Button-up shirts are a versatile wardrobe staple that can be styled in various ways depending on the occasion. According to fashion tips, you can wear a button-up shirt for a formal, business casual, or even a relaxed look.
A key aspect of styling a button-up is choosing the right accompanying pieces.
Button-Up Shirt Style Guide
Based on fashion advice, here are two primary ways to wear a button-up shirt:
- Formal or Business Casual: To achieve a polished and professional appearance, pair with dress pants or chinos for a formal or business casual look.
- Relaxed Style: For a more laid-back yet still put-together vibe, wear with tailored jeans and loafers.
Styling Combinations
Here's a breakdown of how these pairings work:
1. Formal & Business Casual Looks
- Bottoms:
- Dress Pants: Classic wool, cotton, or blended dress pants in neutral colors like black, grey, navy, or khaki.
- Chinos: Slightly less formal than dress pants but still suitable for business casual. Opt for well-fitting chinos in standard colors.
- Footwear:
- Dress Shoes: Oxfords, Derbies, Monk Straps, or Loafers (depending on the formality).
- Clean, Minimalist Sneakers: In some modern business casual settings, clean leather sneakers can be acceptable.
- Accessories:
- Tie (for more formal business looks)
- Belt that matches shoes
- Watch
2. Relaxed Style
- Bottoms:
- Tailored Jeans: Choose jeans that fit well, are not overly distressed, and are in classic washes (e.g., dark wash, indigo). Avoid baggy or heavily ripped styles.
- Footwear:
- Loafers: Penny loafers, bit loafers, or driving loafers work well.
- Sneakers: Stylish, clean sneakers can also fit this look.
- Boots: Chukka boots or Chelsea boots can also complement this style.
- Layering:
- Wear the shirt buttoned up or open over a t-shirt.
- Add a light jacket, cardigan, or a vest.
Quick Reference Table
| Style | Paired With | Occasion | Example Footwear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal / Business Casual | Dress Pants or Chinos | Office, Meetings, Events | Dress Shoes, Clean Loafers |
| Relaxed | Tailored Jeans and Loafers | Casual Outings, Weekend | Loafers, Stylish Sneakers |
By selecting the right bottoms and footwear, you can easily adapt a button-up shirt to suit various fashion needs, from professional settings to relaxed weekend wear.
