My white button-down [1] used to be what I grabbed when I thought a simple tee was too casual for a pair of work slacks. The shirt I automatically styled under my blazer for an interview. The lightweight piece I layered under tank dresses at the office when Summer turned into Fall. But now, the button-down is where it's at. I mean, women are dreaming up entire outfits around one; they are the focal point of a look. Since our turn to early 2000s trends [2], tops in general are getting a refresh.
Whether you're just giving your sweater drawer a makeover or you're searching for slinky spaghetti strap tanks to style with silk midi skirts [3] for going out, the goal is to go for something flirty or vibrant. Now, when I envision my lineup of button-downs, I picture the linen floral one I wear open at the bottom so it flows over my flares, complete with a beaded bag. I think of the slime green iteration that looks so good with my cargo pants [4], a great clutch, and chunky white boots.
But the real breakthrough in button-downs is when you start coordinating them with kitschy shoes, like these rose adorned '90s sandals [5], not just attracting attention to your footwear, but also accenting your great blouse. In 2019, we should be letting our button-downs set the scene, define the colour palette, and even inspire the right lip shade. If you're ready to try it, follow me, because I've got a few fun ideas for your next combination.
Shop clockwise from top left: Zara Oversize Tie-Dye Shirt [6] ($40), Urban Outfitters Shiloh Shield Sunglasses [7] ($18), pull&bear Cargo Pants With Elastic Cuffs [8] ($40), Tabitha Simmons
Peony Slingback Sandals [9] ($522, originally $745), Boohoo Neon Micro Mini Structured Handle Grab Bag [10] ($14, originally $28)
Storets Allyson Tie Dye Shirt
Storets Allyson Tie Dye Shirt [12] ($65)
Topshop Silk Tie Dye Shirt by Boutique
Topshop Silk Tie Dye Shirt by Boutique [13] ($210)
Stradivarius tie dye satin shirt in multi
Stradivarius tie dye satin shirt in multi [14] ($30)
Mango Tie-dye blouse
Mango Tie-dye blouse [15] ($80)
Boohoo Tie Dye Shirt
Boohoo Plus Tie Dye Shirt [16] ($22, originally $44)
Prada Tie-Dye Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Prada Tie-Dye Cotton-Poplin Shirt [17] ($1,120)
Altuzarra Chika Tie-Dyed Silk Blouse
Altuzarra Chika Tie-Dyed Silk Blouse [18] ($539, originally $895)
Forever 21 Floral Ankle-Wrap High Heels
Forever 21 Floral Ankle-Wrap High Heels [19] ($14, originally $30)
Lipsy Barely There Heeled Sandal With Embellishment
Lipsy Barely There Heeled Sandal With Embellishment [20] ($57, originally $103)
Valentino Satin Slide Sandals
Valentino Satin Slide Sandals [21] ($95)
Miu Miu Flower Appliqué Sandals
Miu Miu Flower Appliqué Sandals [22] ($362, originally $603)
Sole Society Ashlin Sandal Women's Shoes
Sole Society Ashlin Sandal Women's Shoes [23] ($70)