It’s time you got out of the mindset that white button-downs are only for pencil skirts and sales meetings.
I’ve long stood by the notion that you can make a button down and jeans look like more than just a button down and jeans if you just put some thought into it.
The lowly button down blouse isn’t everyone’s best friend. It can feel stiff or Business Casual and look nothing like the easy, breezy models in the J. Crew catalog that you’re not on purpose (but totally on purpose) dressing like. But white button downs with awesome sleeves and chest details are huge for Spring, and it’s time you got out of the mindset that they’re only for pencil skirts and sales meetings.
Here are 9 white button downs that break the mold of your everyday, average blouse.
Long Sleeve Poplin Jet Shirt (Topshop, $68)
Everything is better if it has pockets. That is the truth.
Contemporary Collared Peplum Shirt (Forever21, $22.90)
I love a good peplum, so why not add one to an otherwise boring button down?
Studio Split Poplin Back Top (Eloquii, $69.90)
This is the mullet of button downs. Business in the front, party in the back.
Lace Blouse (H&M, $60)
If you didn’t think a white button down could be all lace and not look super tacky, this shirt proves you wrong.
White Flare Sleeve Shirt with Cuff Slit (Front Row Shop, $37.60)
Oversized bell/flare sleeves are really big this year, and this is a great way to ease into the trend.
Studio Cape Tunic (Eloquii, $74.90)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: capes for everyone.
White Ruffle Front Shirt (ASOS, $51)
A nice little ruffle detail never hurt anybody, and if you don’t want to stray too far from the boring button down the pasture, this is your shirt.
Cropped Poplin Shirt with Back Detail (Zara, $39.90)
Looking at this, you may think it doesn’t belong on the list, but then you turn around, and the little detail on the back just makes it.
ASOS Premium Trench Detail White Shirt (ASOS, $44)
Is this a trench coat or a shirt? Does anyone care?