We are willing to bet that if anyone reading this were to venture over to their closet, they would find at least one (or ten, in cases like myself) white button-downs in some form or fashion. Probably one of the most versatile items in your repertoire, the crisp shirt style, commonly considered a fundamental "basic," shifts easily between formal wear—tuxedos, business attire, Carolina Herrera–esque skirt pairings—to casual wear like denim, leggings, etc.

You likely don't need us to tell you that button-downs are a good investment. That would be the sartorial equivalent of saying everyone needs a plate in their kitchen. However, we figured some fresh styling inspiration would provide new ways to wear the basic staple that is, in fact, anything but. Continue scrolling to discover the creative ways our favorite style icons are reimagining how to wear a crisp white button-down.

Chain Belt + Trench + Stirrup Leggings

Right photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@blancamiro

Is this look technically a sweater and leggings? Yes, but the unique styling elevates our go-to WFH ensemble. The stirrup detail and chain belt add the perfect sartorially savvy touch.

Jeans + Boots

Right photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sylviemus_

The bones of this look are super basic—a button-down and pair of jeans—but we love the preppy-meets-minimalist styling. Drape a sweater over your shoulders and add your favorite pair of trendy sunglasses.

The Husband Shirt

$185 $185 at Mishanonoo

Playback High-waisted Straight-leg Jeans

$255 $255 at Farfetch

Gold Medium Chubby Hoop Earrings

$127 $127 at Missoma

Tan Moon Bag

$295 $295 at Click

Lace-up Duck Boots

$545 $545 at Modaoperandi

Shift Dress + Tall Boots

Right photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sophiaroe

Button-downs are a great layering staple, and not just for your sweaters. Opt for a simple shift dress as the top layer, and complement the mini hemline with a knee-high boot.

Salem Button-up

$88 $88 at Aritzia

Square Neck Mini Dress

$495 $495 at Farfetch

Leather Riding Boots

$895 $895 at Ssense

Mini Hourglass Wallet on Chain

$990 $990 at Ssense

Inverness 54 mm Polarized Pillow Sunglasses

$215 $215 at Ray Ban

Sweater Vest + Bermudas + Tall Boots

Right photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@federica_gervasoni

Button-downs serve as the perfect base for sweater vests—one of our favorite trends du jour. Sleek bermudas and tall boots take this pairing to another level, and don't forget to finish everything off with a simple belt to break up the monotony of color.

Donna Button-down Shirt

$175 $175 at Classicsixny

Ode Tencel Shorts

$170 $170 at Modaoperandi

Knit Vest

$36 $36 at Zara

Tall Boots

$70 $70 at Www2

Perfect Leather Belt

$45 $45 at Madewell

Cream Turtleneck + Jeans

Right photo: Courtesy of Pinterest

This simple yet intriguing ensemble reminds us of our love of mixing shades of white. Unbutton your shirt midway and layer it over a cream turtleneck for the full effect. And when in doubt, jeans and black ankle boots will never fail you.