Button Down Shirts And Why You Should Buy One Now

If you've never given too much thought to exactly what button down shirts are, then you are missing a lot of opportunities to style and be glamorous in this simple clothing item. Maybe you already find yourself in front of your HR contact who mentions, "Oh, and your best bet for your first day is a button-down shirt and slacks." Avoid ever uttering a question that goes something like, "So ... that's just a shirt that has like, buttons on it ... right?" by getting to know the ins and outs of this versatile piece of clothing. You'll be happy you did wear it. Because button down shirts can be as fabulous as any formal clothing out there

What It Is

Though your love for this article of clothing will likely remain steadfast, the same is not necessarily true for its definition. Technically, a button-down shirt is a dress shirt with buttons straight down the center as well a pointed, fold-over collar which is affixed to the shirt with one button on each corner. Those without collar buttons are known as button-front shirts. However, when you read through your favorite fashion mags, any shirt that buttons down the center is commonly referred to as a button-down.

Why You'll Love It

Button-down shirts act as the ideal wardrobe staple. On a casual day, the button-down shirt offers your ensemble a boyfriend-chic appeal. For professional events, the same cut will evoke a sense of power and sophistication. The button-down is a lot of fun -- play around with fabrication and color. Think light blue, nubby-weave oxford shirts for a preppy aesthetic, super-soft chambray when you're in a bohemian-chic mood or a classic pinstripe when you're heading into the office. Whatever your day asks for, the button-down delivers.

How To Wear

When you're in need of a shirt to dress up your usual T-shirt and jeans look, grab for a pastel-hued button-down in a silky fabric. If you remember at the last second that you have a benefit dinner to attend and your dress is at the dry cleaners, a crisp white, dressy button-down and black trousers will save the day. On your way to the beach and so not in a frilly pink sundress mood? A plaid button-down left un-tucked over a pair of cut-off jean shorts has you boardwalk-ready in nothing flat.

Where To Buy

When you're looking for button down shirts, begin by visiting your favorite stores (my favorite is Equipment clothing brand. They are the ones who introduced button downs in the 70’s so I’m sure that I’ll never go wrong with it) -- you can shop nearly anywhere and you'll find a button-down f your adventure includes finding the button-down collar detail, search department stores, specialty stores and boutiques that focus on women's workwear and those with a classic or menswear-inspired aesthetic as button-downs are a mainstay of these retailers. Since the term "button-down" is open to a bit of interpretation, always give specific details to your sales associates so they can help you find exactly what you're looking for on the first try.