It’s an undeniable fashion fact: a crisp button-up shirt never goes out of style. A true wardrobe staple, this menswear-inspired piece has earned a devoted following that includes supermodels like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, as well as favorite celebrities like Katie Holmes. Like any classic closet essential, you probably already own one or two. Now comes the fun part (and where we come in): figuring out how to style it, especially for the warmer months.
Vogue’s Go-To Button-Ups:
– The Wide Stripe – H&M oversized shirt – $40
– The Crisp White – Banana Republic The Oversized shirt – $98
– The Breezy Linen – J.Crew garçon classic shirt – $118
– The Checked Choice – Toteme checked cotton shirt – $720
– The Chic Black – Gap cotton poplin big shirt – $70
– The Narrow Stripe – Leset Yoshi striped shirt – $260
When building your collection, a bright white poplin is essential. Comme Si’s La Classica shirt nails the fabric and cut, and has long been a favorite among editors. A bold blue button-up is another minimalist must-have that adds a subtle pop of color to your look. I’ve been loving linen styles for summer—easily thrown over a swimsuit or tucked into white jeans for the office. When it comes to styling, let the shirt shine: try it halfway buttoned with a statement necklace peeking out, or tied around your waist as a finishing touch.
With classics, you can never go wrong with a simple stripe (wide or narrow). I love Almina Concept’s oversized blue and white version worn casually over a statement skirt. Meanwhile, Matteau’s brown and white shirt is a great alternative to traditional black and white stripes. Below are seven editor-approved ways to style a button-up shirt all summer long.
The Wide Stripe
Take a cue from Katie Holmes and tuck an oversized striped button-up into rinse-wash jeans, finishing the look with the shoe of the summer—flip-flops!
– H&M oversized shirt – $40
– Levi’s Cinch Baggy lightweight jeans – $85
– A. Emery Kinto flip flops – $170
– Cuyana System tote – $358
– Jenny Bird Zeina slim chain – $118
– L’Atelier Nawbar Radiate Eternity signet ring – $1,900
Shop More Wide Striped Button-Ups:
– Matteau striped shirt – $460
– With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend exaggerated cuff shirt – $250
Summer Whites
There’s nothing chicer than an all-white look in summer. Let a crisp button-up be the foundation, pairing it with worn-in jeans and brown accessories for contrast. It’s the perfect uniform, moving easily from the office to off-duty.
– Comme Si cotton-poplin shirt – $275
– J.Crew Perfect rib tank top – $35
– Frame The Essential jeans – $298
– Dragon Diffusion Nantucket large tote – $670
– Nili Lotan Nili combo belt – $420
– Reformation Inez flat mules – $268
Shop More White Button-Ups:
– Banana Republic The Oversized shirt – $98
– COS tailored shirt – $99
The Black Button-Up
When Thursday date-night rolls around, a foolproof look is the black shirt with casual jeans. Statement accessories like Juju Vera’s coin choker elevate the look without overdoing it. I’ll see you at eight!
– Toteme classic tumbled shirt – $460
– Juju Vera Athena coin choker – $950
– Aflalo Verne jeans – $430Add to Wishlist
Mansur Gavriel
Mini Everyday Cabas Bag
$445 – NORDSTROM
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Sophie Buhai
Fan Shell Claw Clip
$285 – NET-A-PORTER
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A.Emery
Alta Sandals
$230 – NET-A-PORTER / $230 – SHOPBOP
Shop More Black Button-Ups:
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The Row
Petra Shirt
$2,100 – THE ROW
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Gap
Cotton Poplin Big Shirt
$70 – GAP
The Narrow Striped Shirt
A button-up shirt is the perfect way to ground more playful pieces. A narrow stripe feels polished and refined, while a sheer skirt, statement pumps, and a snakeskin-print bag add the fun. Ideal for a Saturday girls’ night out.
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Almina Concept
Oversized Shirt
$158 – ALMINA CONCEPT
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Valentino Garavani
Lace-Trimmed Mesh Midi Skirt
$1,750 – NET-A-PORTER
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Jil Sander
Statement Pumps
$1,350 – SHOPBOP
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Khaite
Small Joan Hobo Bag
$4,400 – KHAITE
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Thistles
The Atlas Sunglasses
$395 – THISTLES
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Hunting Season
The Pendant Necklace
$275 – NET-A-PORTER
Shop More Narrow Striped Button-Ups:
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Zara
Contrast Cuff Striped Shirt
$50 – ZARA
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Leset
Yoshi Striped Shirt
$260 – NET-A-PORTER
The Linen Style
Summer Fridays have officially arrived. When packing your favorite weekender, don’t forget a linen button-up—you’ll want it close by as you get ready to hit the beach with Lido’s little black bikini and your favorite raffia tote.
