How to Style a Button-Down Shirt

Can’t. Stop. Adding to cart! I love the fact that button-down shirts are super versatile, meaning they have multiple purposes, and you can use them to create so many different outfits! Whether you’re running errands, hitting the beach, or hosting a gathering, you must have a good selection of button down shirts in your summer wardrobe. Not sure how to wear one? I’m showing you many ways to style a button-down shirt this summer!

Wear it open.

This is by far my fave way to wear a button-down! I like to create lots of different outfits with open blouses: casual, beachy, business casual, classic, quirky… You can look like a style boss simply by having a varietal range of button-down shirts in your wardrobe. Wear it open one day and closed the next. You’ll feel like you’re wearing something brand-new!

Fun prints.

This cartoon cat graphic button-front blouse is so quirky and unexpected that I almost didn’t buy it. But I couldn’t control my fingers, and they added it to cart. Thank you, fingers! I love wearing this blouse open, atop basics!

BLOUSE // RIBBED KNIT TANK // STRETCH RIPPED MOM JEANS // WHITE MINIMALIST SHOULDER BAG // WHITE SLIDE SANDALS

I’ve been super into anything daisy print this summer, so I had to have this cropped button-down! It comes in other colors, including light blue and mint green. Soooo cute!

Yep, I’m wearing the same cropped tank from SheIn again! I have 4 of them, including taupe and white. You have to add some to your closet!!

DAISY PRINT BUTTON-FRONT BLOUSE // GOLDEN CUFF BRACELET // DENIM SHORTS // NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS // RIBBED TANK // DAISY SCRUNCHIE // HEART CLASP NECKLACE // FAUX PEARL NECKLACE

I wanted to wear the cute pie blouse below buttoned up, but my larger bust had other plans.

Style tip: Don’t be so quick to return a button-down top that pulls in the chest area. Try to repurpose it!

NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS // MOM JEANS // FLORAL BLOUSE // QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG // HEART CLASP NECKLACE // FAUX PEARL NECKLACE

Neutrals

Yet another SheIn find, this sheer blouse is perhaps the most versatile of the bunch! I tossed it over my favorite neutral set from Amazon for a mild day at the Jersey shore. However, if it had been hot enough for me to wear a swimsuit, I’d have worn the blouse as a cover-up!

This top’s subtle pinstripes make it unique, and it is SO comfortable and breathable for summer. I’d add it to cart if I were you… It’s super affordable, at around $17!

SHEER BLOUSE // NEUTRAL MATCHING LOUNGE SET // WHITE NIKE SNEAKERS // LACE BOW SCRUNCHIE // WATERPROOF BANGLES // WHITE SHOULDER BAG // DIFF EYEWEAR SUNGLASSES

The longline frame of the sleeveless pom pom blouse that I layered over the jersey dress below transforms the look from possibly sexy to totally chic business casual.

POM POM BLOUSE // JERSEY MIDI DRESS (from Amazon) // QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG

Wear it knotted.

A plus to purchasing a longline blouse? You can also wear it cropped! Again, this makes me feel like I’m sporting a brand-new clothing item! It’s really fun to switch it up, too!

In the following photos, I’m wearing the same sleeveless blouse as I am with the jersey dress above. I knotted it at the smallest point in my waist to create a stylish crop and flattering silhouette!

POM POM BLOUSE // LONGLINE WAFFLE KNIT BIKINI TOP (worn as a bra and top underneath) // COMFY SLIDE SANDALS

Black and white is always a good option if you’re apprehensive about how to style a button-down top. The pieces in my outfit below are very basic, but the way I’ve styled them makes the entire look intriguing.

NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS // QUILTED CROSSBODY BAG // FAUX PEARL NECKLACE // similar WHITE BUTTON DOWN // similar BLACK CROPPED CAMI TOP // similar BLACK BIKER SHORTS // BAUBLEBAR BRACELETS HERE, HERE

Major vacay vibes ahead! I knotted a blue striped button down over the same jersey dress for a resort feel!

Life tip: Pack these items for your next vacay, along with denim shorts, white tanks, white sneakers and various accessories, and you’ll have tons of easy outfits!

similar STRIPED BUTTON-DOWN BLOUSE // JERSEY MIDI DRESS (from Amazon) // similar SUNHAT // similar HAND-WOVEN TOP HANDLE PURSE // similar ESPADRILLES

Wear it buttoned.

You cannot go wrong with this styling method. Be sure to tuck in your blouse if it’s neither cropped nor long, like I did in the summer outfit below.

If your button-down is cropped, leave it as is. If it’s oversized, feel free to tuck it in to jeans or a skirt. Should you choose to wear it out, be sure to pair it with form-fitting bottoms, such as biker shorts (assuming the shorts are long enough for you to still see) or leggings.

CAT PRINT BUTTON-DOWN // BLACK HIGH-WAISTED SHORTS (from Target) // WHITE MINIMALIST SHOULDER BAG // NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS

I’m totally here for the shoulder pad moment we’re having (Read more about 2021 fashion trends here! The shoulder pads totally elevate this basic blouse. (Read more about elevated basics in this post.)

SHOULDER PAD SLEEVELESS BLOUSE // similar MOM JEANS // BAUBLEBAR BRACELETS HERE, HERE

Button-Down Shirt Outfit Shop

Recreate my button-down shirt outfits by using pieces from the shop below! Please share your outfits on social media, and be sure to tag me so I can see!

Which of these looks is your fave? How do you like to style your button-downs?

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