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This post is about the white button down shirt.
At House of Budget, we not only like to discuss how to save money and budget for items that you would like to acquire, we also like to discuss how to elevate our style for the workplace while always staying on our budget of course.
In our new series, we would like to discuss the different kind of staple pieces that should be part of your work wear capsule so that you make a positive impression at your job and look your best – presentable and professional.
In addition, we would like to help you create a complete capsule wardrobe so that you save long term on clothes and always have something to wear.
Today, we will look at the white button down shirt in the capsule wardrobe.
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What Is The White Button Down Shirt?
The white button down shirt, also known as a dress shirt, or Oxford shirt, is a formal type of shirt that is manufactured usually in a crisp white, which has buttons going down the front of the garment, with a collar usually accompanied by a pocket on the left chest. It is the most common white shirt worn in the professional field amongst the genders.
The white button down shirt can be styled in different ways from professional to casual but mostly you will look proper in this type of garment. It is also an essential garment that should be part of your capsule wardrobe.
Capsule wardrobe: a capsule wardrobe is a small, functional and interchangeable, carefully selected wardrobe, where all items mix and match together and can form cohesive outfits.
Why Is The White Button Down Shirt A Must In The Work Capsule Wardrobe?
The white button down shirt is a must in a work wear capsule because it is a versatile as it can get. It is classy and formal but can also be dressed down for a casual work environment.
From fitted to oversize, we like to think that the white button down shirt which comes in a fitted silhouette is part of the work wear capsule because it captures the essence of business style and flair. It is an easy pick on our work wear capsule because it almost never disappoints when worn to the office.
If everything else in your closet fails, the white button down shirt comes to the rescue, as it always makes one look professional and polished.
Photo by MARK ADRIANE on Unsplash
Why Is the White Button Down Shirt Considered Professional?
The white button down shirt is considered professional, because it is classic and crisp looking. In almost any professional work place setting, the white button down shirt elevates the look of a work wear outfit. It makes anyone look on point, paired with the right trousers and blazer, it completes the look seamlessly.
The white button down shirt is the perfect uniform for the work environment. Paired with trousers or skirts, you can bet, that it’s professionally acceptable and will always be a must in anyone’s’ work capsule.
Can the White Button Down Shirt Look Overdressed in a Work Environment?
In my books no. The white button down shirt – when styled properly is not overdressed in an office environment. It is an accepted piece of garment that fits right into an office environment.
Whether you work in the accounting or marketing department, you can play around with the look and make it fit your personality and work environment. The white button down shirt can be dressed up or down and you can style it appropriately for your work setting
How Can the White Button Down Shirt be Styled for Work?
The white button down shirt goes with every garment. From pencil skirts to trousers, the white button down can be dressed up in a professional way or dressed down for a casual look in the office.
Most often, the white button down shirt can accompany a suit consisting of two pieces, a blazer and trousers. It can also go nicely with a pencil skirt or even midi skirt.
Lastly, if you have something like casual Fridays at your office and denim jeans are allowed – you can add a pair of light or dark denim jeans with the white button down shirt.
When opting for the white button down shirt with a pencil skirt, add a nice, comfortable pair of heels with a heel height of no more than 4 inches. The same goes for a suit, accompanied by a matching blazer.
If you are not a fan of heels, add a pair of Oxford loafers or ballet flats. This look will instantly elevate your style.
Where to buy the White Button Down Shirt?
You can buy the white button down shirt almost everywhere. From high end to low end, this classic piece of clothing can be bought from places like Amazon, your department store or H&M or finest department store or designer brand stores such as mytheresa.com, ssense.com, or the like.
Depending on your budget and what you are looking for, you can go all out or be conservative when buying the white button down shirt. If you want to invest in a solid white button down shirt, you may want to splurge a little and buy a brand name garment. As brand name garments usually have higher quality and last much longer than garments from the high street.
Where to buy the White Button Down Shirt if I am on a Budget?
If you are on a budget then don’t worry, the white button down shirt can be bought at many of the high street stores. You can buy the white button down shirt almost everywhere. From high end to low end, this classic piece of clothing can be bought from places like Amazon, your department store or H&M.
If you want to invest in a solid white button down shirt that may serve you for years to come, you may want to splurge a little and buy a brand name garment. As brand name garments usually have higher quality and last much longer than garments from the high street.
Should I buy a Designer White Button Down Shirt?
Some stylists advise that it really makes sense to invest in a designer brand white button down shirt. Usually the white button down shirt, which is made by designers such as Victoria Beckham or Tom Browne are of high quality cotton materials. They are tailored in a way that is not your typical run-off-the-mill white button down shirt. They wash and upkeep their shape better as compared to a white button down shirt that are made from much lower quality cotton.
Final Note
The white button down shirt is a classic staple and is part of every capsule wardrobe. Whether you decide to invest in the white button down shirt and spend a little more for quality, great alternatives that are less expensive are available on the high street.
Image Credit:
- Photo by Nimble Made on Unsplash
2. Photo by Nimble Made on Unsplash