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J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt
$118 – J.CREW
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Posse
Darcy Shorts
$220 – NET-A-PORTER / $220 – POSSE
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Lido
Venti Triangle Bikini
$152 – NET-A-PORTER
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Cos
Riviera Tote Bag
$169 – COS
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Ray-Ban
50mm Wayfarer Sunglasses
$244 – NORDSTROM
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Miu Miu
Thong Sandals
$795 – MIU MIU
Shop More Linen Button-Ups:
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H&M
Linen Shirt
$40 – H&M
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Classic Fit Button-Up Shirt
$148 – NORDSTROM
Colored Button-Up
Summer is the season to embrace color, not shy away from it. We’ve been loving a blush pink shirt lately. And a well-styled look is all about the details. Add a beaded necklace and a silk scarf tied at the waist to make the outfit feel thoughtful.
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Mango
Slim Fit Button-Up Shirt
$50 – NORDSTROM
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Heaven Mayhem
Clementine Necklace
$100 – REVOLVE
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Toteme
Pleated Woven Tapered Pants
$580 – NET-A-PORTER
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Prada
Shadowplay Sunglasses
$555 – PRADA
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Loewe
Amazona 180 Bag
$5,400 – LOEWE
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Maison Magdalena
Brisa Slim Scarf
$215 – MAISON MAGDALENA
Shop More Colored Button-Ups:
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Skall
Edgard Cotton-Poplin Shirt
$190 – NET-A-PORTER
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Alex Mill
Mill Shirt
$145 – ALEX MILL
The Checked Shirt
Once only a fall staple, checked shirts have quietly become a year-round must-have. Tied effortlessly at the waist over a satin dress, it’s summer contrast done right.
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With Nothing Underneath
The Classic Shirt
$180 – WITH NOTHING UNDERNEATH
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Leset
Barb Midi Dress
$320 – NET-A-PORTER
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Loewe
Pebble Soft Slides
$990 – LOEWE
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Bottega Veneta
Barbara Tote
$5,900 – BOTTEGA VENETA
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Quince
Teardrop Earrings
$18 – QUINCE
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Polo Ralph Lauren
Classic Sport Cap
$55 – SHOPBOP
Shop More Checked Button-Ups:
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Toteme
Checked Cotton Shirt
$720 – NET-A-PORTER / $720 – TOTEME
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H&M
Short Shirt
$30 – H&M
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic of styling a buttonup shirt for summer
General Beginner Questions
1 Isnt a buttonup shirt too hot and formal for summer
Not if you choose the right fabric Stick to lightweight breathable materials like linen cotton poplin or chambray Roll up the sleeves and leave the top two buttons undone for a relaxed airy look
2 Whats the easiest way to make a buttonup look casual
Tie the bottom of the shirt in a knot at your waist or do a halftuck Pair it with denim shorts or white jeans instead of trousers
3 Can I wear a buttonup as a swimsuit coverup
Absolutely An oversized white linen buttonup is a classic beach coverup Just leave it unbuttoned over your swimsuit roll the sleeves and youre good to go
Styling Fit Questions
4 Whats the secret to styling an oversized buttonup without looking frumpy
Balance is key Keep the bottom half fitted or show some skin Also rolling the sleeves to the elbow adds structure
5 How do I style a buttonup with shorts without looking like Im going to the office
Tuck the shirt in loosely and add a canvas belt Choose casual shorts like denim chino or linen Finish with sandals or sneakers and add a straw hat or sunglasses
6 Is it okay to wear a buttonup completely unbuttoned as a jacket
Yes this is one of the easiest summer looks Wear it open over a simple tshirt or tank top This works great with a plaid or striped shirt for a layered grungeinspired vibe
Practical ProblemSolving Questions
7 My buttonup keeps coming untucked Whats the best way to keep it in place
Try the military tuck pinch the excess fabric at your sides and fold it backward before tucking in You can also use shirt stays for a very polished look or simply embrace the half
