“Few garments are as timeless and towering as the white button-down.”
Adapted from menswear in the late nineteenth century, the white button-down has since served as a prominent symbol in women's fashion. And as cinema and pop culture began to flourish in the century that followed, the white button-down, too, became a striking form of self-expression. On and off the screen, actors and their characters alike donned the top while defying expectations for women's dress and demeanor. No longer were corsets or tight, form-fitting gowns a requirement: from the frequented attire of Joan Harrison, the first woman to produce with a large studio and become nominated for an Oscar in best screenplay (1941); to the infamously iconic Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction towering in her oversized, cuffed, and partially unbuttoned white top that turned the garment into envious high fashion in the ‘90s; and, more recently, Jodie Comer’s role as the highly fashionable, queer female assassin, Villanelle, in Killing Eve. Timeless incarnations of the starlet as everyday woman live on, on Instagram.
Suited for all ages and body types, the introduction of the white button-down in women’s fashion paved the way for a more inclusive and accessible landscape that considers the woman behind the clothes. Without fail, the quintessential wardrobe staple can be tucked, cinched, worn oversized, or neatly collared. We spoke to Passerby who recommended some of their most beloved contemporary designs.
Brooks Brothers Boys Non Iron Dress Shirt
recommended by beverly nguyen and clemence poles
If you are looking for a piece that weaves seamlessly into your wardrobe and doesn’t need to be ironed, Brooks Brothers offers a button-down that is naturally resistant to wrinkles and wears well with age. It is a shirt that wants you to wear it: with its thick oxford fabric made of Supima cotton, you’ll want to reach for its sleeves time and time again.
J. Crew Men's Stretch Secret Wash Shirts in Organic Cotton
Recommended by verena von pfetten
Editor and entrepreneur Verena Von Pfetten says, “Thanks to a recommendation from my friend Laurel Pantin, I'm obsessed with J. Crew Men’s Secret Wash Shirts—my only tip is to size up for a chic, blouse-y look (I'm usually a woman's M in most things, and I buy an XL in these)!” Part of the J. Crew collection for over a decade, the secret wash shirts are built to carry an outfit across a variety of occasions and into the next season. Think of the white button-down as a more put-together version of the little black dress.
Maria McManus Organic Cotton Oversized Shirt
Recommended by erin allweiss
“Maria McManus makes the perfect white button-down. Trust me,” says entrepreneur and publicist Erin Allweiss. “And it's also consciously produced.” Made with the future in mind, this well-crafted and refined sustainable fashion piece imbues its wearer with confidence. The shirt is designed to be worn oversized, and unlike others in this roundup, it is accented by deep slits that open to the waistline.
Chava Studio Garçon Shirt
Recommended by natalie guevara
Founded by Olivia Villanti in Mexico City, “every item out of [Chava Studio's] family-owned atelier is of excellent quality and made with true care,” says writer and publicist Natalie Guevara. All of the buttons on their Garçon shirt are Italian Mother-of-Pearl, and the shirt is crafted of 100% Alumo Swiss Cotton. In the realm of white button-downs, Chava Studio graces one’s closet with elevated elegance.
Jil Sander’s 7 Days Shirts
Recommended by kavi moltz
D.S. & Durga founder Kavi Moltz says, “I have a Jil Sander that is pretty perfect,” and one does not need convincing. Made in Italy using organic cotton, Jil Sander’s tops are objet d’art: elegant, structural, sleek. Sander’s has built a collection of white tops that are literally named for the days of the week—you can’t go wrong in selecting one that meets your distinctive personality.
The RealReal Men’s Designer Shirts
Recommended by christina crawford
“I wear a lot of white button-downs and have been buying men’s XS—M size designer shirts on The RealReal. They are much cheaper, and [you] can get really good quality with [an] oversized look,” says chef Christina Crawford. The option to explore and find a specific top that works for you at an affordable price is at your fingertips.
Oversize Linen Shirt from Amazon
Recommended by susan alexandra
“This is sad, but I have a beloved oversize linen shirt from Am*zon,” says jewelry and accessories designer Susan Alexandra. While it might not be the obvious choice, good things tend to hide in corners. Incorporating a staple into one’s closet is a personal choice that calls for comfort, durability, and notable style—linen comes as a lovely addition year round.
Homme Girls Classic Shirt
Recommended by sukey novogratz
Following HommeGirls’s namesake, the brand delivers androgynous classics with a clear vision to ignite both the feminine and masculine qualities an outfit can inhabit. Categorized as “men’s shirts,” the white-button down is offered in two designs: one is traditionally constructed, while the other, a cropped fit, imbues a more playful quality with raw edges. Gender is irrelevant when it comes to being sexy and taken seriously...
Other recommendations include Citizens of Humanity Kayla Shirt (recommended by Kayla Tanenbaum), Vintage Banana Republic (as recommended by Maria Geyman), The Break (recommended by Tara Thomas), Everlane (recommended by Angie Venezia), Franca Studio (recommended by Angie Venezia), Muji (recommended by Rebecca Boorstin), Ganni Bib Collar Poplin Frill Shirt (recommended by Natalie Pace), and UNIQLO Women’s Rayon Short-Sleeve Blouse (recommended by Caitlin McMullen).
Words by Shelby Hartness