That over-sized Oxford you swiped from your hubby's closet may work at the grocery store, but for work or evening night outs, white button down shirts should fit perfectly. That is why I believe that white button down shirts are as much as a fashion staple as little black dress is. Your button downs can help you achieve that elegant chic look without too much effort and make you stand out from the rest. Let us help you be convince on why you should buy button downs and some styling tips for it along the way to.

Choose The Right Fit:

• Look for a shoulder seam that sits squarely across the middle of your shoulder and sleeves that fall an inch or so past your wrist bone - your palm should not be covered by the shirt!

• Check that you can move your arms freely without the shirt tightening on your back or, worse, pulling open across your chest.

• If you are in-between sizes, buy the larger size and have a tailor make the simple alterations.

Choose a Style:

With so many options to choose from in this wardrobe staple, we suggest buying a variety of white button-down styles.

• Pair a fitted shirt with a fuller skirt for both work and special occasions

• Short-sleeve versions can keep you from feeling constricted under a suit jacket.

• Details like standing collars, ruffles, or ties will update the look (as well as prevent school uniform comparisons).

• A rounded (not squared off) or flared shirt hem work well untucked.

• White shirts with a little stretch (look for 2% spandex) are flattering and more wrinkle resistant.

Shop the Look:

You can find white button down shirts from the highest price (with well known designers) to the every end of the price spectrum, but your best bet is to head for the middle. Cheap white button downs tend to have sloppy cuts, and well, the expensive versions are just, well too expensive. So choose a brand that has high quality yet affordable. A brand that already had established their names when it comes to button down shirts. And I have the right brand in mind – EQUIPMENT. Christian Restoin introduced men's shirts into women's wardrobes with the launch of his brand equipment - transforming a men's classic into a item of women's clothing with glam appeal. the menswear inspired shirts became a worldwide success. Committed to maintaining the quality and simplicity of the brand, Restoin chose to specialize in shirts and nothing but shirts, - letting the product speak for itself rather than laboring under delusions of grandeur. This is definitely the place to shop for your button down shirts today!
 
I used to harbor an inexplicable hatred for button down shirts. I don’t mean the actual blouses themselves, or on other people — I actually would see other people wearing them and be jealous of how good they looked. The problem was when I would try them on myself. Suddenly, my shoulders looked broad, my boobs flattened, and my hips enormous. I continued to try them every once in a while in hopes that I would one day be the type of girl who looked good in them… and now I am! My body didn’t change or anything, I just realized that I was going for the wrong type of shirt )Starchy button-downs still look terrible on my difficult-to-dress figure, but it turns out that a semi-sheer, silky blouse might even be my best look) and the wrong brand perhaps – found out EQUIPMENT clothing brand and they are now my favorite! I know I will forever shop Equipment when it comes to silk and button down shirts. It is the brand to go for. I suggest you check them out! And to help you decide which ones you will buy, here are my 5 stylish, flattering Equipment sleeveless blouses perfect for wearing right now!

1. Sleeveless Daddy Blouse - Vibrant bouquets caper across this oversized silk Equipment blouse. The arm openings are outlined with folded trim, gathered with button epaulets. Button placket and fold-over collar. Classically detailed with a breast pocket and box pleat.

2. Adrien Blouse - Cut from delicate floral silk chiffon, this feminine Equipment blouse is perfect alone or as a work layer. Tonal buttons begin at the fold-over collar and travel down the front to a straight hem.

3. Diem Tie Front Blouse Patriot Style - Festive stars and stripes pattern this sleeveless silk Equipment blouse, detailed with a breast pocket and box pleat create a patriotic look. The extended front hem can be knotted at the waist.

4. Diem tie-front washed-silk shirt Classic White- Equipment's classic washed-silk shirts are a capsule wardrobe essential and this sleeveless tie-front style is perfect for spring. Team yours with bright pants and a clashing bag for a contemporary mix. Plus white sleeveless are definitely a fashion staple and a must have.

