How Can I Dress Up a Plain White Button Down?

How Can I Dress Up a Plain White Button Down?

In the winter, I worked with a personal styling client who struggled between two extremes: she had, on the one hand, lots of classic pieces and, on the other, memorable pieces that stood out too much in her mind. For example, she had a pile of white button downs and conservative blazers. She also had silky, patterned skirts and dresses that she found mostly while traveling overseas.

She wasn't sure how to blend the two into a cohesive, professional wardrobe that still showed off her sense of personal style. One outfit that stands out for me that I put together for her is this one:

I love how simple this outfit is yet how pretty she looks! The basic white button down could feel boring with a solid skirt, so pick out a skirt from your closet that feel special. Then, try a second classic piece, like a Jackie O-inspired blazer, to tie the two together. You could absolutely stick with a solid shoe, but I had her try on her neutral snakeskin flats because the colors related so well to the rest of the outfit.

That's it! White button down + Printed "special" skirt+ Classic blazer or sweater + Neutral shoes

Quick Tip for Looking More Polished

Quick Tip for Looking More Polished

Via

Wear accessories that mirror something in your outfit. Instead of focusing on "matching," pick a piece that has a similar element. Above, I find the blue repetition to be a bit too much, but I love how the long, flowing necklace feels just like the long, flowing dress.

This is why I love a maxi dress or skirt with a long necklace. I think the eye just reads it as more cohesive, more intentional. 

Today, I'm wearing pearl earrings to echo the polka dots in my shirt. It's small, but I work in an office that tends toward the conservative dressing side.  You might do this with a polka dot piece of clothing that you have and a necklace that has round stones on it or even by wrapping Heidi braids around your head in a circle.

Forgive the awful yellow lighting! Don't worry, Mom, I'm not that sallow looking!

For a more bold approach, try something like this!

Via

One way to think about putting together an outfit like this is to pair wild things. She has a truly wild necklace there, and she went for it. She paired it with a wild print cardigan, which she buttoned up to pretend that it's a sweater. She then really went for it with a wild, bright color on the bottom. I'm hoping they're amazing yellow pants, but it might be a fun yellow skirt.

To replicate this, pick your most out-there piece of jewelry or other accessory. Then, look around for something else that's really bold to put with it.