The white button down shirt is an iconic essential for student wardrobes that never goes out of style. This year, variations of the classic button down are emerging in the early spring lines at local clothing stores and thrift shops, and it never fails to pop out from the line up of men’s and women’s shirts. The white button down shirt can be worn all year round and it goes with everything. It can dress up a pair of denim jeans, or pairs well with a blazer and dress pants for an interview. As the spring weather approaches, investing in this versatile piece can go a long way.
While the white colour is not always easy to maintain for everyday wear, the neutral hue is flattering for most skin tones in much the same way that black looks great on anyone. Having a fitted white button down shirt can add elegance to your wardrobe, or it can be slightly oversized and relaxed in fit for a more casual style. A boyfriend-style shirt can also serve as a great piece to wear to cover up a bathing suit or pair up with denim shorts in the summertime. Whatever the weather, the white button down shirt is a style that can be worn at any time of the year and maintain a chic and sophisticated look for the wearer.
While a clean, classic oxford collared shirt looks great with a suit or tucked into a pencil skirt for a more professional business look, a loose white button down is more boxy and loose fitting. This relaxed look is perfect for a casual day out with friends, layered over a t-shirt, jeans, and ankle boots.
Variations of the white button down shirt come in different materials, styles and lengths. It can come in short, long, or ¾ sleeves, mandarin collar, or collarless. This fashion style can be worn tied in a knot at the bottom, tucked in, cropped, half tucked, or not at all. White button down shirts can also have epaulets or roll up sleeves with tabs and unique designs to give more versatility to the blouse.
In addition, the white button down shirt has been worn by iconic movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Daniel Craig, Cary Grant, and Chris Hemsworth.
White button down shirts can be styled in numerous ways, and flatters all body types and age groups. This classic piece never goes out of style and can be found in local thrift shops for a fraction of the retail price.
If white is not a colour that works well with your lifestyle, different colours are available such as khaki, olive green, denim, chambray blue, or black. If you are very bold and daring, a bright colour such as hot pink, red, or yellow are good alternatives to consider wearing this spring as the sun shines and the flowers bloom all around. Investing in a button down shirt may be just what you need to spruce up your wardrobe!
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
