This 90s Staple Will Magically Turn All Your Current *Clothes* Into Chic *Outfits*
by Abigail Bassett
I own five, YES FIVE, jean-style button-down shirts (all of them with different price points, hands, buttons, and styles), and cannot walk through a single retail establishment without at least looking at and seriously considering yet another chambray, denim, blue button-down.
I’ve been known to wear these shirts with everything from, yes, matching color jeans, to yoga pants, skirts, blazers, and over dresses. Here’s just a sampling of the ways I’ve been styling them recently.
They’re such a staple in my life that I have one on the back of my office chair for those last-minute, oh-crap-I-forgot-I-have-a-Zoom-meeting moments, one on the couch, which doubles as a quick yes-I’m-still-in-my-pjs-and-not-wearing-a-bra-when-UPS-shows-up, as well as a I-forgot-to-turn-the-heat-on throw it on and go. I also have one hanging near my back door for those moments when I have to walk from the house to the laundry and back or want to spend a little time in our concrete backyard (don’t ask) throwing the ball for the dog.
So, if you’re like me and trying to navigate (or cull) your jean shirt collection, I’ve done LOTS of research (ahem, read as, SPENDING) on these things. Here are my tried and true favorites.
1. The inexpensive but chic Staple
This one is ideal for those last-minute, I-have-to-run-to-the-grocery-store-real-quick dashes, because it looks great with anything, and its slightly thinner feel makes it especially suited for layering. Throw it on over a tee, tank, or even a sports bra, and you won't be embarrassed when you accidentally run into your cute neighbor in the produce aisle.
Price: $40
2. The Pearl Snap
I’m a massive sucker for a jean shirt with a pearl snap. It’s classic, laid back, easy to style, and just a little bit posh. Pair it with some pearl earrings (I love these organic pearls from Aurate–a brand I’m OBSESSED with) and a black blazer, and you’re good to go for that last-minute Zoom meeting or that quick cocktail event. I’ve owned a version of this shirt for years, and it’s still one of my go-tos.
Price: $80
3. The Soft Button-Down
A blessedly soft slouchy button-down with juuuust the right amount of give to make it supremely easy to tuck or wear as a loose outer layer.
Price: $129
4. The Pricey Classic
Frank & Eileen Eileen Cotton Denim Shirt
It took me a long time to pull the trigger on an eye-popping $300 jean shirt, but at my age, I finally decided that since I live in these things, I should probably invest in one–or two. I’d been eyeing the Frank & Eileen denim shirt since I was served a well-placed ad on Instagram, and well, here we are. And while the price will make your eyes water, I have to say, I absolutely love the whiskering at the hips, the slightly frayed hem, the tiny chest pocket, and the easy but stylish silhouette. There are a couple of different washes (if the dark blue isn’t for you), and it comes in sizes that range from XXS (size 0) to XL (size 14).
Price: $268
5. The Perfect Jean Jacket
Universal Standard Kelsey Denim Jacket in Light Blue
And if you’re still not quite sold on the idea of a denim button down, there is always the most classic 90s staple that seems to stay chic through every style era: the jean jacket. But not just any jean jacket. The best, most flattering one that’s been cut from cool blue denim. And it comes in an unrivaled size range.
Price: $138
AND HERE ARE ALL THESE PERFECT DENIM PIECES LINED UP IN A ROW FOR EASY SKIMMING:
Abigail Bassett
Abigail Bassett is an award-winning journalist, writer, on-air talent, and television producer with more than two decades of diverse media experience. A winner of numerous awards, including two Emmys, she's covered everything from health and wellness, beauty, global trends, and travel to breaking news and worldwide events for top-tier outlets all over the world.
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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