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Button downs are a staple in my wardrobe and I have tried many different styles, shapes, and sizes.  This post is all about my thoughts on the best button downs, why they are good, and where to get them.

I like to play when it comes to details such as buttons or the occasional ruffle, but I really go wild when it comes to the fabric.  I like chiffon (sheer), cotton (your standard dress shirt fabric), and flannel (usually what plaid shirts are usually made out of).  There is some deviation from this, but I generally stick with these three categories.

I like to get my button downs with a collar and cuffs (that sounds standard, but these days there are a lot of variation when it comes to collar and cuffs), and I never go for shirts any shaping. On women’s collared button downs sometimes companies will shape at the waist. It looks like I’m trying too hard when I wear that type of shirt. Don’t get me wrong, those types of shirts look great on many people; it’s just not my style.

I gravitate towards straight fit and to my fiancé’s dismay (because I always adopt his clothes) men’s fit shirts. Three of my favorite button downs are actually men’s and I love them because they are oversized, bit still feminine. All my other most worn button downs are tunic length with varied prints and stripes.

Check out all my favorite spots to pick up the perfect button down:

Sheer/Chiffon Button Downs – Forever 21

Forever 21 always have a bunch of different prints and they are pretty cheap. One I bought a black vertical stripe button down like five years ago and I still wear it all the time when I go out with friends. These types of shirts change with the trend using different prints and colors.  Getting them at Forever 21 will allow you to have a variety without breaking the bank.

Plaid/Flannel Button Downs- Old Navy:

I picked up two flannels in the “boyfriend” fit and I love how it looks! They have fun color combos and the flannel fabric is super soft.

Classic Button Downs –

Thrift stores/Sample sales/Hand Me Downs:

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The best button down I have is a hand me down from my dad that I stole from him when I was in high school. It’s this weird grey/blue color and I wore it every time I didn’t know what to wear on casual days or to the office.

Now that I work in the city, I go to a sample sale once in a while. If there is men’s clothing at the sale I always take a look in that section because you never know what you’ll find.

The same philosophy goes for thrift stores. Look through everything! They also will generally organize the same styles together so all the button downs are together and it’s easy to look through.

The “Best Of” Series is going to be a series based on where I think you can find the best of different items based on my personal opinion and preferences.  If some of these things do or don’t work for you that’s cool too because everyone is different!