The white button-down shirt is as important to any gal’s wardrobe as the perfect pair of jeans. But why stop at one when three will do just as nicely?
Not that I’m advocating for unnecessary and excessive expenditures. I simply like to have some variety even in a basic like a white button-down shirt. However, finding one (or three) that ticks all the real or imaginary boxes one has on their want list when out scouting about will at times sneak up on you. Being the type who knows well enough to take action when presented with an opportunity, I couldn’t and didn’t.
While the differences in their outward appearance are perhaps subtle, there are indeed distinctions in the small details. The one on the left has raglan sleeves which was the key detail that excited me about this top. I have narrowish shoulders which can be a fit problem for tops/blouses with a typical set-in sleeve when you’re a busty gal like I am. A raglan sleeve isn’t the kind of detail often found in lower price point clothing so it stood out as I was browsing the racks one fine day sometime last year. Back then I couldn’t find it online so when I wore it back in January in Would You, Could You? Gray Sweatpants, I wasn’t able to provide a link. Good news, it’s back and comes in other colors as well.
Left to right: Universal Thread, Banana Republic Factory (similar), Sonoma Goods
The other two white button-down shirts are newer purchases made this past August. That’s when the idea for this blog post first came about and when these photos were taken. However, the publishing of said post kept being pushed off for one reason or another until today. Like the one on the left, the other two were found by happenstance as I was indulging in a day of browsing and inspiration gathering. I know that I’m not the only person who shops not just to buy but to see what’s trending and get ideas for styling. Am I right?
The shirt in the middle appealed to me because of the poofiness of the sleeves and although they are set-in, the shoulder width is narrower than what is typical so the shoulders sit well on me. I also like that it doesn’t have pockets which I fear draws others’ eyes to where I don’t want them drawn. The one on the right also has poofy sleeves with wide elastic smocked cuffs and a raglan shoulder plus a longer length giving it other styling options.
One of my favorite pairings for a white button-down shirt is leopard. It’s hard to believe that there was once a time when I thought leopard print pants to be quite a bold fashion choice and now, I hardly give it a second thought. Many years ago (8 or 10 or so), I recall seeing a colleague wearing a white top with leopard print pants and thinking how smart the combination looked. I’m also very fond of pairing up leopard with blue denim but that’s an idea to be discussed at another time.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. It’s been three weeks and the pause is over. My featured blogger from the last link-up post is Mireille who writes the blog, Chez Mireille. In her post, Mireille provides an answer to the question “what to wear to visit a winery”.
Have I made my case for adding a white button-down shirt into your wardrobe? I’m interested in hearing about where your focus is these days, style-wise. Are you staying only with what’s current or do you look at what has worked in the past? What details are staples in your wardrobe? And since it’s Fall Y’all, how have your fashion choices changed since this time last year?
Stay well and letโs keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin โฆ all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
19 Comments
I have one white button downโฆa linen shirt from J Jill. My go to top is a tee because traditional blouses donโt fit my shoulders, stomach, and hips all at the same time! I do have a number of patterned tops that I wear open.
http://marshainthemiddle.com/
All those details are why my mom has at least 10+ of these shirts, LOL!! But they really can be so versatile!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I really like this (these) outfits, Rena. The different details in the blouses are interesting, and I can see why they each appealed to you. As for me, I do not have any white, button down shirts. I donโt think white a great color on me.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
While I have a lot of white tees I don’t have any white button down shirts! I know they are a wardrobe staple for others but they are a bit too formal for me running around with my kids, haha! I’m interested to see how my fashion/style staples will change when they are both old enough for school next year. I already noticed it getting even more casual with the pandemic and my knee injury requiring sneakers all the time.
Thanks for the link up!
Hope that you are having a good weekend ๐
White shirts are classic and so versatile on there own or layered! I can see why you need all three, they have such different details! Thanks for the link up and enjoy your weekend!
I love the white shirt with the leopard print pants. I only have one white shirt but I’m nervous about wearing white in general because I tend to spill food on it!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I have only one white blouse and never wear it. Perhaps I need to because that is a great look!
I do have some white shirts but I prefer off white or cream with my colouring. But a white shirt is such a classic and can be dressed up and down.
Just a white button-down! You’ve proved how varied such a great basic can be and why it’s so important to choose the details that fit and feel comfortable. I love the fact that leopard print has become almost a neutral!
I am rarely comfortable in a shirt, the fabric always feels too bulky for me. Occasionally a soft flowy fabric will work but usually I feel more comfortable in a jersey type fabric for tops.
Pamela
Oh goodness, we are on the same page with this one! I have more white button downs than I can count. A good white shirt is the first thing in my 13 essential closet list.
It’s so hard to find a white shirt that ticks all the boxes, so you’ve done really well to find 3! I don’t even have a white shirt at the moment. It’s a gap for sure!
You simply can’t beat a white button down shirt, especially one that is well made. I’m a classic black and white girl.
I also love a white button down! I think I have about 8 different ones in different lengths and styles and they all do serve very different purposes in my wardrobe. I do like the look of the crisp white shirt with leopard pants, too. It is very smart!
Shelbee
I like the idea of a white button down but I have found that I do not wear any of my button downs so I don’t try anymore. I do have one that has a tie at the bottom in a gauzy material and I love that one with summer dress. Thanks for the feature: that was a nice surprise!
http://www.chezmireilefashiontravelmom.com
You can never go wrong with a crisp white button down. And those pants are fun too!
I agree that you can’t go wrong with a white shirt! I’ve got one that’s loose fitting but I’d love another that fits the body a bit more. Yours were lucky finds! I, too, like a sleeve that’s just a bit different! You look fab!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Itโs hard to beat the subtle elegance of a perfectly styled white button down. You look brilliant!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I really like the white shirt on the left, too! And, I know! I used to think leopard was such a fashion station and now it is more of a neutral to me!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I think the shirt on the left is the most flattering on you. I actually got rid of my most of white buttoned downs because I didn’t like the way they looked on me. I did keep one, just in case, but I never wear it.