We’ve reached that point of the year when roasting temperatures are hard to escape and choosing what to wear when you still need to look polished has its own challenges. But time and again, a button-up shirt outfit is a go-to for fashion insiders and the street style set for their versatility and timeless appeal. In addition to trusty tank tops and white T-shirts, button-ups can be layered and styled for office AC, and catch the breeze alone in airy fabrics crafted from cotton, linen, and poplin paired with relaxed linen pants or a '90s style slip skirt.
With that in mind, Marie Claire curated an all-encompassing edit of button-up shirt outfits for various summertime occasions. Ahead, you’ll find no-brainer outfits for your morning coffee runs, easygoing office looks with tailored separates, and colorful linen sets for your next shoreside getaway.
While a button-down is a must for your summer capsule wardrobe, you don't have to break the bank to invest in them. Shop the below all priced under $400.
For Day (and) Night
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
If you have plans to stay out all day with your girls, you can count on this button-up shirt outfit to take you from one event to the next.
A day with your closest friends likely means you’ll be out for hours. This multipurpose outfit can take you from dining at a breakfast eatery to dancing the night away at a club—no change needed. Style a crisp white button-up shirt with A-line shorts for a marathon Saturday, and slide into cute kitten heels, your go-to designer handbag to elevate the look for the evening.
For a Laid-Back Day in the Office
Give your workwear wardrobe a casual edge with a short-sleeve button-up shirt and roomy Bermuda shorts.
If your office allows it, anchor your relaxed summer work outfits with a short-sleeved button-up shirt. Commit to your dressed-down look by tucking your top into denim Bermuda shorts. If you want to balance your outfit with dressier pieces, style it with an embellished designer belt and peep-toe slides.
For a Date Night
Instead of stressing about your date night look, use this outfit as a source of style inspiration.
For a night out with your significant other swap your little black dress for a button-up shirt paired with a fun skirt—like this one decorated with shimmering sequins or soft satin in a pastel hue. Complete your romantic look with a mini lady bag, a vintage clutch, and strappy sandals.
For a Casual Coffee Run
You don’t always need a reason to get all dressed up. For a quick trip to your local coffee shop, try this sophisticated look.
There’s nothing wrong with a classic athleisure outfit (yoga pants and a T-shirt are great), but why not up your weekend outfit with polished pieces that are just as effortless? Try layering a button-up shirt over a tank top and pulling on a pair of puddle pants.
For a Trip to the Beach
Lounge by the beach in a monochromatic set that will add a cheerful touch to your vacation wardrobe.
Add this bubblegum pink button-up shirt to your travel capsule wardrobe. The matching flowy pants are easy to pack in a weekend bag or carry-on. To stay cool while temperatures rise, choose a coordinating set cut from gauzy fabrics that prioritize breathability.
For a Jam-Packed Weekend
On the move? Wear a comfortable outfit that will keep up with your nonstop schedule.
Perhaps visiting the museum, taking a stroll through the park, and having lunch with friends sounds like your normal weekend activities. If so, you’ll need an outfit you can easily move around. Team a button-up shirt with a flowy mini skirt, and throw on a pair of sneakers you don’t mind wearing all day. Carry a tote bag spacious enough for all your belongings, like your phone, water bottle, and maybe even a book.
For Meetings in the Office
For a formal office environment or an important meeting lineup, lean into pieces with ample coverage and lengthy hemlines.
Looking for a corporate-approved uniform that you can wear on repeat? Start with light blue button-up shirt as the base of your outfit. Layer it with a fitted pencil skirt with a below-the-knee hem and slip into a pair of sky-high pumps that command attention. This striking look will rival a power suit any day.
For Brunch With Your Best Friends
What’s almost as fun as ordering everything on the brunch menu? Getting dressed for the occasion.
You and your best friends just made reservations at a new brunch hotspot. Naturally, it’s time to figure out what you’ll wear while sipping mimosas and devouring French toast. Make heads turn in a pink short-sleeved button-up shirt and a mini skirt to match and anchor the look with neutral accessorize.
For Running Errands
This combination of basics has an elevated appeal, yet it’s easy enough to wear while running around town.
Tackle your lengthy to-do list in style with a button-up shirt, a roomy pair of shorts, and comfortable slides. You’ll also want to carry a crossbody purse allowing a hands-free experience just in case you need to juggle several shopping bags while stopping by the Farmer's Market and the hardware store.
For a Relaxed Summer Outing
Sometimes less is more. Embrace the bare minimum with a white button-up shirt and denim bottoms.
This outfit formula is perhaps one of the oldest tricks in the styling book for looking put together without trying. It doesn't get much more effortless than a white button-up and straight-leg jeans for a casual outing to lunch or the park. A printed bag and a pair of cap-toe slingbacks are foolproof accessories.
-
Jennifer Lawrence, You've Sold Me on Jelly SandalsShe paired the controversial shoe with the easiest summer outfit.
-
Princess Anne Remains Hospitalized Following an Accident at Her Home Sunday Night, But Her Memory Loss Post-Incident Doesn’t Seem to Be Permanent in Nature“I think we have to hope that this is nothing too serious for Princess Anne.”
-
Princess Charlotte Really Made an Impression on Brothers Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, Who Called Her “Adorable” and a “Superstar” After Meeting Her at the Eras Tour“She had fire to her.”
-
The Internet’s Bias-Cut Debate Is More Nuanced Than You ThinkWe break down the technique that has Fashion Twitter and -Tok in such a tizzy.
-
Easy Summer Work Outfits Exist—They're Just Not on TikTokThe app's recommendations could get you sent to HR. Ours won't.
-
Fashion Experts Reveal the Best Designer Tote Bags That Live Up to Their HypeFrom The Row's Margaux bag to Prada's Re-Nylon Tote, these are the styles everyone in the fashion crowd invests in.
-
A Straightforward Guide to the Best Strapless Bras That Actually Stay PutMove around all you want, they won't slide down.
-
Fashion Insiders on Finding Summer Basics That Also Match Personal StyleForget about a formulaic capsule wardrobe.
-
30 Elevated Summer Basics Ruling the Last Days of Nordstrom's Half-Yearly SaleYou'll discover breezy button-down tops, cute sandals, and more.
-
Summer's Best Flip-Flops Don't Forgo StyleFrom leather styles by The Row to jelly variations by Tory Burch, tastemakers are officially embracing the quintessential beach shoe designer makeover.
-
30 Early Summer Memorial Day Picks From Saks, Shopbop, and BloomingdalesThese sales are too good to pass up.
