New to thrifting? Never know where to begin when you walk into that big warehouse filled with hidden treasures? Sometimes it can be exhausting searching for that stand-out, one-of-a-kind gem. So make your trip worth it next time by grabbing a few basic pieces for your wardrobe. Let’s begin with the classic button-down; an essential that every girl needs in her wardrobe. Its versatility is endless with its ability to work with anything from a tomboy-pretty, Annie Hall-worthy outfit to girly outfits complete with a flowing floral mermaid skirt and pumps.
It’s a delightful journey, sifting through endless clothes to find pieces that wow us and make us want to run out and show them off, but sometimes when I’m back home going through my bags of goodies, I end up with many exciting, blog-worthy pieces but not much for everyday life. Until one day, I discovered the solution: Give the boring racks a chance. The sea of seemingly bland button-downs that I would almost always overlook became the items that I sought after, and in turn, a whole new side of thrifting opened up for me. I found that thrifting could not only be a trip for the “OMG! Look what I found today!” pieces but also the clothing that could complement them and make them street-worthy. Instead of spending forty dollars on a brand new classic button-down, you could spend ten on three of varying silhouettes and colors; Leaving room in your wallet for stand-out new pieces that are much easier to have in your hands than playing luck-of-the-draw thrift-store hopping. And don’t forget to check out the men’s section for some oversized, belt-suitable shirts.
So now that you’ve got yourself a few lovely vintage button-downs, let the fun begin! Grab a few items
out of your closet and try just one of your button-downs with all of them. Here are some examples of how to style the classic button-down shirt:
- With high waist pants: Leave a couple bottom buttons undone, and tie it up!
- With a prim blazer and skinny jeans: tuck it in and roll the sleeves up with the blazer.
- With a flowing maxi skirt: leaving it untucked and belt it.
- With a ¾ sleeved sweater and boyfriend jeans: untucked with the collar exposed and the cuffs buttoned.
I could go on and on, but you get the idea. It’s a must-have. And best of all, any girl with any body type can benefit from this classic wardrobe essential, so go out and put your own spin on the classic button-down.
By Whitney S. Williams
Photos by Angela Miller and Whitney