5. Equipment Signature Sleeveless - Equipment's signature sleeveless washed-silk shirt is definitely a must have. Comes with every color that you cant think of. But my favorite is the plain white, papaya hues and denim blue. Wear this vibrant style with pastel jeans for the freshest color combination. This Equipment blouse boasts a modern cut and easy style you'll love to wear again and again.

Shop Equipment today! We only focuses on sleeveless today since its summer. But Equipment have great long sleeves button down shirts too. So if you plan to buy one with sleeves, they can cater to your needs as well.
 
A brilliant item of clothing is one that looks as gorgeous slung over a pair of jeans as it does tucked into a sophisticated pencil skirt. Although certain T-shirts can do the trick, there’s nothing quite like the silk shirts to jazz up an outfit whilst providing the ultimate in luxurious feeling. And when it comes to silk shirts, I only shop Equipment silk shirts because it is the best brand ever when it comes to silk and button down shirts.

Silk shirts are indeed a great example of menswear inspired fashion. When one thinks of menswear-inspired fashion, oftentimes the go-to image is of a big, boxy silhouette worn on a petite frame—boyfriend blazers, we're talking to you—but there's a new boy-meets-girl look in town, and it's undeniably chic! Instead of reaching for baggy pants and oversized button-ups, we've noticed a slew of style-minded ladies, including both Chloe Sevigny and J. Crew's Jenna Lyons, are opting for sleeker and slimmer interpretations of menswear staples with their silk shirts. And they are pairing it with great clothing items. Whether it's an impeccably fitted blazer or a pair of snugly tailored trousers, these borrowed-from-the-boys separates are sexy, debonair, and a smart choice for your after-hours attire this season! Let us talk more about silk shirts.

One classic and staple item to have in any well-to-do wardrobe is a white long sleeved silk shirt. The material really shines in light creamy shades, and it adds an unbeatable element of class to any work or casual outfit, even if worn as a jacket in the Summer. However, branching out into other patterns and colours is great for a more modern approach. Heavily printed florals, or outline seamed details, are great for a retro feel and work especially with a bootcut trouser.

Silk shirts which are longer at the back than the front are brilliant for sticking over heavy duty leggings or jodpur style trousers and riding boots. This androgynous style can be made more feminine with delicate floral detailing and cute patterns, or with statement accessories.

Finally, if you’re not into creamy muted colour palettes, then there will be a silk shirt which fits your contemporary style. Varsity sport-style colours can often be seen in shirts, and a vibrant stripe or crest will certainly add a burst of youthful vitality to whatever else you’re wearing.

If you're looking for a subtler approach to silk shirts, it's always a good idea to pick up a few separates to mix and match with your feminine pieces. So shop Equipment silk shirts today and never go wrong. The brand had withstand the test of time and still taking the fashion world by storm. Shop now!
 
Silk shirts prove immune to recession as sales soar. It may not be edgy, but shops have to restock the wardrobe staple to keep pace with demand. One of the shops I’m talking about is Equipment (So if you haven’t got any Equipment shirts yet, shop Equipment silk shirts now). Its design is neither edgy nor new, but one item of clothing is proving immune to the economic fallout. The silk shirt has conquered every kind of wardrobe, and now retailers are urgently restocking to keep up with demand.

"It is a huge trend. Sales are up 200% for us, and it's massive for all retailers at the moment." said Jane Shepherdson, chief executive of Whistles.

Buying teams are also reporting phenomenal sales and have reacted by drastically increasing their orders. Such hasty recalibration of stock levels reveals that, while industry watchers had anticipated the trend, which started last autumn, the success of the silk shirt has gone way beyond expectations. We have found that the current economy really focuses the mind of our customers. They are spending, but they are looking for the best possible design and fabrics and something that will stand the test of time. A silk blouse offers all these things. We cannot keep them on the floor at the moment and having just finished the buy for next autumn, they are not going away.

