We all have those pieces we rely on and grab in a pinch, knowing we can easily pull together an outfit using them. I tend to gravitate towards blazers and button ups. It seems I’ve amassed quite a collection over the years and they’ve become real wardrobe workhorses. Styling a button up shirt when the weather warms is one of my favorite ways to look put together.
Styling a Button Up Shirt for Spring
Button up shirts are not just for cold weather. These versatile shirts can be worn under blazers, sweaters, cardigans. and jackets. But they also look great with shorts, denim, trousers, skirts, and dresses! There are different varieties for different purposes so you can never get away with having just one!
Button Up vs. Button Down
First things first, let’s clear up the confusion. A button down is a shirt that buttons up the front but it also has buttons at the collar that hold down the tabs. I have an oxford shirt that is a button down. A button up, on the other hand, does not have that feature. It simply buttons up the front. What I am sharing today are in fact button up shirts. I’ll admit I get easily confused and have referred to all shirts as button downs in the past because I wasn’t aware there was a difference. Now that I know better I promise to do better!
How to Wear a Button Up Shirt this Spring
Different button ups work for different occasions, although some can do double duty. For example, a fitted button up really works well under a blazer while an oversized might be a little trickier. It can still be done but takes a little manipulating.
Evereve Striped Pink Shirt
This striped beauty caught my eye the last time I walked into Evereve. I knew it was coming home with me! I love the vertical stripe and the pocket. The cotton is sturdier too and works well if you like your collar popped up like me! This is a small; it’s not as oversized as some of the other shirts I am sharing below but it’s not fitted either. It’s just right!

Express Boyfriend Portofino Shirt
The Portofino shirt from Express in the Boyfriend style in neon berry is so pretty! I am wearing a small in this shirt. It can be tucked but it was a little too roomy to wear under a blazer or jacket. It looks great alone though.

The Big Shirt from Gap
The Big Shirt from Gap is one I adore. I now own it in 2 colors and I am eyeing a 3rd. I wear a small in these and as you can see the fit is definitely oversized. They’re great for tying at the waist and tucking – either half or full. The green was the first one I purchased last year and the lilac is new this Spring.



Chico’s No Iron Shirts
The Chico’s No Iron Stretch Shirts are among my favorites! I own so many, each time they go on sale I snag one. This is the shirt I cannot get enough of. The no ironing feature is what won me over but the fit is spectacular too. With the shirttail hem you can easily leave it untucked without feeling sloppy.


A New Day shirt from Target
This shirt is inexpensive but well made. I always size up for a more generous fit, I’m wearing a large.


I actually have a few other button ups on my radar. Like this one from Banana Republic, isn’t that ruffle detail just stunning? I think I’d like it in black and I’d wear it with lightly distressed denim and heels! What do you think, are you a button up or button down fan?


- Styling a Short Sleeve Turtleneck
- Finally Fall Friday Favorites
- Then and Now: Scarves
- Evereve Fall Try On
- Then and Now: Jeans

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Ashley from Le Stylo Rouge is this week’s featured blogger. Each time I look at this outfit I find something else to love about it!
