30 Classic Button-Downs That Are Always a Classic | Marie Claire

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Take a peek inside my jam-packed closet, and you’ll discover a lineup of around 20 button-down shirts—I’m not exaggerating. Some might call me crazy, but I prefer to use the word “practical” because there’s no such thing as owning too many crisp collared pieces.

Thanks to its versatile appeal, a button-down shirt can outlive fleeting trends alongside other wardrobe essentials (like T-shirts, blue jeans, and trench coats). Ask any fashion connoisseur, and they'll quickly tell you this polished hero piece can anchor a range of outfits, no matter the season. During the colder months, button-downs pair nicely with cashmere cardigans and cable-knit sweaters. Sizzling temperatures invite the style to be worn beside summery separates like linen shorts and barely-there bikinis.

Given its multifaceted status, it is no surprise that this hard-working classic is widespread across the market. Brands like J.Crew, Alex Mill, and Frame offer long-sleeved and short-sleeved options in various streamlined colorways. Max Mara and Interior champion a maximalist approach with bold prints and vivid hues. As for silhouettes, Cos and Favorite Daughter embrace oversized shapes that embody inflated proportions, while Aritzia and Ralph Lauren opt for fitted tops that flaunt figure-hugging configurations.With so many options, choosing the right button-down shirt can be overwhelming. So, to make things easier for you, I’ve decided to share my tried-and-true picks along with coveted styles that rank high on my wishlist. Keep scrolling for an editor-approved guide to 30 button-downs that are begging for a prime spot in your closet.

Perhaps the most classic button-down is a humble long-sleeved option that’s always sophisticated. Commit to straightforward shades with styles from The Frankie Shop, Alex Mill, and Everlane, or dabble in a bit of color with J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Tibi. Whichever route you choose, any of the tops below look great paired with other sharp pieces like blazers, tailored trousers, and pleated skirts. Of course, you can also keep things casual by teaming your button-down with relaxed knits and laid-back baggy jeans.

Although we’re inching toward colder weather, you’ll need short-sleeved tops at some point. Get a head start with standard shirts from Madewell, Vince, Toteme, and AYR, which boast simple collared necklines and button closures. You can also choose to shake things up a bit with selections from Frame and Reformation, which are adorned with playful puff sleeves and ruched fabric.

The fashion crowd’s long-lasting love affair with roomy button-down shirts isn’t poised to end anytime soon. Hop on the wave by looking towards stylish celebrities who can’t get enough of the spacious silhouette. Not too long ago, Katie Holmes wore a voluminous button-down tucked into a pair of wide-leg jeans, and Jennifer Lawrence recently opted for a co-ord look with a cherry red top from The Row styled with matching fiery pants. Whether you follow their lead or pave your own path, check out the button-downs ahead.

If billowing button-downs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of fitted tops out there that will align with your style preferences. Aritzia, Róhe, Gap, and Ralph Lauren provide slim silhouettes, while & Other Stories and Madewell take things further with sculpted waistlines. For your next night on the town, take one of these tops for a spin with a floor-sweeping denim skirt and sleek slingback heels, and you can pull on a cool leather jacket if you need an extra layer.

Stand out among the crowd with the following styles that will make heads turn. Burberry and DÔEN lean into plaid, Afew Rahul Mishra favors blooming florals, and Max Mara joins the wild side with fierce leopard prints. For those not keen on wearing patterns, you can still make a statement with striking colors or flattering details. Interior’s button-down is plastered in pops of burnt orange, and Simone Rocha’s alternative features charming Peter Pan collars and dainty bows hanging along the hem.

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Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.

When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.

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