Unlike some of the more niche trends that the fashion industry often promotes, silk shirts have a broad demographic appeal. "It's across the board," Shepherdson said. "Women in their early 20s are wearing them buttoned right up to the neck, while women in their 50s have a few buttons open and wear a piece of jewellery with it."

Last year's relaunch of the Equipment label, a brand started in the 1980s by Christian Restoin – partner of the ex-editor of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld – helped kickstart the trend. The label's signature silk blouses with two front pockets, which cost over £200, are seen as the pinnacle of the look, while cult brand Hamilton-Paris's collection revolves around the silk shirt. I’m definitely going to shop Equipment silk shirts today because they are so elegant and has that timeless appeal.

I indeed see the longevity of this trend and it would definitely be around for a long time. I loved silk shirts so much that I have five of them. And some more silk shirts that came from my mother and some even came from my grandmother. The only flaw that I saw about silk shirts is that they crease and stain so easily. But I definitely can manage that just to wear those beautiful silk shirts.
 
Button down shirts are definitely not your average shirts. Its timeless appeal gives you that chic elegant look without doing too much or trying so hard. It is not your ordinary shirts because it has so many styles to be sported. Here are some styles that we recommend.

1. Button down shirts can be anything but buttoned down, if you wear it right. Even when you must dress for the office, you can accessorize a button-down shirt to add style and interest to an otherwise boring wardrobe item. Pair a button-down shirt with a skirt, slacks or jeans to create a look from casual to office chic. You also can add a vest or a cardigan to ramp up the color, if you want.

2. Put on a white or a skin-colored camisole beneath a button-down shirt. You can either let the camisole peek out through the shirt or just use the camisole to cover any accidental glimpses of skin or your bra if the shirt happens to gap.

3. Button the shirt, leaving the top two or three buttons unbuttoned. This creates a casual and attractive look. You can leave a few more buttons undone if you have a camisole or tank top under the shirt.

4. Leave the shirt untucked as long as it is a style that fits your waistline neatly. Most button-down shirts of this style end at or just below the waistline. If the shirt is longer or unfitted, tuck it in for best results. Many experts recommend tucking in silk shirts because they are typically more formal styles.

5. Roll up the cuffs at your wrists two or three times for an informal and carefree look. Another alternative is to wear a button-down shirt with French cuffs and choose a pair of cufflinks with a chunky bauble to add bling to your wrists.

6. Wear the button-down shirt with a vest (unbuttoned) or a cardigan. This style looks especially neat with a white button-down shirt. Add a belt around your natural waistline if you wear a cardigan. If you pair a button-down shirt with a jacket with lapels, keep the shirt collar inside the lapels and don't let the collar overlap the lapels.

7. Combine a button-down shirt with a long skirt, a shorter skirt, jeans or slacks. Just about any item of clothing can look smashing with a button-down shirt.

8. And last but definitely not the least Add a long, chunky necklace. Wear the necklace outside the shirt beneath the collar. Chunky pearl necklace our commonly associated with button down shirts because of Audrey Hepburn and some other stars that sports it.

So remember, in our tips above, the things you will need to style your button down shirts are: Camisole or tank top, Vest, Belt, Jeans, Slacks, Cufflinks, Cardigan, Jacket, Skirt, Long necklace. These are just some of the ways to style it. There are many more. The possibilities are endless. Be imaginative!
 
As a fashion blogger and reader of other fashion blogs as well, I have read a lot of requests from readers wanting to know what they should buy each season, which items they should retire, and how to build the best wardrobe. Yet, of all the many queries, we get one question over and over again: what's the one article of clothing that every woman should have in her closet? Our answer is simple— silky button down shirts!

This timeless wardrobe staple can add an element of sophistication to almost any look, and, thanks to an array of lovely prints and styles, can be incorporated into your daily rotation in a number of notable ways! Whether it's a sheer, tucked-in, buttoned-up, floral-print iteration a la Kate Bosworth or a slightly oversized, cuffed, white blouse worn as part of a nonchalant cocktail look like Jessica Hart, silky button-ups are a must-buy for any season.

