The Great White Shirt :: button-down + printed shorts

This post is an ode to one of the greats; an ode to an iconic piece, one that you can never have enough of, and one that (literally) goes with everything in the universe. If you don't already own multiple, now would be a good time to reassess your priorities. I'm talking about the fabulous, the magnificent, THE great white button-down (or button-up?). It's a true classic - no matter your age, style, or profession - every single person needs at least one, but I recommend owning multiple in a variety of cuts and fabrics :)   

Take a cue from Carolina Herrera, the legendary fashion designer (who dressed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by the way) and embrace the chicest uniform there is. Herrera pretty much lives in white button-downs and proves that a well-tailored blouse never goes out of style.  

For this look I decided to pair my trusty white with metallic slides to give my outfit a laid-back, summery vibe. The magical thing about a white button-down is its ability to look effortless while seamlessly transitioning from work hours to after hours - all without missing a beat. 

This isn't my only white button-down but it is my favorite. I got it last winter from Ann Taylor and what I love about it is the fit and material. The front of the blouse is a typical dress shirt material - thicker and structured. However the back of the blouse and the sleeves are chiffon, making this top very comfortable, breathable, and flattering. It tucks in easily but due to its slimming fit, it looks just as stylish untucked. 

A simple gold necklace is all you need. I got a bit more creative with my earrings though and chose a statement pair from Kendra Scott to make my look pop. 

Anthropologie's perfectly polished sunnies are the ultimate weekend accessory to compliment your white button-down. 

These printed shorts are a fun and unexpected match for my crisp button-down. I wanted to showcase how truly versatile this kind of blouse is. Even in the summer you can put your white button-down to use and create a casual yet polished weekend look. Don't forget to take your white button-down out of the office every once in a while; it likes to have fun too! 

Bottom line: buttoned or unbuttoned, tucked or untucked - this iconic style anchors neutrals and brights. In a perfect white blouse you can conquer the world...and look fabulous doing it. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (identical one here) // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Halogen // sunglasses: Anthropologie (old but I also like these ones) // necklace: Ann Taylor // earrings: Kendra Scott // gold and leather bangle: Reiss (I also like this one) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipgloss: Burt's Bees in Rosy Dawn] 

I'm going to leave you with some food for thought: “The white blouse can be light and floating, impeccable and austere, sumptuous and all-enveloping, tight and close-fitting. It rises up to frame the face. It sculpts the body by transforming itself into a second skin. Imputed with glamour and poetry, freedom and impetuousness, the prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities…” -Gianfranco Ferre, fashion designer also known as "the architect of fashion."

SHOP ::