirt + Statement Belt + Gold Necklace + Shoulder Bag + Moccasins
A lacey button-down shirt and skinny jeans are a terrific start to a Bohemian chic outfit. Then, add a statement belt. This outfit looks best when you let the belt add visual interest to your outfit, so ensure you choose a button-down that will complement its features. A crisp white cotton one is often a great choice if your belt is colorful. Depending on your shirt’s cut, you can complement the outfit with a simple gold necklace that peeks out from the shirt’s opening. Give the outfit more of a Bohemian flair by wearing your moccasins. Carrying a shoulder bag will give you space for your essentials.
Look and Feel Your Best Everyday
A button-down shirt will help you look your best every day, regardless of where you are going. It offers endless possibilities, whether you are going to work, having a casual outing or running errands around town. With the right pairings and accessories, it is easy to wear a button-down shirt in many trendy and creative ways. Experiment with different looks to find one that you love. Wear shapewear under your outfit to help emphasize your body’s natural curves.
