Prior to the 1800s dress shirts were traditionally worn by men and boys, whereas women and girls wore blouses.
After fashion designers started offering styles for all, they became very much a part of both sexes’ wardrobes.
In 2021, females are turning the tailored garment – which features a collar and a full-length opening at the front, fastened using buttons – into whatever they want, including a beach coverup.
Kendall Jenner was looking spring chic on the streets of New York donning tan slacks and a stark white tee topped by an oversize shirt with an extended hem
A crisp white button down is a seasonless garment for Kendall Jenner who has the tailored top on high rotation all year long.
The 25-year-old supermodel was looking spring chic on the streets of New York donning tan slacks and a stark white tee.
With her finger forever on the pulse of what’s hot, Kendall gave her basic separates a dose of casual professionalism by topping them with an oversize shirt.
Back in November, she completed her monochromatic look with a button down that took the place of a traditional jacket.
In March she layered a stiff shirt under a striped sweater vest.
A crisp white button down is seasonless for Kendall Jenner who has the structured garment on high rotation all year long.
It appeared as though Rosie Huntington-Whitely borrowed a shirt straight out of husband Jason Statham’s closet and made it her own
Rosie Huntington-Whitely is a modern day boss babe.
The 34-year-old mother borrowed an office-ready shirt straight out of husband Jason Statham’s closet and made it her own.
With high-waisted khakis, a Birkin bag and white sandals, she looked effortlessly chic for a day of business meetings.
Olivia Culpo doesn’t need anything BUT a polished top to look good.
The 29-year-old shared a sultry snap of herself on social media wearing a crisp shirt and not much else.
A few gold necklaces and flawless makeup completed her sexy secretary look.
Olivia Culpo doesn’t need anything BUT a white shirt to look good. The 29-year-old shared a sultry snap of herself on social media wearing a crisp shirt and not much else
Instagram stars Negin Mirsalehi and Carolina Lindo both wore menswear-inspired shirts as bathing suit coverups.
For an ‘I woke up like this’ shot, newly engaged Negin paired hers with a flirty red bikini that highlighted her incredible bod.
The modest shirt offsets the seductiveness of her skin-baring two-piece, while also adding unexpected interest to a casual poolside fit.
Carolina made her animal-print bikini ‘gram worthy with a white shirt and sunglasses.
To create shape for the snap, the star – whose goes by the handle @imnotsorrydarling – styled the shirt off both shoulders in a perfectly imperfect way.
Instagram star Negin Mirsalehi donned a menswear-inspired shirts as a bathing suit coverup
Carolina Lindo accessories her bikini with a button down draped over her shoulders
For feminine flair and a ‘gram worthy snap, the shirt is worn off the shoulder
The modest shirt offsets the seductiveness of her skin-baring two-piece
Actresses Yang Mi and Zhang Xiaofei both attended the Marie Claire Power Trip event in Shanghai, China wearing black tuxedos
Actresses Yang Mi and Zhang Xiaofei both attended the Marie Claire Power Trip event in Shanghai, China wearing black tuxedos.
To complete her formal look, the ‘A Writer’s Odyssey’ star opted for a hidden placket button down and accessorized with a white vest and matching bow tie.
Zhang hit the carpet appearing a little more relaxed, teaming her white shirt with suspenders and a tie.
When shopping a button down, take into consideration how it will be worn.
For maximum versatility, you can’t go wrong with Liverpool’s hidden placket shirt. The classic cut can be worn in a number of ways, both casual and dressy, tucked or untucked.
While tailored, the hi-low hem lends a slightly laid-back vibe and its cotton/poly/spandex blend prevents serious wrinkling. It’s a piece that will never go out of style.
Going on vacation? A shirt with a relaxed silhouette and dropped shoulders made from lightweight, breathable 100% organic cotton is a travel must.
If you’ll be tucking your shirt in, bypass unnecessary tucking by opting for a bodysuit adaptation of the essential white shirt.
Left: Luka oversized cotton-poplin shirt by the Row, $1,090; net-a-porter.com. Right: Sail Button-Up by Wilfred Free, $88; aritzia.com
Left: Classic-fit washed cotton poplin shirt by J.Crew, $79.50; jcrew.com. Right: Black Bodysuit by L’Agence, $360; lagence.com