When it comes to button-up shirts, there are a few staples every man should incorporate into his wardrobe. Each can be styled multiple ways to take you from the office to a night out with friends. I’ve rounded up my picks here and tried to keep them affordable if you’re in need of most or all of them. Either way, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates while shopping for all the best products, so your bank account will thank you.
Get With the Gingham
If you don’t have a gingham shirt in your closet, now’s the time to fix that. This classic pattern is casual enough for a weekend wear but sophisticated enough for a date night. Pair it with chinos or jeans if you’re heading to the office. If you’re really trying to dress it up, a blazer and a solid tie will go a long way.
Brooks Brothers Gingham Dress Shirt
from Lord & Taylor
Choose Check
Check button-up shirts are a staple every man should have in his arsenal. They’re available in nearly every color these days, so you should have several in your wardrobe to rotate through. (I wear one about twice a week.) Roll up your sleeves and tuck it in at the office or leave it untucked if you’re running errands around town. You’ll look good either way.
Eagle Men’s Checked Dress Shirt
from Bon-Ton
Say Yes to Stripes
Stripes do a lot for your look, including making you look slimmer (if the stripes are vertical). I prefer shirts with thin stripes, because they’re easier to dress up or down. Shirts with larger stripes often feel too casual, but a subtle, fine stripe can add a little punch to your ensemble without stealing the show.
Tailored Collection Cotton Dobby Stripe Shirt
from Tommy Hilfiger
Stick With Solids
When in doubt, stick with a solid-color or white button-down shirt. White shirts are a little harder to incorporate into a casual outfit, but it’s much easier if you find one with texture. Not sure where to start or what color to pick? Every guy needs a blue oxford button-up. In fact, you should probably have a few shades of blue at the ready.
Men’s Solid No-Iron Supima Oxford
from Land’s End
Love the Linen
You don’t have to reserve your linen for hot summer days. A solid linen shirt can transform your look, especially as fall approaches. This one, from American Rag, would go nicely with some Red Wing boots and dark jeans. It’d look just as nice with tailored trousers and brogues.
American Rag Men’s Linen Shirt
from Macy’s
Pick a New Type of Plaid
Plaid is everywhere, so you need a statement piece like this one from Express to stand out. Any of the three colorways will make an impact, but the purple is my pick. It’s a nice shirt that’s safe enough for the boardroom if it’s accompanied by cap-toe shoes (with a belt to match) and a subdued tie.
Fitted Plaid Dress Shirt
from Express
Play With Paisley
Think paisley is hard to pull off? It can be depending on the color and how large the print is, but this option from Croft & Barrow is subtle and tasteful. Save this shirt for special occasions, and try to work it into your office attire. It’s sure to make an impression either way.
Croft & Barrow Easy-Care True Comfort Regular-Fit Dress Shirt
from Kohl’s
Go Geometric
Checks, stripes and solids are classics, but it’s 2017, so feel free to experiment with new patterns. I found this geometric button-up shirt, and I had to pick it up. It could change the entire look of your favorite suit if you style it correctly. A solid tie is key here to avoid making your look too busy.
Ike Behar Geometric Regular-Fit Dress Shirt
from Saks Fifth Avenue
