It's definitely pushing it to call a button-down a trend, but if the last year has taught us anything, it's that the world of fashion is peeling away from frills and sticking to the classics. That's not to say there weren't some breathtaking and exciting moments on the S/S 20 runways, but, to no one's surprise, we saw things like suiting and (drumroll, please) button-down shirts take center stage as both standalone items and key stying pieces.
While there were many "boring" items that graced the spring and summer collections, it was the classic button-down shirt that caught our attention the most. Proving to be trending in its own way, this wardrobe staple was the workhorse of dozens of collections this season, and we have hand-selected the best looks from them all. Beyond that, the fashion girls have been flaunting their "boring" shirt moments all over Instagram, and we've gathered those for you here as well.
Between the 18 ways to style this classic shirt and the shopping accompanying each, there's no way you'll walk away from this story without going straight to your closet and pulling out all of the button-downs I know you already have sitting in your closet.
This look is great for the office. Layer your button-down over a basic turtleneck and tuck both into a tailored midi skirt.
Pictured: The Row S/S 20
Sweater vests are happening, and this is the most straightforward way to wear them.
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Talk about a major 2020 styling moment. Everything from the triple belts to the second shirt tied around the shoulders (although in reality this is one piece, you can re-create it with two shirts) feels so exciting and fresh, especially for a boring button-down.
Pictured: Alexander Wang S/S 20
Leather pants are the perfect counterpart to an oversize button-down, and this outfit proves it.
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For a night out, think outside of the box and layer your button-down underneath a minidress. Complete the look with strappy heels and bold accessories.
Pictured: Versace S/S 20
Find some white shorts or simply wear your shirt as a dress if you dare. With vintage-inspired shoes and an eye-catching hair accessory, this look works perfectly for both day and night.
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Copenhagen brands always do top-notch styling, and we are really feeling the laid-back approach to this stiff poplin button-down shirt.
Pictured: Holzweiler S/S 20
If sporty isn't your vibe but you're itching to test out the new long-shorts trend, pair them with your favorite button-down and a cropped blazer for a fashion-forward office-friendly look.
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Style an oversize button-down over suede pants this year. This is the easiest way to incorporate the '70s-inspired trend that we're seeing a lot of this spring.
Pictured: Alberta Ferretti S/S 20
This is a simple everyday look anyone can re-create. We love the contrast of the flat rubber-sole boots with the sleek tailoring on top.
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Incorporate the crochet trend into your everyday basics wardrobe by layering a button-down shirt underneath one of the many crochet tops I know you're about to own.
Pictured: Eckhaus Latta S/S 20
Further proof that button-downs look great with knits layered atop, particularly this one-shoulder moment.
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Dior styled tons of its collection with this bright-blue button-down, but we particularly loved this combo with the raffia minidress and chunky boots.
Pictured: Dior S/S 20
Speaking of minidresses, we love how Tiffany Hsu styled her longer shirt as a dress by layering a nipped-at-the-waist blazer on top.
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Is there anything better than a blazer, button-down, and jeans? Celine says no as does the styling trick of pulling your collar out from beneath your blazer lapel.
Pictured: Celine S/S 20
School-girl chic, no? This chunky cardigan over the pleated midi skirt instantly becomes not too stuffy with the addition of sporty sneakers.
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If this outfit doesn't prove to you that suiting is exciting, I don't know what will. The colorful leather, suede, and crochet crop top encompass some of this season's biggest trends, and the addition of the button-down is the cherry on top.
Pictured: Altuzarra S/S 20
For this look, basically just take all the most iconically classic pieces in your closet and wear them all at once. From your biggest button-down to your loafers with white ankle socks, this look will be your go-to this spring.
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