11 New Takes on the Classic Button-Down Shirt

Melodie Jeng/Getty

Menswear has always had an influence on womenswear, which can be traced as far back as Coco Chanel's Breton stripe shirts that were inspired by actual French sailors. And while some of the pieces we've co-opted were for very practical reasons (hello, pants!), some, like the button-down shirt, also just happen to look really great on us. Shirting has become so ingrained in our wardrobes that it was inevitable that brands and designers would want to take that classic look and flip it on its head.

Starting with buzzy brands, like Monse, Johanna Ortiz, and Rosie Assoulin, and trickling down to high-street shops, like Zara, we've seen everything from mini dresses to crop tops, skirts and blouses—all rendered in traditional shirting fabrics like poplin and Oxford cloth and designed to look like you'd taken apart your boyfriend's best work shirt and put it back together for yourself.

When more feminine silhouettes, like one-shoulder tops, ruffled pencil skirts, and breezy slip dresses, are reimagined with more structured materials traditionally used in shirting, the result is a menswear-inspired look that feels far from tomboyish. Ahead, we selected 11 pieces to wear now that are inspired and playful new takes on the classic button-down shirt.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Johanna Ortiz skirt

Courtesy

$995 Johanna Ortiz available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Style this ruffled skirt for the office with a white T-shirt, statement earrings, and pumps.

2 of 11

Zara top

Courtesy

$26 Zara available at zara.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

This boxy crop top would look right at home with your favorite pair of denim cut-offs and some Converse Chuck Taylor high-tops.

3 of 11

T By Alexander Wang skirt

Courtesy

$155 T by Alexander Wang available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Dress up this button-front skirt (complete with faux sleeves) by wearing it with a feminine blouse or silk camisole.

4 of 11

3.1 Phillip Lim jumpsuit

Courtesy

$695 3.1 Phillip Lim available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Accessorize this pinstripe jumpsuit with a structured gold collar necklace and some feminine high-heel sandals.

5 of 11

J.W. Anderson top

Courtesy

$498 JW Anderson available at net-a-porter.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

This statement-making top is best worn with your favorite jeans, a great pair of flats and minimal jewelry.

6 of 11

Madewell skirt

Courtesy

$92 Madewell available at madewell.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

The buttons down the front of this pretty silk skirt give it a dash unexpected detail—we'd wear it with a crewneck cashmere sweater and some block heel sandals.

7 of 11

Rosie Assoulin top

Courtesy

$1,283 Rosie Assoulin available at matchesfashion.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

A top with this much volume works best with skinny jeans and heels.

8 of 11

Tibi shirt

Courtesy

$345 Tibi available at tibi.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

This Tibi tunic-length top could work over a bandeau bikini at the beach or with cropped black pants at the office.

9 of 11

Lisa Marie Fernandez skirt

Courtesy

$525 Lisa Marie Fernandez available at matchesfashion.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Easy like Sunday morning, wear this patchwork skirt with flat sandals and a cotton tank for a fun and put-together brunch look.

10 of 11

Zara dress

Courtesy

$50 Zara available at zara.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Breezy and flattering, this midi dress could be styled up with heels or down with sneakers and a straw hat.

11 of 11

Derek Lam 10 Crosby shirtdress

Courtesy

$395 Derek Lam available at dereklam.com Opens a new window SHOP IT Opens a new window

Take the new shirting trend to the office in this traditional-with-a-twist shirtdress.

Replay gallery

11 New Takes on the Classic Button-Down Shirt