As we mentioned earlier, one of the great things about these buttoned silky shirts is that they are so versatile. Worn tucked in, they are an incredibly chic and stylish choice for both the office or off-duty affairs. You can pair a black button-up shirt with a floral-print pencil skirt. The slim skirt will balance the flowy top, resulting in a perfectly proportioned ensemble. Or wear silky button downs in a more casual way by teaming it with vintage denim cutoffs and leopard-print ankle booties

Of course, if you prefer a more easygoing approach to dressing, you can always leave your silky shirt flowing a la Jessica Hart. The stunning model caught our eye at the "Mates in Need Street Party" fundraiser benefiting the flood victims of Queensland in Australia earlier this year when she wore a classic white button down shit. A classic white blouse is a chic choice, but her decision to leave it un-tucked keeps the outfit feeling relaxed and effortless.

While there's no doubt these tops work in a range of neutral hues, it's also important to note that they are also the perfect canvas for visually intriguing prints. Though the blouse and tailored trousers have a sophisticated look, the vivid floral print keeps the outfit feeling fun and fresh. You can also pair it with leopard-print pumps to give an ensemble a quirky-yet-stylish finish.

Now that you're all caught up to speed on how some of fashion's finest are wearing silky button down shirts, let the shopping begin! It's always a good idea to stock up on a few neutral options, in which case we recommend picking up Equipment's Signature Blouse ($208) in both black and white immediately. We personally own one in about every color and trust us, they will get a ton of wear all year long! And Equipment is the best brand when it comes to button down shirts. They are a fashion staple and their collection is definitely a must have.
 
Fashion is having a masculine moment. Menswear-inspired pieces, sent down several fall runways, are heading into stores with looks that lend a feminine twist to traditionally male vests, trousers, blazers and accessories.

"The menswear trend gives an empowering edge to women. There's something sexy about a women in a well-tailored suit. The look is strong, yet still feminine, with clean and simple lines." celebrity stylist Joey Tierney said. Traditional menswear pieces can look great on a woman, especially waistcoats, high-waisted trousers and the double-breasted blazer. "Not some tiny girls' poly-blend blazer thing,”.

"Thank heavens for legends like the late Alexander McQueen and even Coco Chanel, who have taught us that, when executed well, it can result in a chic, sophisticated finish. But the best brand when it comes to menswear inspired women’s clothing is Equipment. Equipment introduce button down shirts in the 1970’s and on that time, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t own an Equipment shirt. Their collection is to die for so Shop Equipment shirts today. Here are some tips on how to wear the menswear trend and still look like a lady. In fact, you’ll look like a lady at your best.

Suiting Up:
• "Make sure that your jacket fits you well, otherwise it could create a boxy silhouette," Tierney says. "Women should make sure of the fit when practicing this trend. You want to keep it sexy and make sure that the clothing you are wearing accentuates your body and doesn't hide it. Just because the trend is called menswear doesn't mean you have to dress like a man. It means you create a feminine classy look with well-tailored lines."
• "Fit is fashion," Mai agrees. "Even in a boyfriend blazer, shoulder seams should be aligned with your own and darting should fall along your bust line appropriately."

Add Girlie Touches:
• "To give a softer touch to menswear, mix it with sheer fabrics and lace," says Tierney. "Color is always a great way to mix in your own personal style through your accessories and accent garments."
• "I prefer accents of the menswear trend," Mai says. "A newsboy cap with a pencil skirt and a button up is a chic touch, or add penny loafers to your trousers with a feminine soft blouse. Heels are always a good touch to sass up menswear, and also add height to lengthen the look when necessary."

