Fashion and function intersect at the white button blouse. That’s why this staple is so appropriately called a wardrobe workhorse. Classic and chic, the white button shirt exudes calm, cool and collected. Spring is a great time to put this staple at the forefront of your closet. Get it back into rotation with these six picks from The Local Mom’s Network.
THE OG
BROOKS BROTHERS
Fitted Non-Iron Stretch Supima Cotton Dress Shirt, $118
This classic shirt is crisp, yet features an unexpected ease because of a touch of stretch. It’s the OG for a reason: pointed collar, single-button cuffs, and two darts down the back. The fitted cut is (bonus!) virtually wrinkle free. Roll up your sleeves for warmer days, or wear as is under a jacket for a meeting with the boss.
THE UNDERSTATED
UNIQLO
The soft shirt lends itself to layering whether over a tank top or beneath a sweater. Sub rayon for silk and you get a machine-washable, low maintenance, wrinkle resistant option. Plus, the price!
THE UNEXPECTED
EVERLANE
The Washable Silk Relaxed Shirt, $150
This beauty is where casual melds with luxury. Washable silk and utility pockets are the odd pairing that we never knew we needed. A machine-washable option features the traditional point collar and a round hem.
THE ELEVATED BASIC
J.CREW
Drapey Ruffle-trim Shirt, $138
A refined, yet flirty option appears preppy due to a ruffle at the neck and sleeve, but veers toward sexy thanks to a beautiful drape. The fabric is cupro – new to us – and is hailed as smoother than silk yet more durable. And, kudos to J.Crew, the shirt is made at a zero-waste facility.
THE RELATABLE
AMAZON ESSENTIALS
Women’s Classic-fit Long-Sleeve Button Down Poplin Shirt, $25
If you’ve hesitated to buy clothes from Amazon beyond leggings or socks, here’s your reason: an honest-to-goodness white blouse that could pass for a version four or five times its price tag. It competes with the big guns because of a lived-in feel right out of the gate and breast pocket that lends character. At just $25, you can’t help but dub this version foolproof.
THE NEVER-WOULD-HAVE-GUESSED-IT
LE PRIVÉ
Top + Collar Bundle, $175-$200
LePrivé is changing the shirt game with a collection of top-and-collar separates that are stunning and oh-so-practical. The tops have a variety of details, from puffy sleeves to scalloped edges, and the collars have a slew of decorative features that will make mixing and matching fun and sophisticated.
Is it a Button-Down or a Button-Up?
What is the difference between a button-down and a button-up shirt? If you thought it was just a colloquialism, you were wrong! A button-down refers to a shirt where the actual collar is buttoned to the fabric at the neck. A button-up shirt is just that: the clothing that you “button up” from the bottom to the top. Its collar lays freely. For a little more history on buttons and shirts, click on this Lands’ End article.