Button Down Tops

Count the ways you can wear a button down top: done all the way up and tucked in, half-unbuttoned over a vest, knotted at the waist, slipped off one shoulder, sleeves shoved up, or thrown open as a layer. That's the magic here, those little buttons are basically outfit settings, and it's why the button down top is the hardest-working thing you own. Ours run long sleeve, short sleeve, sleeveless and knit, in crisp white, black and everything from linen to denim, sizes 4 to 20. Free UK delivery over £135.

One shirt, a dozen ways

The button down earns its keep by never being just one thing. A classic long sleeve in white or blue is the timeless one, forever chic with the sleeves rolled. A short sleeve or sleeveless button down is the warm-weather answer, and a knit button down (think a fine, ribbed polo-collar) is the softer, cosier take. Fabric sets the whole tone: crisp cotton and linen keep it fresh and put-together, while a denim button down leans cool and casual. Little details do a lot too, a lace trim, a corset seam or a tie front take a plain shirt somewhere prettier. White, black, red and burgundy are the ones you'll reach for on repeat.

From the office to the sand

Here's where all those buttons pay off. Fully done up and tucked into tailored trousers, a button down is polished enough for the office or a work lunch. Undo a few, knot it at the waist over high-waisted shorts, and it's your weekend-errand, iced-coffee-in-hand uniform. Left open over a vest with jeans, it's the easiest layer going; thrown over your swimwear, it's an instant beach cover-up. And for a smart-casual dinner, a silky or lace-trim button down half-tucked into a maxi skirt looks quietly expensive. One shirt, genuinely everywhere.

More easy layers

For more, our tops edit covers every style, the off-duty edit is full of relaxed, throw-on pieces, and the workwear edit has the rest of your nine-to-five rotation. Want it as a set? A co-ord set pairs a button down shirt with its shorts or skirt.