Wardrobe Staples: The Button Up

The KonMari method seems to be everybody’s plan of attack for 2019 after Marie Kondo’s book and now Netflix series, The Life Changing Art of Tidying Up. I have yet to see the series (but I did read the book when it was new) and don’t plan on completing an entire overhaul of my wardrobe and life but I understand why people want to do it now in January. Clean house, clean closet, clear mind, I totally get it.

As I’m sure a number of you are participating in the KonMari challenge, I want to leave you with only the best options so you can have fewer better things. So here’s the plan! For the next few weeks I’ll be going through some wardrobe staples and highlighting the best of the best. One budget buy, one splurge, and why they are worth the space in your closet. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

WARDROBE STAPLE: Button Up

Today we tackle the button up, a working girl’s go-to top for work and play. I’d say there are only three button ups that you really need (so don’t mind that I have an entire section of them in my closet): a white button up and a chambray button up.

Chambray Button Up

I’ve gone on at length here about why a chambray button up is the duct tape/WD-40 solution to your wardrobe. Basically it can be worn in so many ways, you’ll be able to wear it on repeat

Affordable option: Old Navy (this is where mine is from and I’ve been wearing it for years. It’s a thinner shirt, which I really like for layering and tucking into skirts. Old Navy carries it in both the classic fit and a loose boyfriend fit. The classic fit comes in a handful of shades of blue. The only downside is that it does wrinkle pretty easily.)

Splurge: J.Crew (I used to have this shirt years ago and ended up “growing” out of it. It holds up in the wash quite well and is a little thicker than the Old Navy version. It’s a solid investment piece that you can often snag on sale or opt for the J.Crew Factory version.)

Read more of my thoughts on how fantastic and critical a chambray shirt is in these posts:

• Spring Style Essentials: Chambray
• 5 Ways to Rock Double Denim
• 6 Denim Pieces Every Fashion Girl Should Own
• Everyone’s Fall Favorite: The Chambray Shirtdress

White Button Up

The white button up is another must have in any wardrobe. Just like the chambray version, there are almost infinite ways to style a simple white cotton button up. For work the options seem obvious (with dress pants or tucked into a skirt) but don’t forget that you can also wear this shirt on the weekends as well. I love a simple white button up knotted with denim bottoms for a classic Americana look. You can also layer your button up under sweaters with a hint of collar peeking out for a preppy look that is timeless.

Affordable Option: Old Navy (This is the classic fit button up but like the chambray version, it also comes in a more relaxed boyfriend fit. It’s a great option for someone starting out in the working world or if you’re like me a prone to spilling. Coffee, tea, pasta sauce, you name it, a more affordable option would be good for you since it won’t hurt so much to replace it.)

Splurge: J.Crew (This blouse is another great buy at J.Crew. It comes in a variety of sizes from 00 to 24 and is available in tall and petite sizes. Plus the 100% cotton is a steal at just about $70 full price.)

See more ways to style a classic and simple white button up on these posts:

• Work Wear Inspiration
• 5 Stylish Shoes for Commuting to Work
• Beat Instagram Burnout
• Non Maternity Clothes You Can Wear Throughout Your Pregnancy

Are you a fan of the classic and simple button up? How do you wear yours most often?
Also, are you decluttering and KonMari-ing your home and life this January? Let me know in the comments if I should jump onboard

Until next time,
Ana Luiza