7 Ways To Elevate a White Button-Down Shirt

Fashion trends come and go, but a crisp, white button-down shirt is forever. This timeless piece is the vanilla ice cream of the fashion world: classic, versatile, and generally well liked by all. Nevertheless, as any chocolate lover might attest, sticking with vanilla also runs the risk of becoming a bit, well, boring. 

From the boardroom to the runway to an oceanside boardwalk, white button-downs are among the most commonly worn fashion staples in modern history — second only perhaps to a trusty pair of blue jeans. Most of us know how to style these neutral pieces in their most basic forms, whether tucked into slacks, layered under a blazer, or worn unbuttoned over a swimsuit. But who wants their wardrobe to be limited to just the basics? 

Move aside, French tucks and crop-top ties. There are new  ways of styling a white button-down shirt that add some much-needed spice to the perennial classic.

1. Untucked Over Relaxed Jeans 

We often think of a collared button-down as something structured to wear tucked into pants or a skirt, but an untucked look (such as this one by podcast host Kemerlin Rich) proves that sometimes loose and flowy really is best. The semiformal feel of an oversized button-down worn with a pair of relaxed or straight-leg denim combines the best of the casual and classy worlds to create a truly effortless look. 

Go one step further by adding a pop of color to  break up the otherwise neutral color palette. By switching up your shoes, jewelry, and/or bag, you can essentially create countless unique outfits with two comfortable basics — and that’s working smarter, not harder. 

2. With a Denim Skirt Instead of Jeans

The ubiquity of the white button-down shirt is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes you can get stuck styling it the same way with your favorite pair of jeans. If you’d like to get a bit more fashion-forward than your usual go-to, try pairing your button-down with a skirt instead of jeans. A fully buttoned shirt and a skirt (like this one worn by digital creator Sienna Belic) creates a versatile look you can wear for a late morning brunch, to run errands, or on date night (or if you’re extra busy, all three).

3. Under a Bandeau or Corset 

Whether your white button-down fits perfectly, is a little baggy, or is full-on oversized, layering it under a wide bandeau, tube top, or corset is an excellent way to add structure and flirty flair to this basic closet staple. Keep the uppermost buttons open for a slightly sexier vibe. (This is also a great way to show off a statement necklace, as demonstrated here by model Manal Saleem.)

Alternatively, you can layer jewelry under the collar of a completely buttoned top for a different — but still undeniably chic — look. This underlayer option is another convenient and fashionable way to extend the life of your button-down shirt by experimenting with different tops to create a wide range of unique ensembles. 

4. Worn Open Over a Crop Top 

Looking for a way to style that ultra-cute crop top in a way that feels more grown-up? Enter the white button-down. Treat it like an elevated version of a breezy swimsuit cover-up and put your smaller top underneath with the button-down open or buttoned halfway. 

We love the casual feel of creator Danielle Esther’s crop top, button-down, and high-waisted jeans combo. But you could also pair this look with a patterned maxi skirt, wide-legged pants, or even a pair of joggers for the ultimate no-fuss weekend look. 

5. Layered Under a Dress 

Layering a white button-down or any collared shirt under a dress ticks all the style boxes: It’s youthful, Parisian-chic, and provides a little extra coverage where you want it. Most importantly, it’s easy. This simple addition to those dresses  that have been hanging in your closet for years instantly elevates your style with minimal effort.

We love the way content creator Carrie Orozco paired her button-down/dress combo with patterned tights and leather booties, but there are countless other ways to try this style. Opt for no tights and a pair of statement sandals for a breezy, runway-meets-academia vibe. Or experiment with different textures and silhouettes by allowing the tails of your button-down to peek out from under your dress or skirt’s hem. 

6. Worn Open Over a Dress 

Speaking of dresses, we love wearing a button-down shirt open like a cardigan with pretty much any dress style. Pairing a dress with an open, oversized white button-down provides the ultimate cool factor, and it’s a fantastic option for those awkward weather days when it’s baking hot in the sun but frigidly chilly in the shade.

As content creator @jeansandateacup demonstrates, a pair of chunky sandals or mules adds a sophisticated touch to this look. In contrast, a pair of combat boots can give the otherwise delicate ensemble a bit of a punk rock edge. Whatever mood you’re in, it’s hard to go wrong with this no-fuss outfit. 

7. Tucked Into a Fun Pair of Pants 

Finally, an argument for the classic tuck — because even though we told it to move to the side earlier, sometimes it’s what works best. Luckily, there are ways to spice up the classic look of a white button-down tucked into pants. The key here is to focus on the bottom half of your outfit, where you’ll be able to shake up the look the most.

For example, we’re obsessed with stylist Yael Steren’s method of pairing a white button-down with a killer pair of black leather pants. A pair of patterned palazzos, tailored culottes, or embroidered jeans are also stylish options.