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

Sunday, August 30, 2015

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. 
[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 :: 


66 comments:

  1. I absolutely love a good white button down, especially if it's slightly larger, crisp, structured. That quote is amazing, and I agree; with the Great White Shirt, you can turn into anything you want to be, with the right accessories and complementary pieces. You look lovely, Kat! <3

    May | THE MAYDEN

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  2. like the print on the short
    http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2015/08/camel-and-rust.html

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  3. The pictures are beautiful :) and of course you 're beautiful :) <3

    and of course you 're beautiful

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  4. Lovely dress!) www.elationofcreation.com

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  5. Lovely look!) www.elationofcreation.com

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  6. Verry beautiful outfit

    Great post!
    I would really love for you to check out my latest post:
    Kaiyo Aino Blog

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  7. What a perfect summer outfit! I absolutely love those shorts. The print is fabulous!
    the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com

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  8. I love a good white button up! Looking beautiful as always!

    Fishbowl Fashion

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  9. Beautiful summer look! Gorgeous shops and prints! Love this combo gorgeous xx Mary

    www.marypolka.com

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  10. Beautiful summer look! Gorgeous shops and prints! Love this combo gorgeous xx Mary

    www.marypolka.com

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  11. wow you are looking absolutely gorgeous :)

    www.sorathmajid1.blogspot.com

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  12. I love these shorts! What a beautiful pattern. The simple white blouse is a great touch too!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  13. So adorable!

    Happy new week!
    With love,
    Suzy ♥

    THE KAWAII PLANET

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  14. A white button down is a classic and staple piece! Love how you styled it in a casual and fun look!

    xo,
    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

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  15. I couldn't agree more! They are so timeless and versatile! You look beautiful -- love your shorts!!

    Hailey
    www.themiddlecloset.com

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  16. So cute mermaid !! wish you success as i wish to give you a kiss lol

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  17. Looking beautiful, as always :) you're right, everyone needs at least one white button up blouse! They are so versatile :)

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  18. So stylish, so beautiful, so glamorous... I love this look!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  19. I love white shirts, I was on the hunt for one, and I found one at Mango, which I love!

    http://www.notesofglam95.blogspot.it/

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  20. Love the fun print on these shorts!

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  21. Woow love your outfit ! so cool and inspiring and Your blog is amazing :)
    xoxo

    http://fittinggirl.blogspot.be/

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  22. Such an iconic piece! It looks great on you with your patterned shorts. I just saw an article in a magazine about all the ways to style this classic.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  23. I also love white shirts. They are my go-to tops in every season. You look very cute in this outfit!

    www.spring2spring.com

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  24. I love your laid-back summer style! Nice print on those shorts!!

    House of Illusions

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  25. What a chic summer look! I'm loving how you accessorized with simple gold sandals!

    XO Courtney
    www.colormecourtney.com

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  26. stunning,you lookso lovely,
    great pairing dear,i love those shorts

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  27. I surely couldn't agree any more with you Kat - a white button down ( or button up, hihi) is a truly timeless piece that every, EVERY girl should have! I love how you paired your classic shirt together with the bold print shorts - they pop out that much more! Such smart styling! Lookin' great! :)

    www.callmemaddie.com

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  28. I like the comfy look, so normcore style, my fav ítem is the sandals.

    www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

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  29. I love this whole look and the pattern on the shorts. I didn't know you worked for Ann Taylor. Nice!

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  30. We really love white shirts!!! they are very elegant.
    congrats for your post

    Kisses

    Alicia & Sofía
    http://www.asstyleanddesign.com/

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  31. A good white shirt is one of those must-have wardrobe essentials every woman should own. I love how you styled yours, those shorts are so cute!
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

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  32. gorgeous summer look :) simple but so stylish :)

    http://sonya-thaniya.blogspot.com/

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  33. how can you look absolutely fabulous in a casual look? haha I really adore how you look fresh as always! great styling! keep in touch!

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  34. Love the print of those shorts, the top you chose is perfect for them!

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  35. Your hair is perfect!

    http://anna-alina.blogspot.com/

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  36. so so lovely summer outfit!!)))) xoxo

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  37. I loved your introduction to the top..."the fabulous, the magnificent, THE great white button-down (or button-up?)". lol. I always called it a button-up but I think it's actually called a button-down. But button-up makes more sense to me. lol

    http://elementsofellis.com/

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  38. So cute and effortless!
    xo Adri | www.adrilately.blogspot.com

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  39. Look gorgeous! Nothing beats a classic piece like a white button down!

    Jackie
    Something About That

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  40. Great casual look dear... nice short pants!
    http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
    instagram.com/grace_njio

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  41. The button down (or button up...I could never get it right lol) truly is a closet staple piece. Perfect for layering or just wearing on its own. This is such a cute look Kat! I love how you paired the shirt with printed shorts and those flat sandals! What a perfect quote to close the post too!

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  42. your shorts are so cute! love the print! great look!
    kelseybang.com

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  43. you look fab dear! totally loving your sense of style it's really cool

    xoxoooo
    astorytohear.blogspot.com

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  44. Nothing beats a good white shirt! It's too versatile to ever be without.

    www.girlcandress.com

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  45. You look gorgeous Kat. White button down shirts are my favorite clothing and I love your cute shorts.

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  46. love it
    www.supongoestilo.blogspot.nl

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  47. Love this look so much!! You are beautiful!

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  48. Absolutely love this!!
    Chichistashan.blogspot.in

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  49. You are such a classy lady! I love this look on you!

    Xoxo, Amy J.

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  50. You look so gorgeous and love your outfit.

    Adi xx
    www.fancycorrectitude.com

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  51. Beautiful button up, I love the quotes and reference back to Carolina H, so lovely!
    Rachel xo

    Garay Treasures

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  52. I really want a white button down (or up, who knows?), but I have a hard time finding the perfect one. Yours is so pretty and it looks great with your shorts!

    Hugs from Denmark x
    Mathilde | MATHILDE JULIE

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  53. You can never go wrong with a crisp white shirt! :)

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  54. Looking so stylish Kathleen.. very clean and chic.. my kind of fashion style! Love your adorable shorts with the white blouse :)

    -- new blogpost in my blog :)
    Take care always, love Christine ~ xx
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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  55. every item in your look seems classy!

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  56. I think I saw you on Friday on the queue for Zoe Jordan and also yesterday at Sommerset House with a blue dress and an orange blazer? that was a gorgeous outfit! id maker

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  57. Extraordinary significant post, where you make the fundamental center, truly satisfies me for its vital of significance. After all it is an incredible article with all the fixings. Much obliged ahead of time for posting it.

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