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 that extreme, but I prefer to use the word “practical.” In my book, there’s no such thing as owning too many crisp collared pieces.
The best button-down shirts 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 how this polished hero piece can anchor a range of outfits, no matter the season. However, button-down shirts really shine during the colder months, when they pair nicely with cashmere cardigans and cable-knit sweaters. (When it's warm, they can be worn beside summery separates, like linen shorts and barely-there bikinis. Versatility!)
This hard-working classic is widespread across the market. Brands like J.Crew, Everlane, and Gap offer long-sleeved and short-sleeved options in various colorways. Cos and Dôen champion a maximalist approach with bold prints and vivid hues. Madewell sells oversized shapes with inflated proportions, while Aritzia has fitted tops that hug the figure.
With so many options, choosing the right button-down shirt can be overwhelming. 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 wish list. Keep scrolling for an editor-approved guide to the 15 best button-downs that are begging for a prime spot in your collection.
Long-Sleeved Button-Down Shirts
Go for a preppy look by coordinating your button-down with a sweater vest, jeans, and a tote bag.
Perhaps the most classic button-down is long-sleeved in a classic hue, like white or baby blue. Commit to straightforward shades with styles from Eloquii, or dabble in a bit of color with J.Crew and Banana Republic. Whichever route you choose, any of the tops below will 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.
Short-Sleeved Button-Down Shirts
For a sunny fall day, consider a short-sleeved top beneath a cropped trench.
Although we’re inching toward colder weather, you’ll need short-sleeved tops when temperatures unexpectedly rise. Try standard shirts from Everlane and L.L. Bean, which boast simple collared necklines and button closures. You can also shake things up a bit with selections from Gap, which are adorned with playful puff sleeves.
Oversized Button-Down Shirts
Pair your loose-fitting top with an equally oversized dress.
The fashion crowd’s long-lasting love affair with oversized tops isn’t poised to end anytime soon. Hop on the wave by looking towards stylish celebrities who can’t get enough of spacious button-downs. Not too long ago, Katie Holmes wore a voluminous one alongside culottes and loafers; Jennifer Lawrence recently teamed hers with wide-leg jeans and sneakers.
Fitted Button-Down Shirts
If you choose a slim top, consider balancing proportions with baggy bottoms.
If billowing button-downs aren’t your thing, there are plenty of fitted tops out there that will align with your style preferences. Aritzia, & Other Stories, and Ralph Lauren provide slim silhouettes that give that sculpted feel. For your next night on the town, take one of these for a spin with floor-sweeping denim pants, sleek boots, and an effortlessly cool coat.
Statement Button-Down Shirts
This double-plaid outfit should be pinned to your mood board, ASAP.
Stand out among the crowd with the following styles that will make heads turn. Zara and Lioness lean into plaid, while Dôen embraces vintage-inspired prints. Coated in earthy shades, these autumn-forward designs will fit perfectly in your fall capsule wardrobe.
