Thursday, May 6, 2010

Wardrobe Essential: The White Button-Up

Many designers have tried, some have succeeded and some have failed, but nearly all have designed some version of the classic man's button up white shirt. My opinion: go with the original, the men's version. Gap offers a great version in nearly every season, and because of rampant consumerism, you can find a Gap in nearly every major city in America! The more expensive versions made for women, the ones that are tailored and offer feminine details, are lovely, but they lack the versatility and often, the comfort, that we need in a wardrobe essential. Case in point:

Fall: Wear the classic men's version with a beautiful pair of tweed chocolate wide leg slacks, tucked in, with a chunky rust colored statement necklace... boots are lovely in the fall, and if you live in a moderate climate, you may want to fore go the knee-highs until it gets a bit colder.

Winter: Wear it with a pair of black slacks un-tucked, and belted at your natural waist with a wide patent belt. I like a pair of slacks with a bit of texture, but any nicely tailored pair will do, and high heels or boots are the right shoe decision.

Spring: Wear it with a fitted blazer and a great dark pair of skinny or straight leg jeans. Ankle booties are the right shoe if it is still cool outside, but thong sandals with some decorative detail will also look terrific, if you live in the warm warm South, like yours truly.

Summer: Wear it un-tucked with a few of the lower buttons undone (if you have a toned, tanned stomach) and a great pair of khaki shorts. This season, there are some fabulous shorts with really exciting details! And roll up the sleeves, kind of sloppy like, to 3/4 length. Pull your hair into a loose side bun with some loose hair hanging out or some fabulous earrings if your hair is too short for an up-do... If you want to go out on the town, pair this casual look with a great pair of heels, and take sexy-casual to a new level...

Now that you know how to wear this classic piece in every season, there is no excuse not to have one in your closet...

1 comment:

  1. Love it - you can never go wrong with a crisp ironed white button down. It's even great to wear around the house to lounge.... :)

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