Button-up (or down) shirts are one of those classic wardrobe basics that every woman needs in her closet. We talk about wardrobe basics all the time, but if you don’t have a classic button-up shirt, that’s one we definitely recommend prioritizing! The button-up shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple that is SO versatile. Whether you’re heading to the office or enjoying a more casual weekend, a button-up shirt is a classic piece you can wear for so many occasions. In this post, we’re sharing ten different ways to wear button-up shirts that are simple and easy to recreate!

How To Style Button-Up Shirts

There are tons of button-up shirt options out there and if you don’t already have one you love, it can feel overwhelming trying to find that perfect one. There are a few things to consider…

1) Color – There are tons of options, but if you don’t already have a white button-up, that’s the first step. If you already have your white button-up, consider grabbing one in another neutral like navy, tan, or cream. If you’re looking to infuse some more color or personality, try a fun color or printed button-up instead!

2) Fabric – The fabric you choose will mostly depend on your preferences. If you like more breathability, consider a lightweight cotton fabric. If you prefer something that looks more elevated, try a silk button-up.

How you want to style your button-up might also depend on what kind you purchase. If you work in an office, you’ll want one in a high-quality fabric that’s tailored and streamlined. If you plan to wear your button-up casually on weekends you might want one that’s a little more oversized in a more casual fabric (like linen or cotton). We linked a few of our team favorites below. Now let’s get into how to create fresh new looks with your timeless button-up shirt…

10 Different Ways to Wear Button-Up Shirts

Button-Up Shirt 1) Quince Silky Button-Up & Jeans

The first way to wear your button-up shirt is the simplest…with a pair of jeans! In this look, Erin’s wearing a chic silky button-up by Quince that’s super soft, comfortable, and breathable. The silky material looks so luxe and elevated…and it’s machine washable! Wearing your button-up with a pair of jeans is perfect for a casual dinner, casual Fridays at the office, or even running errands or a coffee run. In this look, Erin’s wearing her button-up with a pair of flattering, elongating flared jeans. She styled it with heels, minimal jewelry, and a simple crossbody. But you could make this more casual with sneakers or flats or dress it up with an even more sophisticated handbag.

Button-Up Shirt 2) Striped Button-Up & Black Trousers

For a more traditional office outfit, wear your button-up shirt with a pair of trousers. In this outfit, Erin’s wearing a cool blue striped button-up that’s still very classic, but the striped print adds some excitement and a fashion-forward element. Unfortunately, this exact shirt is sold out, but we linked similar options below. The pants she’s wearing are by Favorite Daughter in the Shortie length. These are some of Erin’s favorite trousers and she also has them in tan (you’ll see them in Look #5 below). She completed the look with classic black pumps, an edgy belt, and minimal jewelry. This belt is probably too edgy for the office but we linked a few other options below that would be perfect!

Button-Up Shirt 3) Under A Sweater

One of our favorite ways to wear a button-up shirt during the fall is to wear it under a sweater! In this look, Erin’s actually wearing a pre-layered sweater, which takes the guesswork out of layering. But you could easily recreate this look with your go-to white button-up shirt and a classic v-neck sweater you already have in your closet. She styled it with a pair of faux leather leggings and combat boots. But if you’re not a fan of leggings, just swap them for jeans if you want a simple, casual outfit for lunch, running errands, or a coffee date.

Button-Up Shirt 4) Rails Chambray Button-Up & Wide Leg Jeans

If you like to try out new and trendy outfits, try the double denim look with a chambray or denim button-up shirt! In this look, Erin’s wearing a cool, wester-inspired chambray button-up by Rails. We love the pearl snap buttons, western stitching, and perfect medium wash. She styled it with a pair of wide-leg jeans for a cool denim-on-denim look. Denim, double denim, denim shoes, bags, etc. are all super on-trend this fall. She completed the look with neutral accessories to let the denim do the talkin’!

Find Erin’s tips for pulling off the double denim look in this post.

Button-Up Shirt 5) Deconstructed Button-Up & Trousers

If you already have a classic button-up shirt in your wardrobe, it might be fun to add a trendier, more unique option to the rotation. Erin’s wearing a cool deconstructed, striped button-down by Alexander Wang that immediately adds the cool factor to any bottoms your style it with. She’s wearing the same Favorite Daughter trousers in tan but this top would look really cool with a pair of jeans or a flowy skirt.

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Button-Up Shirt 6) Eileen Fisher Button-Up & White Pants

The next few looks are summer-ready but can easily be transitioned to fall with layering or simple swaps. Erin’s wearing a button-up by Frank & Eileen in their famous denim fabric. We love the raw rounded hem, tailored fit, and more casual look and feel of the fabric. She styled it with a pair of white chino pants and mules. Of course, you can swap the pants for jeans, the mules for sneakers, and throw on a 3^rd layer if you want a more casual and fall-ready look.

Button-Up Shirt 7) Hevron Button-Up & Denim Shorts

Remember this short-sleeved button-up by Hevron from this summer? Erin styled it with shorts, jeans, and skirts…it’s such a good basic! We love the roll tab sleeve and flattering fit. In this look, she’s wearing it with a pair of denim shorts but you can wear it with jeans or pants for fall.

Button-Up Shirt 8) Eyelet Button-Up Shirt & White Jeans

In this look, Erin styled a chic eyelet button-up shirt with a pair of white jeans and sneakers. This outfit would be perfect for a day of sightseeing, shopping, or exploring on vacation, a coffee date, running errands, etc. This exact eyelet button-up is sold out but we linked some similar options below.

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Button-Up Shirt 9) Sleeveless Frank & Eileen Button-Up & Tailored Shorts

If you live somewhere warm but want to look polished and sophisticated, this look is perfect for you! Erin’s wearing a sleeveless button-up shirt by Frank & Eileen that’s perfectly tailored and a super lightweight, breathable fabric. You could wear this shirt with a pair of jeans, pants, skirts, or denim shorts. But Erin chose to style it with a pair of tailored shorts for a more streamlined, chic look. This would be perfect for brunch, running errands (with sneakers), or a shopping day (with flats).

Button-Up Shirt 10) White Button-Up as a Coverup

The last way you can wear your button-up shirt is…as a coverup! Erin’s wearing one of her absolute favorite white button-up shirts by Rails in the photo above. If you’re a subscriber this shirt is probably looking familiar to you. Erin has it in a size small to wear with jeans, pants, shorts, and skirts. But she also has it in a size medium to wear as a coverup! Most Team Busbee members also own this button-up and can’t say enough good things about it…it’s SO good, just trust us!

Find even more ideas on how to wear a white button down shirt here. By the way, do you call them button-up shirts or button-down shirts? We’ve found that it’s a pretty polarizing topic. We typically call them button-downs, but really…does it matter? If you feel strongly one way or the other, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and let us know!

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