How To Style: 5 Ways To Remix A Classic Button Up

Professional wardrobe question: How do you style a classic button up blouse 5 different ways?

I’ve been finding new ways to wear typical clothing items since I began this blog. Last week, I shared a new approach to layering and knit picking. This week I’m bringing the attention back to a closet staple. It’s important to have good style, but it’s even more important to have pieces that have versatility. The good thing about versatile wardrobe items is that they provide multiple outfit combinations. So it’s almost like wearing a new clothing item every time you put it on. For me, it’s a contributing factor in the prevention of over-shopping.

Normally when the seasons change I aimlessly shop for new clothing items. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? I know I’m starting to over-shop when things like my time and priorities come into question. I often catch myself shopping and weighing the option of buying something I don’t really need over life’s necessities like groceries or bills. The end result is always the same though. Priorities come first. The truth is, I don’t want to aimlessly shop around wasting time and money. I want to have a functional wardrobe.

So today, I’m remixing this unstructured, white button up blouse five different ways. I’m into thin, loose fitting, wrinkle-resistant fabric. Why?Well, ironing is my least favorite chore and it always helps my appearance when clothes fit away from my body. One thing I do suggest when buying a button up blouse for versatility is to size up. If I stuck to my true size, then I’d only be able to wear this blouse the old fashioned way. If you’re plotting on it, I’ve tagged similar tops in a carousel towards the end of this post.

Now let’s shake things up a little bit:

The Classic

A crisp white collar look has been the epitome of what is considered professional in the fashion industry for decades. It’s classic and it always works. More often than not I will wear this style for an interview. Maintaining a tailored appearance is everything when I’m trying to make a good first impression. It also helps soften my image by taking the attention away from other characteristics like my hairstyle, jewelry, and makeup. With this style, I often make sure there are no missing buttons, gaps, visible undergarments and uneven buttoning. You might need to make a quick alteration somewhere in the day too! So just make sure you have a mirror, double sided tape, a safety pin, and flesh toned undergarments.

Backwards

This is my new favorite way to wear button up blouses! It’s not because I’m a backwards person. Even though, sometimes I really can be. Overall, I am one of those people that love everything that is outside of the box. Who in the world would’ve thought to wear a button up blouse backwards? Who would’ve thought that wearing a button up blouse backwards would actually look good? This is kind of like that “I got dressed in the dark, but I still look good” kind of tops.

Off The Shoulder

Baring shoulders in a long sleeve top has become the replacement for tube tops for me. It gives you a chance to be a little sexy while looking nice and well put together. The only downside to this style is the urge to fiddle with my sleeves all day. Constantly having to adjust my shoulder sleeves or re-button the top button does get a little annoying. To prevent the constant adjustments, I add a strip of double sided tape on my shoulders and two safety pins to keep the buttons secured.

Tie Front

This is a complete throwback. The tie front look reminds me of the outfit the girls from grease lightning wore. My ideal outfit when sporting this style includes a pair of high waisted jeans, a bandeau (pictured). It could also work as a cover up in the Summer. Now, this isn’t my favorite look but it’s number 2 on the list of ease. Number one require no effort whatsoever.

Open Front

This is number one on the easy chart. It is as effortless as throwing on a cardigan and stylish as wearing a kimono. The only time I wear a button up blouse like this is after a long day of deadlines and meetings. As soon as I leave work, every button is getting unbuttoned for that casual & relaxed level of comfort. It’s not the same as being able to take off a bra after feeling constrained all day, but it’s pretty close. It works great as a lightweight cardigan.

A Necessary Investment

At this point, if you don’t have a classic button up blouse then you need to get one! Of all the things to have in your closet this is the one item that can work for any occasion. Professional for interviews, formal for special events, sophisticated for work, casually for a day of errands – the possibilities are endless. 

Investing in a button up is probably the best thing I ever did for my wardrobe. I’m still not really sure whether it’s called a button up or a button down. However, I am certain that it has my outfit looking sharp no matter the direction you button in.

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Do you think this is something you could pull off? Do you have pieces in your closet that are versatile like this?  Comment your thoughts below!