Because I had to clock in daily at an office for a consulting project not long ago, I took a hard look at my wardrobe and realized that in recent years I no longer owned any corporate wear or proper “work” outfits. I did have a couple of white button downs, but I’d style them casually (ie. with jeans) and wear them on my days off (which was, like, most of the time – kinda sorta; self employment yo!).
A white cotton shirt, aka button down, is a classic staple item to have in anyone’s wardrobe though and it doesn’t hurt to stock up on a few quality ones. Whether you’re attending an important business meeting or going to happy hour with the team, a white cotton shirt is versatile enough to be styled up or down.
UNIQLO Women Denim Long Sleeve Shirt / Ally Fashion Zip Detail Blazer / Tamara Mellon Fringe Skirt Short / TOTEM SALVAGED Leopard Printed Cowhide Tote / Tory Burch Robinson Watch, Special Edition, Gold-Tone/Lapis / Gorjana Arrow Ear Climbers / CHANEL. ILLUSION D’OMBRE VELVET – COLLECTION LES AUTOMNALES. Long Wear Luminous Matte Eyeshadow / Nars Audacious Lipstick Fanny Rich Berry / Lancome Le Crayon Khôl EyeLiner / Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Hand Cream
TIBI Off The Shoulder Cotton Poplin Tunic / Chicwish Oh London Pleated Midi Skirt / Zara Flat Shoes With Ankle Strap / 3 1 Phillip Lim ‘Large Soleil’ Large Bucket Bag / Pre-owned Rolex 179174 Datejust 26mm Silver Diamond Dial Z Series Watch / ABS by Allen Schwartz Bangle Bracelets / Marni Lily White Resin Earrings / Infinity Style Band Ring with Seed Pearls / Michael Kors Tone Knot Ring / Clinique Pop Lip Colour / Home wall decor
McQ Alexander McQueen Paneled Cotton-poplin Shirt Dress / Chloe Gala Two-Tone Leather Sandal / BALENCIAGA Le Dix Cartable S Cross-body Bag / Bita Pourtavoosi Gold Facets Chunk Ring / LUCLUC Bold Stripes Fringe Oblong Scarf / Thierry Lasry ‘Cheeky’ Matte Temple Acetate Cat Eye Sunglasses, / Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow – Eclipse / Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Navy / Leonor Greyl PARIS ‘Huile de Magnolia’ Beautifying Oil for Face & Body / Cream Soda Flavored Lip Gloss Vintage Slider Tin / Michael Kors Nail Lacquer Sporty Bej
During my consulting gig, I began noticing what other people were wearing to the office. I’m still of the opinion that a crisp cotton shirt gives off an unmistakable professional vibe, and as I’ve illustrated in the style boards above, it’s a blank canvas but it doesn’t have to be boring. There are many fun ways to dress it up and make it work (pun!).
