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)
Shop white button-down shirts:
There's a reason this shirt is constantly selling out.
Our readers absolutely love this poplin shirt.
BRB, copying this entire look.
Midi denim skirts are chic enough on their own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, they're practically perfect.
Shop white button-down shirts:
Good American low-key makes the best button-down shirts.
Midi is my go-to for super-elevated basics.
For work and play.
Paris Fashion Week is no match for a buttoned-up poplin shirt when it's paired with a khaki bomber jacket and pleated miniskirt.
Shop white button-down shirts:
Don't sleep on Anine Bing's elevated basics.
So chic.
This shirt is regret-proof.
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.
Shop white button-down shirts:
I'm buying this shirt in every available color.
Get this while it's still on sale.
I love a poplin shirt paired with kitten heels and a miniskirt more than almost anything.
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.
Shop white button-down shirts:
I'm buying this. Done and dusted.
Choose between regular and petite sizes.
This top hits the hips at a perfect place.
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.
Shop white button-down shirts:
If these came in bulk packs, I'd be the number one customer.
A must-have.
The hidden-button design lends a sleek fit.
This top is going to be huge for fall.
This look is proof that basics don't have to be boring. Instead, they're perfect for playing around with different styling techniques.
Shop white button-down shirts:
I swear every time I go to COS, I walk out with some sort of basic.
The cutouts in the back are so unique.
That's it—I'm wearing my poplin shirt with leather pants tomorrow.
A great sale find.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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