Unquestionably Essential Parisian Fashion Staple – A Triumphant 18 Items from My Wardrobe You Simply Must Try

Rock out the coming season with the ultimate must-have in every fashion lover's wardrobe: the legendary button-down shirt. Yes, you read that right! This classic staple, adored by Parisians and fashionistas alike, never fails to impress. It's flexible, versatile, and riding high on the hype train right now. From Prada's cool white pairings with miniskirts to Bottega Veneta's pinstripe shirts and boxers, button-downs were the star of the spring/summer 2025 runways. Fendi added their touch with blue button-downs styled with tailored trousers, and this new-fangled timeless piece appeared across nearly every collection, cementing its well-deserved "queen bee of basics" status!

Time and again, I've sung the praises of the button-down shirt - and there's no sign of that changing. It's an ideal transitional piece that seamlessly takes me from season to season. I've dabbled in plenty of button-downs, testing and testing, and today, I'm sharing my top picks along with a slew of ways I've been rocking them. Plus, you'll find plenty of stylish inspiration from the ever-trendy fashion folk to fuel your next button-down fashion spree.

Let's dive into it! Recently, I snagged this cool, relaxed fit number from Zara. It pairs well with everything from jeans to skirts, and I'm head-over-heels for the rich blue.

Next up: Reformation's Will Oversized Shirt. It's a dream come true in terms of quality and fit, available in a rainbow of colors. I've already picked up my share, and I'm sure I'll be grabbing more this season!

I've had this shirt by L.A. brand Nia for over a year now, and it's still in great shape after being washed a zillion times!

The Gap's Organic Cotton Big Shirt remains one of my favorites this season. The black one is super versatile, suitable for both day and night, and comes with a effortlessly cool oversized fit. I can't wait to add the white version to my collection!

Ready to stock up? Check out these other fantastic options:

Sessei Boyfriend Cotton Poplin: A favorite among the fashion set, these timeless and classic pieces are hard to beat.
COS Boxy Linen Shirt: COS always knows how to deliver an elevated, oversized button-down without breaking the bank.
Alex Mill Jo Shirt in Sammy Stripe: Alex Mill shirts are known for their quality construction and timeless silhouettes.
Zara Oxford Shirt: This crisp blue will coordinate with pretty much anything and oozes classic French vibes.
Hommegirls Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt: The fashion crowd can't get enough of this cool and unpretentious brand.
j.crew Garçon Classic Shirt: After trying numerous J.Crew button-downs, this is my absolute favorite.
Madewell Straight Hem Crop Linen & Cotton Button-Up Shirt: This cropped button-down is perfect for effortless everyday wear.
YAITTE Exclusive Buoy Striped Shirt: If you're looking for a high-quality shirt that's made to last, look no further! Plus, this hue is divine.
H&M Poplin Shirt: This affordable, easy-going poplin shirt boasts a relaxed silhouette.
Sezane Tomboy Shirt: The French brand, Sezane, excels in creating fabulous button-downs. I can't get enough of this versatile beige stripe.
Everlane The Must-Have Shirt in Linen: This linen shirt hangs beautifully and is equally chic when tucked into high-waisted trousers or worn casually with jeans.

Ready to update your wardrobe? Check out Judith Jones' handpicked selection of summer essentials!

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Judith Jones

Associate Shopping Director

Judith Jones is the associate shopping director at Who What Wear and has over a decade of experience working in fashion. She specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. Previously, she worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker, sharing her passion for travel and culture.

Incorporate the iconic button-down shirt into your fashion-and-beauty routine for a timeless and versatile addition to your wardrobe, and discover stylish outfit ideas from Judith Jones' handpicked selection of summer essentials.
Whether you're shopping for a cool, relaxed outfit or pushing the boundaries of your lifestyle, Judith Jones offers inspiration with her curated selections, from home-and-garden decor to the latest fashion trends, including fashion-forward button-down shirts from brands like Zara, Reformation, and Hommegirls.