We’ve all experienced the nothing-to-wear day. You open your closet, and panic immediately ensues. You’re 20 minutes late and somehow physically incapable of getting dressed. The pile of clothes on the bed continues to grow, mirroring your inner state of chaos. You text your friend that you’re on your way (you are not on your way). But at the eleventh hour, there’s a beacon of hope: your white button-down.
Crisp and effortlessly cool, a white button-down is the ultimate blank slate. Dress it up or down. Wear it tucked in or oversized. Go minimal or full-on glam. The options are endless with this wardrobe staple—and we’ve rounded up the top ways to style it. Here’s to never again uttering the words “I have nothing to wear.”
button-up | sunglasses | bag | jeans | sneakers
Elevate your athleisure
Leave the gym dripping with style in your favorite high-waisted leggings, crop top, and button-down. The sunglasses, crossbody, and baseball cap make this casual look brunch-worthy.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Twill Baseball Hat
Quay Australia
Aviator Sunglasses
Girlfriend Collective
Compressive Leggings
Vionic
Electra Sneakers
Go glam
If there’s such a thing as an understated statement, this outfit is it. Faux leather pants and a white button-down are some of the most versatile pieces you can own. Combine the two and cosplay as an it-girl who has her life together.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Vegan Leather Straight Pants
Abercrombie & Fitch
Vegan Leather Ankle Pant
Vionic
Braided Slide Sandal
Vionic
Block-Heeled Sandal
Make it monochrome
POV: The sun is shining, the trees are blooming, and you’re about to leave your apartment for an iced latte. To prepare for any potential coffee shop meet-cute, style your white button-down with white shorts for an elegant aesthetic that’s so je ne sais quoi.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Tailored Shorts
Eloquii
Linen Striped Shorts
Mango
Crossbody Mini Bag
Mango
Baguette Bag
Pair it with fun pants
Our spring moodboard is fun, feminine, and flirty, which means this look (starring the WBD) will be worn on repeat. Copy the ‘fit with your own pair of out-of-the-box jeans, loafers, and statement shades.
Mango
Block Straight Jeans
& Other Stories
Jacquard Trousers
QUAY
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Vionic
Chunky Loafer
Layer it over a slip dress
Certain dresses can end up in the back of our closets because they *feel* like they’re meant for a special occasion, not an average walk around the park. But with a white button-down layered on top, that wedding-guest dress is now toned down and breezy.
J.Crew
Slip Dress
BEIS
Tote Bag
VIONIC
Demi Slide Sandal
Vionic
Braided Slide Sandal
Or turn it into a dress of its own
If you’re convinced you need another white button-down in your life, size up (or steal your boyfriend’s) and voila: The does-it-all shirt has become a shirt dress. Top it with a sweater vest or wear it alone for an undone, extra-chic vibe.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Relaxed Shirt Dress
H&M
Oversized Shirt Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch
Sweater Vest Mini Dress
Mango
Crossbody Bag
Our favorite white button-downs
Abercrombie & Fitch
Boyfriend Button-Up
Abercrombie & Fitch
Tweed Button-Up
Everlane
Cropped Button Front
Open Edit
Relaxed Button-Up
Citizens of Humanity
Button Front Shirt
Norma Kamali
Oversized Shirt
GAP
Cotton Button Front
UNIQLO
Linen Button Front
This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Vionic Shoes but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.