Button Down Shirts

What is one of the bare necessities of a wardrobe that will never let you down? A button down shirt. Almost everyone has owned and owns button down shirts. You know you can never go wrong with it, whether you need to go to a formal, black-tie event that your boss is hosting or for a summer barbecue with friends. With the variety in button down shirt patterns, styles and fabrics, it is the most convenient and practical fashion wear on and off the ramp. And being a unisex piece of clothing, it can be enjoyed by both men and women alike. Let's find out how.

Button Down Shirts for Men

Most people will agree that when it comes to men's clothing, unfortunately, there aren't many options to explore. Sure there are different styles within a particular piece of clothing, but the basic elements of a man's wardrobe include bottoms like trousers, jeans and shorts and tops like shirts, t-shirts and vests. Very limited indeed. And out of these, a button down shirt is probably the only one that can safely be worn for any occasion. Luckily, there is a lot of variety in the button down shirt sizes, styles, patterns, colors and fabrics. For a formal event, a button down shirt in a pastel hue, together with a dark suit will do the trick. For regular office wear, a slim fit dress shirt can look great on men who can carry it off. Try different shirt and tie combinations to come up with a simple, yet stylish look for everyday work. While you'll have to tuck the shirt in for formal occasions, leaving it out is better for casual occasions. If you're not sure which shirt to tuck in and which to leave out, you can check your shirt to find out what to do. If the bottom sides are curved, then tuck it in, and if they are straight, leave it out. Button down shirts are great as casual wear for men too. All you need to do is pair a lightweight shirt made from an easy breathing fabric with a pair of straight cut jeans and you're ready to go.

Button Down Shirts for Women

Although traditionally and predominantly worn by men, a button down shirt has become a must have in the world of women's clothing too. However, unlike men, women cannot (and dare I say should not) really pull of a button down shirt for every occasion. For instance, if you're going to attend the wedding of a friend you went to high school with, even though you are really close and you're almost family, you simply cannot wear a shirt to a wedding. On the contrary, men can easily do it. Button down shirts for women are more of a formal or semi-formal wear. Women can wear a well cut button down shirt with smart trousers and a jacket or team the shirt up with a nice formal skirt and head to work. If semi-formal is what you're looking for then, button down plaid shirts for women will never go out of style. Just make sure it's not too loose, too big or too faded. A well fitted shirt together with well fitted jeans does the trick for a semi-formal affair. If you're feeling a little adventurous you can also convert a really big and loose shirt into a sexy button down shirt dress. Just have a trusted tailor cut and alter it according to your body shape, make some loops for a gorgeous belt at the waist or a little below the waist and wear it with a pair of leggings or just like that. Keep the sleeves short and wear some funky accessories.

Button down shirts are definitely one of the wardrobe essentials for both men and women. If you're thinking of getting some for yourself, remember, the cut and the fit of the shirt are the most important part of the shirt. Never buy a shirt without trying it on first. And when in doubt, ask for a second opinion.