My Coworkers Swear by White Button-Downs—These Are the Ones We Keep Rewearing

Aida wears a white button down shirt under a gray crewneck sweaters with a tan handbag and large sunglasses.

(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

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. Of all the essentials our favorite French women wear most, none is more key to a crisp, chic collection 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 25 options below, however, feature none of the aforementioned shortcomings. Keep scrolling to shop the basic of all basics.

The Top 8 White Button-Down Shirts

How to Style a White Button-Down

Woman wearing white button down shirt and black pants.

(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Nothing is more classic than a white button-down shirt, so why not style it with the most timeless tailoring piece of all time? Crisp black tailored pants will effortlessly complete the look.

Camille wears a white button-down shirt over black shorts with studded boots, a silver bag, a silver heart necklace, and black sunglasses.

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

No pants? No problem if you have on a crisp button-down shirt and some sparkly knee-high Saint Laurent boots.

Anna wears a white button-down shirt, a tan pleated miniskirt, a tan jacket, and a brown Dior bag.

(Image credit: @annalauremais)

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

Claire wears a white button-down shirt, a ivory vest, and white high-top sneakers.

(Image credit: @claire_most)

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

Sylvie wears a denim maxi skirt with a white button-down shirt, a black shoulder bag, and tan mules.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

A midi denim skirt is chic enough on its own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, it's practically perfect.

Tamara wears a white tank top, a white button-down shirt, and black capri leggings.

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

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.

Leasy wears a white button-down shirt, blue straight-leg jeans, and a black shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @leasy_inparis)

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

Aida wears black leggings, brown knee-high boots, a white button-down shirt, a gray crewneck sweater, and a tan top-handle bag.

(Image credit: @aidabadji_)

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.

Woman wearing suit and white button down.

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Another classic "when in doubt" outfit idea simply has to be a tailored shorts suit with a white button-down. Especially come summer, it's a great way to cool off yet look professional.

Our Editors' Top Picks

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"J.Crew's Garçon shirt has been my go-to for the entirety of this year. It's not too oversized and not too slim, so it's kind of perfect. I also highly recommend the linen version." —Allyson Payer

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Shop white button-down shirts:

What should I look for in a white button-down?

Focus on fit, fabric, and level of transparency. A slightly oversize silhouette in crisp cotton poplin or a soft, structured blend will give you the most versatility—just make sure it's not see-through and lays clean across the shoulders.

How do I keep my white button-down from wrinkling?

Choose a cotton blend or poplin with a bit of stretch, which holds its shape better than pure cotton or linen. Keep a handheld steamer in your home, and hang your shirt up immediately after washing to avoid deep creases. Taking it to the dry cleaner is the best way to keep it wrinkle-free, but you can also wash it on cold and air-dry.

Sierra Mayhew
Fashion Editor

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joiningBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.

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