The "Boring" Trend That Is Bound to Be Huge This Year

It's definitely pushing it to call a button-down a trend, but if the last year has taught us anything, it's that the world of fashion is peeling away from frills and sticking to the classics. That's not to say there weren't some breathtaking and exciting moments on the S/S 20 runways, but, to no one's surprise, we saw things like suiting and (drumroll, please) button-down shirts take center stage as both standalone items and key stying pieces. 

While there were many "boring" items that graced the spring and summer collections, it was the classic button-down shirt that caught our attention the most. Proving to be trending in its own way, this wardrobe staple was the workhorse of dozens of collections this season, and we have hand-selected the best looks from them all. Beyond that, the fashion girls have been flaunting their "boring" shirt moments all over Instagram, and we've gathered those for you here as well. 

Between the 18 ways to style this classic shirt and the shopping accompanying each, there's no way you'll walk away from this story without going straight to your closet and pulling out all of the button-downs I know you already have sitting in your closet. 

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Getty Image)

This look is great for the office. Layer your button-down over a basic turtleneck and tuck both into a tailored midi skirt. 

Pictured: The Row S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Sweater vests are happening, and this is the most straightforward way to wear them. 

Shop:

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On the runway:
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Talk about a major 2020 styling moment. Everything from the triple belts to the second shirt tied around the shoulders (although in reality this is one piece, you can re-create it with two shirts) feels so exciting and fresh, especially for a boring button-down. 

Pictured: Alexander Wang S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Leather pants are the perfect counterpart to an oversize button-down, and this outfit proves it. 

Shop:

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On the runway:
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For a night out, think outside of the box and layer your button-down underneath a minidress. Complete the look with strappy heels and bold accessories. 

Pictured: Versace S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Find some white shorts or simply wear your shirt as a dress if you dare. With vintage-inspired shoes and an eye-catching hair accessory, this look works perfectly for both day and night.

Shop:

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On the runway:
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Copenhagen brands always do top-notch styling, and we are really feeling the laid-back approach to this stiff poplin button-down shirt. 

Pictured: Holzweiler S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @jen_wonders )

If sporty isn't your vibe but you're itching to test out the new long-shorts trend, pair them with your favorite button-down and a cropped blazer for a fashion-forward office-friendly look.

Shop:

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style an oversize button-down over suede pants this year. This is the easiest way to incorporate the '70s-inspired trend that we're seeing a lot of this spring. 

Pictured: Alberta Ferretti S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @tylynnguyen)

This is a simple everyday look anyone can re-create. We love the contrast of the flat rubber-sole boots with the sleek tailoring on top.

Shop:

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Getty Image)

Incorporate the crochet trend into your everyday basics wardrobe by layering a button-down shirt underneath one of the many crochet tops I know you're about to own. 

Pictured: Eckhaus Latta S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Further proof that button-downs look great with knits layered atop, particularly this one-shoulder moment. 

Shop:

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Getty Image)

Dior styled tons of its collection with this bright-blue button-down, but we particularly loved this combo with the raffia minidress and chunky boots. 

Pictured: Dior S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @handinfire)

Speaking of minidresses, we love how Tiffany Hsu styled her longer shirt as a dress by layering a nipped-at-the-waist blazer on top. 

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(Image credit: Getty Image)

Is there anything better than a blazer, button-down, and jeans? Celine says no as does the styling trick of pulling your collar out from beneath your blazer lapel. 

Pictured: Celine S/S 20

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On Instagram:
(Image credit: @misodam)

School-girl chic, no? This chunky cardigan over the pleated midi skirt instantly becomes not too stuffy with the addition of sporty sneakers. 

Shop:

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Getty Image)

If this outfit doesn't prove to you that suiting is exciting, I don't know what will. The colorful leather, suede, and crochet crop top encompass some of this season's biggest trends, and the addition of the button-down is the cherry on top.

Pictured: Altuzarra S/S 20

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(Image credit: @nycbambi)

For this look, basically just take all the most iconically classic pieces in your closet and wear them all at once. From your biggest button-down to your loafers with white ankle socks, this look will be your go-to this spring. 

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Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.