How many times have we read a white button-down shirt is a closet essential? We spent forever on the mission to find the perfect WBDS, and now we have it, guess where it resides? That’s right- in the shoved aside, darkest corner of our closets. Truth is- yes, a white button-down shirt is style staple for some, but not all. And not ours!
Here is the story of our WBDS and the shirts we actually wear.
Tangerine Tea:
Last year I started my first office job. Before that I worked in a pizza place for years where I had a uniform I had to wear everyday. Having a brand new office job, I started buying business and business casual clothes. I knew I HAD to get a white button down shirt. It can go with anything and will help pull together any outfit.
I have never been one to have plain clothing. There are very few pieces in my wardrobe that are one solid color. The act of shopping for a plain, white shirt was no fun for me! But on one of my thrifting trips, I made it a mission to find a WBDS to have in my closet. Even then, I had to choose the silky, off white version, just to be different.
When I pick my outfits for work, I never pick this out. Honestly, I’m not even sure I’ve ever worn it to work. Instead, I like wearing WBDS with cute patterns. The hearts are my favorite and I usually wear the dinosaurs with a grey suit.
My Take-away:
Fun patterns make me happy and I will always be drawn to them, but I still have a plain shirt as a back up! I truly am happy I have it in my closet, even if I don’t wear it. Maybe some day it will get more use.
Winter Bee:
Every store I entered, for years, I looked for a WBDS that fit and didn’t feel like a straight-jacket. I tried on a hundred shirts, none of which fit or felt right, and that’s not good for your spiritual well-being!
In hindsight, I wish I realized that if I need to work so hard to find something ‘right’, it probably isn’t right for me.
I finally found a shirt that fit across the bust, cut slightly on a curve, soft but crisp texture (*angels singing in the dressing room*). I brought it home but rarely wear it. Even though it is a softer style WBDS, it’s still too structured for me. I enjoy dressing in traditional classic style on occasion, but what really gets worn in my closet are bright patterned shirts, usually with a fun detail. I love the gingham button down shown, with the slit pockets and a yoke in the back that give me a cowgirl vibe. (Goodwill score!)
My Take-away:
This is a fairly inexpensive lesson in learning about my personal style, so I can’t say I regret the purchase. I like the look with a pencil skirt and pumps, but it’s not my every day style. More importantly, I learned to take the ‘closet essentials’ advice with a grain of salt.
Do you have a white button down shirt in your closet? Do you wear it or do you tend to wear other button downs with more colors and patterns? Let us know in the comments below!
