Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Button-ups are a closet staple — it’s so easy to pair them with jeans and call it a day. But what if you want to make the look a little more exciting? And shake up your outfits a little? We asked the genius stylist, Lisa Fine, to give us a few outfit ideas for fall…

OUTFIT #1
Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Our friend and model Natasha Janardan with stylist Lisa Fine.

Lisa’s styling tip: Layer, layer, layer. “The best way to dress up a T-shirt and jeans is a patterned button-up,” she says.

Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

For this look, tuck a tee into high-waisted jeans, then layer with an unbuttoned, slightly oversized striped or plaid shirt. Add sneakers and a trench; tie the belt in the back to open up the coat, and pull the shirt’s sleeves down (so you can see a little more than just the cuff). Then scrunch all the sleeves up. Voila! A fall uniform.

OUTFIT #2
Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Lisa’s styling tip: Go monochrome. “The easiest way to look thoughtful is to wear a monochromatic outfit,” she told us. “Even a sweater and sweatpants in the same color looks cool and intentional.”

Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Lisa paired a slouchy blouse, wide-leg trousers and a crossbody bag in a similar blush shade, but tied the look together with a bolder heel. If you’d like to play with proportions, roll the sleeves of the blouse up, or do a half-tuck with the shirt. So cute, right? We’d also love to try this look with other colors, like a white button-up and white ankle jeans; or even just chambray and denim.

OUTFIT #3
Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Lisa’s styling tip: Experiment with contrasting styles. “I like an unusual style opportunity,” Lisa says.

Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

For this outfit, Lisa layered a feminine ruffled shirt under utility overalls. “It works because the pieces balance each other out,” she explains. “Just be sure to show a little skin when wearing so much fabric — for example, unbutton the top and roll the ankle.”

OUTFIT #4
Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Lisa’s styling tip: Transition your summer wardrobe. “You can wear off-the-shoulder tops in the fall by layering a button-up underneath. You’re also refined and covered enough for an office,” says Lisa.

Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Here, Lisa styled an off-the-shoulder tee over a woven shirt, and paired them with a paperbag skirt and loafers. “To get the shirt to layer properly, pull it down from underneath the skirt,” she adds.

Four Ways to Style a Button-Up

Thoughts? Which would you wear? Thank you so much, Lisa!

P.S. Lisa’s week of outfits.

(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo. Thanks to our friend Natasha Janardan for modeling. This post is sponsored by Nordstrom, a retailer we have loved for years. Plus, they always offer free shipping and free returns. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)