Looks that Work:
• "On a casual day, a simple vintage blue work pant and a fisherman's knit sweater or cotton (sweater)," Rubinstein says. "All a few sizes up, of course. For a cold autumnal or winter evening, a gray chalk stripe flannel double-breasted suit with gray wool Birkenstocks, rag wool socks, and a fedora."
• "Women should look for a well-tailored pencil skirt, fitted blazer and tailored button up shirt," Tierney says, adding that oxford shoes, such as the styles from Marc Jacobs, are great footwear choices.

Accessorizing It:
• "I always add cuff links to my favorite blazers, especially antiques I've collected from my grandfathers and their fathers," Mai says. "I recently found an unbelievable old pocket watch that hardly works, but it works when I leave the chain dangling out of my front pocket. Really there's no wrong way to wear menswear."

Shop Equipment shirts today and experience menswear inspired women’s clothing. It is definitely the best so make sure that you check it out first before anything else.
 
First there was Coco Chanel and then there was the Le Smoking from YSL. And don’t forget the brand that started it all – Equipment. On the late 70’s, everyone shop Equipment shirts, and fast forward a few decades – the androgynous looks became popular. Now borrowing from the opposite gender’s wardrobe has become commonplace. The blazer, anorak, leather jacket, cargos, and boyfriend jeans – and now the boyfriend tee – pieces we have borrowed from the men – are all officially found in women stores now. There are tuxedo jackets for dresses – Glenn Close in Zac Posen at the Oscars. Menswear inspired womenswear is now seen on the street, on screen, and on the red carpet all the time now.

Take note, that menswear is never synonymous to baggy, no matter what it may seem like on the street around you. Take inspiration by mixing slouchy and feminine pieces with structured, tailored, and more angular pieces. It’s all in the balance. If you’re wearing a tailored jacket or trousers, make it your own by adding a sparkly, soft, or sensuous piece to the mix. Wear sky high heels and/or a statement necklace. Soft neutrals, jewel tones, or bright neons – they all look fabulous with black and nude alike – also consider the beautiful black & white combination with one other color in accessories.

Every book of style talks about the men’s shirt and how its cut looks so great when it finds its place on feminine curves. So many movies will showcase a man’s button down shirt on a woman. The key is finding an oversized shirt in a color (or white), print, or pattern that works for you – and defining your waist to ensure you don’t drown in it. Higher thread counts will look great thrown over your swimsuit at the beach.

The true borrowing lies in getting the details, and accessories right. I love men’s watches, especially those by Kenneth Cole and Michael Kors. There is something about the juxtaposition of a men’s large watch on a woman’s wrist that is very today

Waistcoats and vests. Black, colored, or denim – slouchy and/or tailored – these are always useful to throw on over a shirt – especially in the summer when you don’t have to wear a jacket over the look.

Ties. Love love love ties. The ascot ties Miu Miu, featured in “Incorporating Androgynous Runway Fashion”, can be found in gorgeous bold prints to wear with printed or solid color shirts. Slim, bold colored ties look really great on women. I was working with a manager at Rugby in their operations, and she came wearing a white shirt with a slim navy tie and denim – the look was powerful. Themuseflash will someday make a post just about ties. But until then, just know that you can wear them pretty much anyway you want. And if you’re not into that, wear them as an interesting belt! Cufflinks are really interesting accessories. These are very personal pieces that I have to try on with what I intend to wear them with. For men and women both, cufflinks are usually best when they’re quirky, and very related to the wearer’s personality – they look best on simple french cuff shirt that suit or are tailored to your body.

Shop Equipment today and start to be the most popular girl on the block. Because menswear at Equipment are the best. Their shirts are luxurious and comfortable at the same time.
 
Trends come and go, but those classic pieces in our wardrobes stick around like old boyfriends whose numbers we just can't seem to delete. What's the one item you can wear to brunch, work, the beach and a party? A classic white button-down. For me (being specific) I always shop Equipment classic white button down. The all-purpose item, which has famously appeared on stars such as Marlene Dietrich in "The Blue Angel," Tom Cruise in "Risky Business," Alicia Silverstone in "Clueless" and more, is one of the handfuls of items that can be worn so many different ways. And today, I’m going to show you ways on how to style your white button downs. You’ll be surprise on how many styles you can do. Check it out, and add some of your picture if you still have more styles--we want to see how you styled a classic white button-down.

