11 new ways to style a button-down shirt this season—and where to find the very best

When crafting the perfect autumn capsule wardrobe, there are a few key staples to include, one of which is the button-down shirt. Just like other essentials that make up the building blocks of a stylish wardrobe, such as crewnecks and denim, learning how to style a button-down shirt in fresh ways can breathe new life into your weekly autumn outfits.

Drawing inspiration from the street-style set during the last month of fashion weeks, we’ll show you how to rework your tried-and-true button-down shirts in new ways. Ahead, discover 11 outfit ideas that demonstrate how to style a button-down shirt with ease.

Wear it oversized and undone

When it comes to styling a button-down shirt, always lean into a ‘less is more’ philosophy. First, an oversized classic white shirt should be your starting point. Wear it loose and relaxed over trousers as an easy work outfit idea. Add a low-heeled boot, a suede handbag, and a leather jacket for an easy day-to-night outfit.

Button it up with tailoring

Pairing a button-down shirt and a suit is a foolproof outfit formula. But instead of styling it with a white shirt, try a striped version with a khaki-coloured or beige suit. Add a pair of lug-soled loafers and a structured bag for a polished office-ready look.

Try a flannel shirt with black trousers

A button-down shirt can take many shapes, so why not mix and match your options with a plaid shirt instead? This Cos style was spotted all over New York Fashion Week. As seen here, elevate the print with a sleek pair of black tailored trousers, mesh flats, and a long beaded necklace.

Layer with a turtleneck

One way to master the art of layering is to use a button-down shirt as your focal point. Style it with a contrasting turtleneck and with a menswear-style blazer on top. Give it a Ralph Lauren-style spin with western accessories, such as a leather cowboy boot and an oval buckle belt.

Leave it open over a tank top

For a stylish relaxed way to wear a white button-down, leave it open and layer a white tank top or T-shirt underneath. It has the perfect transitional feel to take you into the cooler months, especially when paired with trousers and a pair of heeled boots. Add a trench coat, leather jacket, or wool coat on top when the temperature dips.

Try it cropped, loose, and half-buttoned

Another option to consider in your wardrobe is a cropped button-down shirt. Roll up the sleeves and leave it just barely closed; style it with a midi denim skirt in ecru, paired with a striped long-sleeve shirt tied at the waist for an extra layer. Or, co-ordinate the look with suede accessories, such as knee-high boots and a slouchy brown handbag for a laid-back finish.

Don’t forget about denim

Here’s a chic way to try double denim. Reach for a denim chambray button-down shirt and style it with a pair of straight-leg jeans in a similar wash. When layered underneath a camel blazer, it gives it a crisp, polished look. Dress it up further with slingback pumps or, more practically, with flat boots, depending on the occasion (or the weather).

Stick to black and white minimalist layers

There’s no better way to dress like a minimalist than by adhering to a black and white colour palette. Start with a white button-down, pair it with black wide-leg trousers, a roomy trench coat, and a shawl scarf. Add an on-trend accessory, such as a tassel cord necklace.

Use it for the perfect transitional outfit

We are constantly looking for fresh ways to ace transitional dressing, and here’s one way to style a button-down shirt for the in-between season. As demonstrated by Bazaar US senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, styling a lace-trimmed poplin skirt with a white T-shirt, an unbuttoned shirt, and a cropped leather jacket is a chic take on transitional layering. We recommend swapping out the sandals for a pair of knee-high boots once the cooler temperatures set in.

Go for stripes with wide-leg jeans

Liven up your basics drawer with a bold striped shirt and tuck it into a pair of dark rinse wide-leg jeans. Pair the look with a creamy white sweater (styled effortlessly over the shoulder) and pointy flats for a sharp daytime outfit.

Cinch and tie at the waist

Another easy styling trick is knotting your button-down shirt. It creates sculptural interest at the waistline and, as seen here, complements your pleated pants. Add workwear essentials like a pair of kitten heels, hoop earrings, and the perfect tote bag for a look that’s ideal for the office.

Lead image: Pinterest

This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com


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