We've read that the late, great Karl Lagerfeldowned over 1,000 of his now-iconic Hilditch & Key white button-down shirts. Can you blame him? Once you find a white button-down that fits your body and wardrobe, you're committed for life. The beauty of this wardrobe staple is how it can elevate the most quotidian of outfits, from sweatpants (yes!) to jeans (obviously) to evening wear (definitely). The shirt's status as an icon of professionalism and formality is both upheld by corporate culture the world over and subverted by countless artists, designers, and other assorted "downtown types" (you know who you are).
Of course, to optimize this wardrobe staple for every possible outfit, the fit and functionality of your white button-down have got to be spot-on, so we've scoured the internet for some of the best white button-down shirts for women, including the coolest styles and hard-to-find fits so that you can look extra put-together without pinching or gapping. And as always, we've included only the examples that have earned serious accolades from vocal shoppers.
Welcome toHype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star-and-up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Dressed in an all-white ensemble with contrasting fabrics, Zenin Tran says that her summer outfit inspiration comes from what fits her mood that day, rather than one specific aesthetic.
“If I’m feeling dark, or a little emo, I’m going to dress like that,” she says. “If I feel girly, I’m gonna jump right back to that. I don’t think anyone should have one distinct style that they stick with — [fashion’s] supposed to be fun. Do whatever you want.”
While Tran’s go-to look ranges, it is usually made with the help of her boyfriend, who has a brand called Recluse Gathering: “He pretty much makes all of my clothes — which is one of the best parts of having a designer boyfriend.” And although her style muses likewise range from Bella Hadid to micro-influencers on YouTube and Instagram, she makes sure her personality shines through with each outfit.
For others, summer style stems from their inner selves. If you stumble upon Siri Vert’s Instagram page, you’ll find her inspired by anime characters; she takes different looks from various characters based on what she’s feeling and creates her outfits based on that. This type of creativity isn’t new to Vert: When she was younger, her parents couldn’t afford name-brand jewelry or clothing brands, so she made her own clothes, jewelry, and shoes to mimic what she saw around her. “I do my best to [include those pieces] in my style today,” she says.
Vert and Tran aren’t the only innovative stylists when it comes to summer street style fashion in New York. In the midst of the heat wave, we spoke to 11 people in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park about what inspired their looks and how they dress to stay cool during the hottest of days. From discussing their outfits of the day to sharing their beat-the-heat summer essentials, one thing was a common theme: each person’s style was a reflection of who they are.
Scroll ahead to see how New York heat has nothing on its residents.
Name: Siri Vert Pronouns: She/Her/They What I’m wearing: “Today’s really a chill day as far as outfits –– I’m not really wearing anything designer other than my belt, which is a B.B. Chains. I custom-make my own chains. [I] thrifted these jeans. I don’t remember where I got these shoes. And my friend made me this bag.” My go-to summer essential: mini skirts and a [sports] bra.
Name: Azara “Star” Andujar Pronouns: She/Her What I’m wearing: “A BAPE silkie I made into a top. My skirt and my shoes are Doll’s Kill.” My go-to summer essential: a bralette or a bra. “Free them [t*tties].
Name: Christina Walker Pronouns: She/Her What I’m wearing: “Shein [shirt and skirt]. Glasses are from a comic book store in Roosevelt Field.” My go-to summer essential: glow lotion from Bath & Body Works.
Name: Jasmine Fuego Pronouns: She/Her What I’m Wearing: “The whole outfit is Amazon. The top is from Parade.” My go-to summer essential: a bralette. “For people who have a bigger chest, Parade holds everything together.”
Name: Bruno Feliz Pronouns: He/She/They What I’m Wearing: “A thrifted [outfit]. Last week, I went to the [thrift store] bins and got this [gestures to pants]. They were super big, so I put this [elastic band] on it and fitted it to my body.” My go-to summer essential: ChapStick. “Keep your lips beautiful. Take care of yourself.”
Name: Essence Johnson Pronouns: She/Her What I’m wearing: “This shirt is thrifted. I don’t know where it’s from or which team this is, either. The shorts I got from Forever 21 a while ago. And Jordans.” My go-to summer essential: a tote bag. “It’s easy to put a lot of stuff in there. The most I’ve carried in one time would have to be three.”
Name: Micah Legette Pronouns: They/Them What I’m wearing: “My summer essential.” My go-to summer essential: baggy jeans, chunky sneakers, accessories, baby tee, and a hat “that always has to be backwards.”
Name: Gabriella Dilmener Pronouns: She/Her What I’m wearing: “A local designer. I picked this red number up at the [flea] market. Underneath, I’ve got an Alo jumpsuit, and I’m wearing some Dunks today as well.” My go-to summer essential: as little as possible.
Name: Dylan Gadsden Pronouns: He/Him, They/them What I’m wearing: “A shirt that I made myself. I got this bag from a thrift store in the Bronx. I got the belt from a beauty supply [store,] and these jeans from a discount place for like $5. My shoes are Demonias.” My go-to summer essential: a bag. “If I had to pick a dream bag, it would be the Balenciaga bag, with the rhinestones.”
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
While many pandemic trends have come and gone (RIP, many, many sourdough starters), there are some that will be with us for a while. A slew of outfit phenomenons (the beloved nap dress) has proven just too cute and comfortable to leave behind once we venture out of our apartments. There's one in particular that I’ll remain grateful for: the matching sweatsuit.
As a freelance fashion writer, I was always a big fan of sporting my pajamas while conducting phone interviews and writing stories from the comfort of my own abode. While matching sweatsuits are nothing new, the category exploded back in 2020 and elevated our WFH wardrobes beyond the "I just rolled out of bed look." And now that in-person meetings, events, and coffee dates are replacing Zoom calls, these matching sets are transitioning from stay-home staples to chic streetwear. One reason they're not going anywhere? The comfy sets are endlessly iterable and can be updated to match the current season, trending color, and more.
Ahead, find 29 stylish sweatsuit sets that are so cozy you won’t want to (or really need to) take them off.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?