This Chic Basic Is Every French Woman's Layering Go-To for Fall

When it comes to basics, there's no one we trust more than the French, who've more than proven their ability to turn simple wardrobe staples from boring to enviable. And of all the essentials our favorite French women wear most, none is more key to a crisp, chic collection come fall than a white button-down shirt. Whether they wear theirs pants-less with bloomers, layered underneath a cozy knit, or styled backward for a peekaboo back moment, our friends from Paris always succeed at creating inspo around their poplin shirts.

Of course, not all white button-downs are created equal. If you don't pick the right one, you could easily end up with an overly wrinkled, oddly fitting, or weirdly see-through style that simply won't get the job done. The 28 options below, however, feature none of the aforementioned shortcomings. Keep scrolling to shop the basic of all basics for fall.

The Best White Button-Downs

No pants, no problem—that is, if you have on a crisp button-down shirt and some sparkly knee-high Saint Laurent boots.

The Top 8 White Button-Down Shirts

• Best Overall: J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt ($98)
• Best Fitted: Mango Fitted Shirt ($46)
• Best Linen: Cos Linen Shirt ($120)
• Best Oversize: Reformation Will Oversized Shirt ($128)
• Best Splurge: Anine Bing Mika Shirt ($137)
• Best Budget-Friendly: H&M Cotton-Blend Shirt ($17)
• Best Embroidered: Other Stories Floral Embroidery Shirt ($139)
• Best Silk: Banana Republic Bliss Silk Shirt ($105)

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Midi denim skirts are chic enough on their own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, they're practically perfect.

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Paris Fashion Week is no match for a buttoned-up poplin shirt when it's paired with a khaki bomber jacket and pleated miniskirt.

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The possibilities are endless when you have a clean canvas like this button-down. Flip it around, tuck it in to some perfect-fitting Levi's, and leave it unbuttoned for a low-key sexy look.

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Layering isn't always the easiest task, but when a white poplin shirt is the base, the process is as simple as throwing on a neutral knit, some skinny pants, and a pair of riding boots.

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When it's not yet cold enough for a full-blown jacket but too chilly to wear just a tank, throw on a button-down. It's the perfect transitional topper.

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This look is proof that basics don't have to be boring. Instead, they're perfect for playing around with different styling techniques.

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This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.