How to Wear a Button-Down Like a Pro: Fresh Outfit Ideas

I can’t believe it’s April already. I felt like January and February were raw, but now it’s – boom – it’s April! Last year I started publishing more styling posts and received a lot of great feedback, so I vowed to do more in 2025. So far I’ve been exposed to animal print outfit ideas, classic fashion tips, and baggy jean styles. And today, I’m coming to you with a topic that has been on my to-do list for a while – how to wear a button-down shirt.

I’m really excited about this post because there are endless ways to style button downs. Their versatility makes them easy to wear in outfits ranging from casual to dressy, making them so fun to play with! In this post, I’ll dive into some of my favorite shirts, styling tips and tricks, and of course some button-down outfit ideas.

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My favorite button-down shirt

A great button-down shirt is a classic fashion staple, so when I find something I love, it gets a lot of wear. Recently I have been reaching out to be non-stop button-down with Veronica’s whiskers. Sadly, it’s no longer in stock, so I went looking for some shopping styles to share with you guys. And wow, did I find some gems? Not only are they stocked, they’re all under $100, most are under $50!

1. Mix striped button down

It’s fun at first Mixed stripe button down. This style is slightly larger with drop shoulders, giving it a more casual and lively atmosphere. You’ll notice that quite a few shirts on today’s list are oversized. That’s the trend right now! Many of the oversized looks are strictly casual, but later in this post I will highlight the dresser button-down shirt outfit.

2. Go to button down

If you’ve been following me since the early days, you know I’ve been wearing this top for years. I’ve always got so many comments, DMs and emails asking about it, but it was always sold out. After years of searching, this chic Off-white button down It’s the most similar style I’ve found. After it started to look too latty, I had to retire from my trusty MK top.

this It’s a button down that lets you do everything. It has a slightly looser fit, but not big. The smooth and cool fabric gives a dressy feel. There are also more colours here and hereand there is also a short-leeved version. here– If you’re wondering how to wear button-downs in the summer, perfect!

3. Gosey Button Down (less than $20!)

Speaking of summer, this is Lightweight gauze button down Another great option. It’s only $20! Made from 100% cotton, this top has a looser fit and a slightly longer body, giving it a comfortable casual feel. With nearly 600 5 star reviews, you know it’s a good one!

If you want to create a colorful button-down shirt outfit, this style has fun summer shades. But personally, I chose the timeless white!

4. Linen button down (less than $50!)

You can also keep rolling the fabric for spring and summer…and then linen! There are three classic colors, This button down This is my current favorite linen option. I did not underestimate this decision. We tested multiple styles and weights from four different brands, and this $45 style was the winner! It’s perfect weight and I’m obsessed with the oversized look, so the fit is 10/10.

5. Classic cotton button down (less than $20!)

Without the timeless cotton option, posts on how to wear button-downs will not be completed. this Under $20 shirt There are all the classic sharting details and I think it’s the most versatile style on today’s list. It is technically labelled “oversized” in my opinion, but feels like a relaxed boyfriend, like a relaxed boyfriend.

This button down comes in over 10 beautiful colors. I grabbed the yellow stripes. Because we all know that yellow has a moment!

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Tips and tricks on how to wear button downs

Button-down styling is easy and fun as it has endless possibilities. And you know the drill – I don’t believe in fashion rules – but I do I love sharing my personal styling tips and tricks in the hopes of providing costume inspiration.

Here are my top 4 tips on how to wear button downs.

1. Play with percentage

One of the tips I mentioned in many of my styling posts was “Don’t be afraid to play proportionally“This ring is especially true here. Many of the button downs I highlight are oversized or relaxed.

Try balancing the volume by combining an oversized button-down with a slim miniskirt and a chic mix of loose and fit. Or try the other side of the spectrum and style it in loose, wide leg jeans for a cool, easy look!

2. Add layers of interest

From my early days in San Francisco, I learned the art of layering. Ever since then, I’ve been obsessed with me. There are plenty of amazing button-down shirt outfits that you can create just by playing with layers!

Try popping a striped crew neck tee under the striped button down, layering a trimmed sweater over a long button down, or wearing two button downs for a bold double-collar moment. These are just a few ways to keep your styling feeling fresh and unexpected.

3. Test different tacks

Unruly, completely hidden, half-snuck, tacked French… This list goes on and on! There are no rules regarding how to wear button-downs. Try out different tacks to see which one is best for you.

And remember, remember that the way you press the button down can completely change the appearance. This allows you to wear one simple top in so many different ways!

4. Accessories, accessories, accessories

Personally, I’m excited that we’re back in a fashion cycle where maximalism and many layered accessories are embraced. Even the most basic denim and white button-down outfits will be endlessly cool with just a little open collar and a few layered necklaces. Rolling up the sleeves and stacking bracelets is another easy way to enhance your appearance.

If you are looking for Jewelry Inspo, check out this post, this post, this post.

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Button-down shirt outfit

Now that we’ve shared our favorite button downs and a few styling tips, let’s dive into costume ideas. If you’re wondering how to wear button-downs, these looks give you plenty of inspiration, from casual everyday outfits to dressy night out ensembles!

Casual/dressy mix

First, play proportionally and create a look that is a mix of dressy and casual things. For this look, I paired this Stripe button down With one of my favorite Oscar de la Renta skirts. I added these Glittering heels Yellow, tie the colour scheme.

This button-down shirt outfit is a great example of volume-on-volume styling.

Casual summer look

Now, let’s dive into a more casual summer look. I paired this Gauze tops for under $20 With these Ikat pants For a comfortable, refreshing atmosphere. Recently I’ve been very interested in turquoise jewelry so I added a lot of turq touches This necklace and This necklace.

To keep things simple and light, I styled the look with these Simple sandals and This bagI recently got caught up in RealReal.

Dressy outfit

I loved this look I recently posted, so I thought it would be fun to rethink it in a new way. Instead of plain white tees, I paired this Green Printed Blazer and Chic pencil skirt With this Light blue liquid top. I wore these to add a little more blue Velvet Flat. However, I decided to keep a green bag!

Americana exterior

Two things I love – the lot of layers and the atmosphere of Americana. This look has both! I paired this Blue striped top This is an old red mini skirt I picked up with mangoes Classic sweaterand these Affordable Sunny. For footwear, I went with these new ones Red, white, blue flat. And to give this button-down outfit a more casual feel, I simply grabbed it My boat tote!

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How to wear button-downs on any occasion (H2)

If you’re looking for ideas on how to wear button downs, I hope this post is helpful. The good news is that there really is no wrong way to style these tops. They are a complete win-win as they are very versatile and have so many excellent and affordable options!

Be sure to check out these posts for inspiration for warmer climate styles.