The white button down. It’s one of those classic pieces that you should have in your closet, but it’s generally a toss-up as to whether or not you do. I have a few variations of the classic piece in my closet, but my favorite is probably this one from J.Crew. It’s a boy-fit button down so it’s tailored but not as form-fitting as most button down shirts, so it can easily be worn dressed up or down.
I decided to style it 3 different ways: alone, with a cashmere sweater, and for work with a statement coat. I hope that you see how simple it is to pull off this piece and why you need one! It easily elevates an outfit. You can even think of it the way you would a white t-shirt; that’s how versatile it is!
First, I styled it with this leopard dot cashmere sweater from J.Crew. This is a look I’ve seen my Mom wear many times over the years, and I just love how classic it is. It’s one of those outfits that never goes out of style. I added my favorite pair of suede booties seen in this post, my favorite crossbody bag seen here, here, and here, a layered necklace, a velvet hair bow, and my favorite new sunglasses.
Outfit #1 Details: White Button-Down // Cashmere Sweater (out of stock) // Layered Necklace // Velvet Hair Bow // Sunglasses // Crossbody Bag // High-Waisted Denim // Suede Booties
For my second look, I chose to style the button-down on its own with a pair of high-waisted denim, pointy-toe flats, my favorite satchel, the same layered necklace, and a bow barrette (can you tell I love bow hair accessories?). I love the simplicity of the white button-down with a pair of skinny jeans and flats. It’s such an easy outfit to just throw on and go but still be elevated yet effortless.
Kate’s Styling Tips:
This look would be just as cute if you tucked in the shirt to show off your waist. For the shorter gals, I would actually recommend tucking your shirt in to make you look taller and make your legs look longer! I’m almost 5’8 and mostly legs already, so I opted to leave my shirt untucked.
Outfit #2 Details: White Button-Down // High-Waisted Denim // Layered Necklace // Flats // Bow Barrette (now only $8!) // Kate Spade Bag (old)
For my third and final look, I decided to do a work look in case we’re ever in the office again! You can just as easily pair it with some flats in place of the heels and wear this outfit to dinner or the mall.
I chose to go simple again, with the statement coat really being the “hero” piece here – everything else is simply a compliment. The colors in the coat are black, white, and a rust/burgundy color. So, I paired it with my white button-down, black skinny pants, black ankle-strap heels, and a burgundy headband. Very simple, and yet very chic! Proof that a good outfit doesn’t have to be complicated.
Outfit #3 Details: White Button-Down // Black Pants (old) similar here // Coat (old) similar here // Layered Necklace // Headband (old) // “K” Earrings // Huggie Hoops // Ankle-Strap Heels (old)
