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Unlock the secrets of timeless elegance with our guide to button-up shirt styling. From casual chic to ritzy date night, our guide will show you that a good button-up shirt truly is a girl's best friend.
Opting for a collared shirt is one of the easiest ways to dress up an outfit and, if you ask us, it’s the ultimate life hack when the dress code is unclear and you’re scrambling to decide what to wear to an event. We have yet to meet anyone that has been offended by a well-fitting shirt!
Are button up shirts still in style?
Whether you're trying to build a timless capsule wardrobe or prefer to chase this season's trends, a button-up shirt is a must-have in every wardrobe. Button front womens tops are easy to style, appropriate for every season and come in so many different styles, fits and prints.
A good button-up shirt is the perfect blank canvas on which to build a striking look that showcases your personality - just add a good old pair of flattering denim pants and statement accessories and you’ll be the chicest lady in the room.
And just in case you're wondering what the difference is between a button-up shirt and a blouse, we've got you covered. A blouse is generally looser and doesn't have any trims while a shirt is more fitted or structured and often has a collar and buttons up the front. But in reality? The terms are used interchangeably and we won’t hold it against you if you’re not exactly sure which of the two you’re shopping for - after all, we have a large selection of both!
How do you make a button down shirt fashionable?
For the Office
There is nothing easier than styling a collared shirt business casual! Just add a blazer, straight leg trousers and a dressy pair of flats or loafers and you’re good to go. Is there anything chicer than a blouse under a suit? We think not.
Can you pair a blouse and long skirt? Certainly, just make sure that your waist is defined and proportions are maintained to avoid getting lost in all the fabric. You can do that by tucking your shirt in, knotting it at the front or adding a belt to highlight the smallest part of your body - hello hourglass!
For a Night Out
A buttoned white shirt is a staple in any wardrobe - this season, go for structured pieces with interesting detailing. And why not incorporate the faux leather trend into your outfit? Time to put on a pair of wet look pants and master the french tuck to show off those pins! Simply tuck the front of your blouse into your pants, leaving the sides and back untucked.
How do you wear a button down shirt casually?
On the Weekend
Making a button-up shirt casual is a breeze! After all, an oversized button-up shirt untucked with jeans or denim-look joggers is the ultimate off-duty Hollywood star look - just watch out for the paparazzi. And with everyone going crazy for blue this season, check out our selection of blue button up shirts to nail the 'effortlessly chic' look.
An unbuttoned shirt worn over a t-shirt or sleeveless top is also an easy way to dress it down. This works especially well with a colourful or patterned shirt and a plain basic - opt for cotton, bamboo or micro modal, which are all breathable fabrics. If you don’t know what to wear, grab your favourite button-up shirt. And if you get to the party and everyone’s wearing linen and thongs, tone it down by unbuttoning your shirt completely to let your base layer show or by simply tying a loose knot at the front - from dressy to casual in a matter of seconds!
In Summer
We love summer even more because of all the button-up shirt and shorts outfits that we’ll be putting together. It’s just as comfortable as your favourite tee but definitely looks more put-together (which is hard to do when the mercury hits 30C) and even more so if you bust out a chic matching set.
At Home
If the most exciting place you’ll be going to over the next few weeks is your living room, why not grab your favourite white button-up and layer luxe loungewear on top?
Sometimes, a bit of structure is just what you need in order to turn your day around. That and chocolate, a scented candle, snail mail from your besties and some at-home self-care essentials of course.
But not just any tracksuit will do, opt for a matching set in a luxe cotton - with your shirt collar popping out, you’ll be feeling your best and ready for any cheeky surprise visitors.
How do you know if a shirt is the right fit?
There are a few things to look out for when shopping for a new button-up shirt online, starting with the fit and button placement. Figuring out how to find your size in women's clothing can be a nightmare - but it doesn’t have to be! We've made the experience seamless and pain-free with our BB size guides.
It’s no secret that a button-up shirt for large bust can be hard to find. To make things easier, start by measuring yourself, including your bust circumference, and have a look at the Size & Fit tab on each of our product pages to make sure that there is enough fabric in that area to avoid the dreaded gaping shirt. Our fabulous garment team measure every single product individually so that you can get the perfect fit!
You should also look at the length of the garment - you may want to go for a longer shirt if you’re planning on wearing it untucked or a shorter one if you will be tucking it into your pants or skirt.
Last but not least, look at the neckline and collar. If you will be wearing your shirt under a blazer, you may want to go for a structured statement collar that opens up to show your neckline; very flattering and it allows you to show off your trendy pearl necklace. On the other hand, the perfect collared shirt for layering is thin and fitted so it doesn't look too bulky under your favourite jumper.
And if you have any old dress shirts gathering dust in your closet because they’re too big or shapeless for your liking, here’s a tip: grab a hair tie, gather the extra fabric at the back and tie it before tucking it up into your shirt. There you have it, an untucked button-up and some waist definition!
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