When it comes to basics, there’s no one we trust more than the French, who’ve more than proven their ability to turn simple wardrobe staples from boring to enviable. And of all the essentials our favorite French girls wear most, none is more key to a crisp, chic collection come fall than a white button-down shirt. Whether they wear theirs pants-less with bloomers, layered underneath a cozy knit, or styled backward for a peekaboo back moment, our friends from Paris always succeed at creating inspo around their poplin shirts.
Of course, not all white button-downs are created equal. If you don’t pick the right one, you could easily end up with an overly wrinkled, oddly fitting, or weirdly see-through style that simply won’t get the job done. The 28 options below, however, feature none of the aforementioned shortcomings. Keep scrolling to shop the basic of all basics for fall.
No pants, no problem—that is, if you have on a crisp button-down shirt and some sparkly knee-high Saint Laurent boots.
There’s a reason this shirt is constantly selling out.
Our readers absolutely love this poplin shirt.
BRB, copying this entire look (down to these incredible metallic heels).
Midi denim skirts are chic enough on their own, but when styled with a tucked-in button-down shirt, they’re practically perfect.
Reformation low-key makes the best basics.
Tibi is my go-to for super-elevated and unique basics.
For work and play.
Paris Fashion Week is no match for a buttoned-up poplin shirt when it’s paired with a khaki bomber jacket and pleated miniskirt.
Don’t sleep on Anine Bing’s elevated basics.
At this price, I’ll take more than one.
This shirt is regret-proof.
The possibilities are endless when you have a clean canvas like this button-down. Flip it around, tuck it in to some perfect-fitting Levi’s, and leave it unbuttoned for a low-key sexy look.
I’m buying this shirt in every available color.
Anything Catherine Houlstein makes, I want.
I love a poplin shirt paired with kitten heels and a miniskirt more than almost anything.
Layering isn’t always the easiest task, but when a white poplin shirt is the base, the process is as simple as throwing on a neutral knit, some skinny pants, and a pair of riding boots.
I’m buying this. Done and dusted.
Totême basics are the best basics.
Just the right amount of oversize.
When it’s not yet cold enough for a full-blown jacket but too chilly to wear just a tank, throw on a button-down. It’s the perfect transitional topper.
That’s it—I’m wearing my poplin shirt with leather pants tomorrow.
A must-have.
Hommes Girl is the cool brand everyone should know about.
This look is proof that basics don’t have to be boring. Instead, they’re perfect for playing around with different styling techniques.
I swear every time I go to COS, I walk out with some sort of basic.
This tie back is beyond gorgeous.
If these came in bulk packs, I’d be the number one customer.
