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Workwear Styling Spotlight: The Ultimate White Button-Down
Meet the key ingredient in my best spring office outfits.
In an effort to help you rediscover the joy of getting dressed for the office this spring, Maddie and I are spotlighting the pieces that make our mornings—and our full days that follow—meaningfully easier. While a classic navy blazer lends instant sharpness to any look and kick flare pants feel especially relevant right now, a white button-down is where it’s at when I need something that looks polished but feels breezy and relaxed.
On days when I want a traditional button-down vibe without the stiffness (or dry clean-only label) that typically comes with it, I reach for my trusty, timeless Lagarde shirt (save 20% for a limited time with code FRIENDS).
Timeless really is the name of the game with this one, both stylistically and construction-wise. The Lagarde’s silhouette looks just as at-home in 2025 as it did when we launched it a full decade ago(!); and I can personally attest to the fact that its Eco Soft Wave fabric stands up to repeated washes year in and year out. Not only is it machine-washable, it’s also wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, and features an extra button at the bustline to prevent gaping.
What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile in terms of formality and seasonality, which this customer review sums up beautifully:
“I’ve worn the Lagarde shirt on its own, as a jacket, layered under a blazer, tucked, untucked, on television, presenting at a conference, on top of a mountain in Switzerland, and in 120-degree weather in Yuma, Arizona.”
The Lagarde’s lightweight handfeel and resulting layerability mean I’ve been relying on it heavily amidst this winter-to-spring transition. Scroll to see three of the best white button-down looks I’ve worn recently (modeled in M.M.’s Bryant Park showroom). Note that each one is composed of pieces that are stylistically springy (to scratch that itch!), and every outfit holds up even if you decide to ditch the layer.
Outfit #1: Colorful Suit + White Button-Down
For a fresh twist on the quintessential office outfit—a pant suit + a white button-down—try wearing your Lagarde shirt with bold styles like the Rossi blazer and Rina pants. This combination is classic enough to fit into a business formal environment, but the jacket’s extended length, the trousers’ slightly wide legs, and the unexpected shade of blue make it all feel more modern. If you’re someone who wears a lot of neutrals (🙋♀️), this bluebell hue is justttt the right amount of adventurous—not bright, but a far cry from navy. It’s one of those rare colors that’s fun and compliment-attracting without being so much of a statement that you’ll tire of it easily. It also forms a striking contrast against your crisp white shirt, so not much is needed by way of accessories. Sharp black boots, a silver-adorned belt, and simple hoops complete the look.
Outfit #2: Spring Jacket + White Button-Down + White Jeans
I live in a dirty city (love you, NYC!) and am prone to stains, so I don’t often wear white on top and bottom at once, but I’ll make exceptions when the weather warms. There’s just nothing like a crisp white outfit to trick yourself into feeling like it’s spring, even when it’s still 50 degrees outside. In addition to my beloved Milo jeans, my Lagarde shirt is an ivory item I don’t have to stress over too much since I can easily toss it in the wash. Don’t worry that the whites in this look don’t match exactly! I actually think the slightly differing shades add more nuance and look extra chic. To keep your palette more spring than summer, add a darker colored, lightweight layer like our new Ayla jacket, and bookend the look with animal-print mules that tie it all together.
Outfit #3: Fun Sweater + White Button-Down + Flared Pants
This is my favorite look of the bunch, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t typically layer her button-downs under sweaters. I hate fussing with my outfit, and the oversized cuts I typically go for with my button-downs end up crumpling and bunching. The Lagarde, however, is a whole different story and allows me to enjoy this classic combination without feeling disheveled or stiff. Our Eco Soft Wave fabric is drapey and smooth, so it doesn’t compete with chunky knits like the Maura sweater I’m wearing here. This majority-cotton pullover is super breathable and features such a fun marled knit. It’s an ideal spring sweater, which is surprisingly hard to find!
Last but not least, we need to talk about these Hart pants. Based on our best-selling Horton trousers, they feature a gorgeous flare (which is so back, in case you haven’t heard) and a light ponte that is deliciously comfortable and flatteringly smoothing. I am obsessed. I also love the way my bright white shoes peek out underneath their long hem.
