Closet Basics: The Button Down

White Button Downsphoto via Pinterest

When I think button down, I think buttoned-up and Chloe thinks “school uniform.” But every closet needs a basic white button down, especially for this spring. White button downs with the hems peeking out seem to be de rigeur for spring as a layering piece under blazers, sweaters, and crop tops, and also look fresh under dresses and short sleeves. I recently wore one to a party under a bustier, which I’ll be showing you soon. I’m happy to say, a wardrobe refresh might be just as simple as throwing a white button down on under it!

I bought this one from Banana Republic because it was 1/2 off, has stretch, is no-iron, and has a gorgeous sheen. Plus, with the seaming and tailoring, the fit was amazingly perfect for my curves and I’ll be the very first to admit that I have an extremely hard time finding button downs that hug without a peep show. Ann Taylor has a very similar one and if you sign up for their emails, you can pretty much score a discount on something every day. And of course, Everlane has an amazing range of button downs in every fabric from poplin to cotton to silk. You might want to check out these 2 fab shirts, from Theory and Current/Elliott which have a bit more updated feel.

how to wear white button downsphoto via Hallie Daily

Ah, if only updating the rest of my wardrobe was so simple as throwing on a chic white button down!

xox ~kim

 

 

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Pin It More...

  • Mrs_Jack_of_all_trades

    I love button down, crisp and white and ahhh.. but not many can give that tapered hugging look without the famous peep show! So I am going to follow your lead and visit these recommendations :)

    Mrs Jack Of All Trades
    Dubai, UAE

  • http://www.acookiebeforedinner.com/ NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner

    I love button downs. I’ve got two in my closet- a white one and a blue gingham one that I adore. My problem though is that my “girls” are on the bigger side and I have a hard time finding one that doesn’t gap. Mine can ONLY be worn under something for this reason, although I’d love to rock the white one with a big statement necklace and a sock bun.

  • Hunter

    Button downs are great and perfect for a casual or dressy outfit!

    Hunter
    http://www.preponabudget.com

  • http://stylingtrendgirls.blogspot.com/ Emmy Surface

    I love the simplicity and beauty of a classic white button down.

  • http://www.adishofdailylife.com/ Michelle Nahom

    I’m thinking I need one now! I don’t think I even own a button down anymore.

  • http://theprettycute.blogspot.com/ dan

    Simple and sophisticated, with the right accessories it can look extremely feminine!!

  • Marian Eeles

    Love a great crisp shirt! Particularly with slightly dress down jeans, to emphasise the contrast. :) Also lusting after that coral coat in the last pic!!! :p

  • Frannie

    Button downs are my life!

    xoxo, Fran
    theblondeprep.blogspot.com

  • Gracey Wallace

    I want to invest in an Equipment button down! It’s on my list for spring.
    Xo,
    Gracey
    http://www.stripesandpeonies.blogspot.com

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    We’re in the same boat, as usual! I was pleasantly surprised with my Banana Republic shirt - and thrilled with how well it washed!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    This isn’t a sponsored post - I’m just seriously thrilled with the fit of the Banana Republic shirt. The seaming makes it hug without exposing! If you’re near a store, I’d give it a shot! I have so many shirts hanging in my closet for the exact reason you mention!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Sounds like you had the same opinion of them Chloe and I did! I had them, but didn’t wear them too often, but now that I’ve found one that fits, that might be changing :)

  • Ann

    Yes a white button down is on my radar too. Cool worn with the black short top. Your a great writer, so natural and conversational! I will check out your links.

    blue hue wonderland

  • Trina

    I totally agree, wish the rest of our wardrobe update could be this easy. Yet, sometimes, like you pointed out, finding the right white down has its own little challenges. Thanks for all these wonderful links. I absolutely love this fun look, its casual chic for weekend wear. I’m a huge fan of replacing a new white button down every year.

  • Maggie

    Ooo, I’ve got some ideas flowing for mixing in white button-downs now, thanks!
    -Maggie
    http://www.maggiefinejewelry.com

  • http://www.nofearoffashion.com/ No fear of fashion

    Difficult!!! I have about three or four white button down shirts. And everytimeI buy one I am convinced it is the perfect one. Without a peep show, one that hugs but does not pull. Alas, they all do. And I have spent a fair bit of money on them. Although I love my health and I think my bosom looks great in the bathroom, I don’t like it in fashion. As a Dutch magazine once said: fashion and teet, the twain shall never meet.
    Greetje

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Oh that is hysterical - totally, totally quoting you on that one. I’ll have to wear my shirt for y’all and give you the side pose and show you. This one is really nice! Chloe and I were shocked - I was looking for it to wear under the bustier only - but it’s nice enough to wear on its own!

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Share ‘em if you post!

  • http://www.nofearoffashion.com/ No fear of fashion

    You can use the quote as much as you like (I don’t own the copyright either haha).
    And I look forward to seeing the blouse.

  • MamaRabia

    I feel strange saying this, but I don’t have a nice, crisp, white button down shirt. There are a few times recently that I really wished I did. I may have to check out the two you mentioned, even though I hate shopping for something specific. It seems I can never find what I’m looking for.

  • http://www.popcosmo.com/ PopCosmo

    Every time I shop for something specific, it feels like the universe conspires against me! But I promise, the stores I mentioned have some fantastic choices! I hope you can find one that fits you perfectly!