This Parisian Staple Is the Unsung Hero of My Wardrobe—18 I Highly Recommend

If you ask any Who What Wear fashion editor what their favorite basic is, I can guarantee a button-down shirt will be at the top of their list. The classic staple—loved by the French—is one of the most versatile items you can own. It can (and should!) be worn year-round. While they’re timeless in nature, button-down shirts are also having a major moment on the fashion scene right now. The fall/winter 2023 runways were brimming with button-downs, from crisp white shirts paired with miniskirts at Prada to pinstripe shirts and boxers at Bottega Veneta and blue button-downs styled with tailored trousers at Fendi, and the staple appeared in practically every collection, solidifying its “queen bee of basics” status.

As I mentioned earlier, the button-down has long been a staple in every stylish Parisian’s wardrobe, and it’s now unquestionably the hero of my wardrobe too. It’s an ideal transitional piece that takes me seamlessly from season to season. As a fashion editor, I’ve tried and tested a lot of button-downs, and today, I’m sharing 18 of my favorites that I love right now—whether for their cut, silhouette, or value for money—along with a few ways I’ve been wearing them. Of course, I’m adding plenty of stylish inspiration from the fashion set to inspire your next button-down-shirt ensemble.