How to wear a white button down with everything.

I love a good white button down, it’s classic and so incredibly versatile. I am not sure but I think I own at least 4. One casual linen-cotton mix from Gap, more tailored version from Brooks Brothers, silk one from Equipment and something else… Some are longer than others so I could tuck them in. It’s a perfect blank canvas, ready to take on any personality.

Simply adding accessories or switching out shoes changes the outfit completely. Skinny jeans with white shirt and leopard flats = great everyday look, swap flats with red strappy sandals and red lipgloss and you are ready for drinks on town. Here are some chic options for styling the white button down.

Casual every day

                       Source: Olivia Palermo here; white shirt with cargo jacket; Zoe Saldana here

Source: fashiondivadesign.com

To work, to work

Source: Poppy Delevingne here; love this grey suit from J Crew

Source: Anna Wintour here; Jenna Lyons here

Going out

Source: Alla Verdova here; more fun capri looks with white shirt here

Source: pinterest.com; chicwish.com

Source: love this all white ensemble from here; how gorgeous is this gold skirt and white shirt combo from here

Dressy evening

I love love love this look. Obviously this skirt is wee bit short for real life events, but white shirt with embellished mini and strappy heels for a cocktail party is a great option. It helps tone down the skirt and is an unexpected choice in a sea of cocktail dresses. Be sure to roll the sleeves up and undo some top buttons. Works equally well with a denim mini or a pencil skirt for a more casual event.

Source: sheerluxe.com

And you can and should pair the white button down with a big skirt for black tie. Again, it’s unexpected and different and IMHO so elegant.

Source: first two images from carolinaherrera.com; Queen Rania here in Givenchy

And here’s the Grand Dame of white shirts herself.

x

-haiku