Five Ways to Wear a Button Down Shirt

Hands down, one of my favorite essential layering pieces is a button down shirt. Many people think they are too stuffy and formal but I love dressing them down and up.  I truly believe a button down shirt can be an essential piece in any wardrobe, especially since they come in so many fabrics, styles, and colors.

While working with clients, I always try to incorporate versatile pieces to make it easier and quicker to get dressed. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for my clients to get out the door in five. I love sharing with clients the five ways to wear a button down shirt and how this one piece can be a versatile work horse in any closet.

• Layered under a sweater

• Layered under a vest

• Layered under a blazer

• Layered over a t-shirt, tank, or turtleneck

• Layered with a cardigan

A button down shirt can always be worn alone but it can be used as a versatile layering piece no matter what time of year. Honestly, sometimes it can actually help you make more outfits with the clothes you already have.

While working together, many clients have mentioned that they don’t wear their button downs because they don’t quite fit in the chest area and/or they gap and pull between the buttons. An easy fix is to us the button down shirt as a layering piece over a t-shirt, tank, or turtleneck.  The other quick fix is to take your button down shirt to a tailor and have them sew the material together between the top buttons. You will then have to put the button down on over your head but you likely won’t have to worry about the material pulling anymore.

Depending on your budget you can find a button down that works for you in the color, style, and or fabric you’re looking for. I hope you found these five ways to wear a button down shirt helpful but if you are still struggling or have questions feel free to reach out.