24 Fresh Ways to Wear That Button-Down That's Buried at the Back of Your Closet

If a button-down doesn't factor among the most exciting pieces in your closet, maybe you just need to revisit how you wear it. Sure, they're inherently a bit simple, but that means there's more room to play with how you style it. It goes with jeans, skirts, over swimsuits, under crop tops, with sweatpants! So, if you've thought they're just for polished and preppy looks — and that doesn't quite sound like you — we've done some outfit research to help you reconsider.

Inside, we've curated 24 looks from a crew of creative influencers that give this not-so-basic basic the attention it deserves, and proves there are plenty of easy ways to style a button-down that look way cooler than you've given it credit for. Plus, did I mention the outfits are easy? Read on for our favorite ways to reinvent the staple you've been overlooking.

01

Knot a sweater over it for some dimension

02

Try it off-the-shoulder with jeans

03

Wrap it slightly and tuck into trousers

04

Leave it open with a monochromatic look

05

Use it as a swimsuit cover-up

06

Knot a short-sleeved version with wide-leg jeans

08

Layer it underneath a vest to offset a statement piece

09

Knot it with jeans (and opt for a style with puff sleeves!)

10

Wear one open over a bra top and cutoffs

11

Throw it on top of a bold bustier top

12

Wear it under a blazer and add a bandana at the neckline

13

Wear it vacation-style with a swimsuit and a wrap skirt

15

Mix a button-down into your laidback look

16

Top your sweatpants with a striped version

17

Keep it simple with a pair of your favorite jeans

18

Throw one on over a bodysuit

19

Offset statement pants with a staple button-down in a bright color

20

Try a longer style over cutoffs

22

Go business on top with a blazer and athletic shorts on bottom

23

Tuck one into a high-waisted mini

24

Tuck a fitted version into jeans