- "Leggings in the office? Yes, I am that girl. By topping off the button down with this raspberry blazer and gold plated necklace, I manage to still look professional."
- "I tend to shy away from cropped sweaters in fear that my slim frame would look boxy. Yet, the tailored shirt, bright blue trousers and sequined sandals balance my look."
- "I love attention-grabbing pieces, and this neon pink sweater, statement necklace, faux leather shorts and booties scream, 'Look at me now!'"
- "Layering the black turtleneck underneath the white button down shirt is totally unexpected, and it pairs well with cropped purple pants and leopard loafers."
- "I can sport classic American colors -- red, white and blue -- without looking like I'm wearing the nation's flag."

There are certain items every woman should have in her closet. Some seasons, it might be The Big Thing, and the next its popularity might wane, but she can feel confident that, within just a few years, it'll make its way back into her wardrobe rotation. The white button down shirt is definitely one of these items -- it works beneath sweaters for a preppy look, with a black pencil skirt for a sexy secretary vibe, and with jeans for a laid-back feel.

While right now probably isn't the time when you want to drop a bunch of dough on a single item, keep in mind that, if you're planning to wear this over and over, spending a little extra now can save you replacement costs throughout the years. So I would definitely recommend for you to shop Equipment white button down shirts. The brand is not that cheap but the quality and the brands design and longevity would definitely give you an edge.
 
Button-down shirts for women have many styles. The collars, cuffs and sleeve combinations can make the shirts uniquely yours. The collars can be traditional pinpoint collars, rounded collars, or no collars. This is where personal style can make a difference. There are several cuffs to choose from also; French cuff, two button cuffs, pointed cuffs or no cuffs at all. In this article, we will talk about the different styles of button shirts. You should know all of this style if you want to shop Equipment button downs. Because the right button downs would definitely bring the best out of you.

The French cuff offers a looser fit at the wrist, the two button cuff fits snugger to the wrist and the pointed cuff flares away from the sleeve for a little added drama, or you can choose no cuff at all. The choices in sleeves can help when choosing a collar or cuff. The short sleeves can have cuffs or no cuffs. Sleeves can also have cuffs or no cuffs and then there are the traditional long sleeves. With knit button down shirts you can also consider the stretch cuffs on any type of sleeve.

You don’t have to choose a solid anymore either. You can have stripes, prints, bolds and pastels. Keep in mind that stripes can affect your look. Horizontal stripes can add the appearance of width, vertical stripes can add the look of length and diagonal stripes can give the appearance of curves. Small prints and large prints can also alter the appearance of the person wearing the shirt.

Bold colors like jewel tones can make a statement and give you confidence, make you stand out in a crowd. Pastels can blend better with other colors. You can choose colors and designs based on how you wish to appear and they can also work with traditional suit colors of black, navy, and grey. Choose colors that enhance your skin, hair and eye colors. You may not be able to wear jewel tones; they make your skin have a green or yellow cast. There are plenty of colors for you to choose from in the pastel or patterns.

The cut of your button-down shirt can hide or enhance. If you wish to hide a long neck then a higher collar can hide them well, a boat neck or v-neck collar can enhance a long neck, it’s all in the cut. If you have shoulders that you wish to enhance then shoulder pads are a good choice, but if you wish to hide shoulders that are too broad then stay away from shoulder pads. If you wish to allow more freedom of movement then you can choose pleating in the front at the yoke and for a more form fitting garment then you will want to choose darts on the sides.

Button-down shirts for women aren’t just a smaller version of the men’s shirts. It’s more to that. Ever since Equipment brand introduce it on the late 70’s it had been a fashion staple. There are new styles, colors, and cuts that make them uniquely female and you will have more choices when choosing the shirts that fit your personality best. So shop Equipment Button down today and look your best.