If You're A Woman Over 40 You Need This One Staple and Poof, You'll Look Chic Every Day
Did the photo give it away? We gotta stop doing that.
Image: Platonic | Apple TV+
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by The Candidly Team
We know we’re supposed to drag this out for 15 mini-paragraphs and make you scroll through 4-7 ads before we tell you what the piece of clothing is. But we also know you’re sick of being jerked around by the algorithms of the online world.
You’re tired. We’re tired. So here’s the magical item of clothing that will one thousand percent make you look chic the moment you slip it on:
THE STRIPED BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT
Right??????
We dare you to gaze upon a woman in a crisp, poplin shirt with a sleek navy stripe, tucked effortlessly into a high-waisted jean, top buttons open, sleeves rolled to the elbow, and think, “well she looks like she just rolled out of bed.”
And that’s the thing! Maybe she did just roll out of bed. Her greasy hair could be in the knottiest of top knots. Her jeans could still be stained from the juice box that got slammed into her kneecap by an en-route toddler, and still, she will look perfectly put together and like her clothes cost more than your first car.
Well, that woman could be you (us!) All we need is that striped button-down. ere are our 5 favorites.
1. Best Overall
WHAT: Alex Mill Jo Striped Shirt In Cotton Poplin*
This is the one worth investing in once and wearing to the point your cost-per-wear is down to pennies. We had to pick just one photo to show you but there are many colors and stripe combinations* of this shirt we love. That said, the real star is the fit. Just look at that dramatic drop sleeve, which is a godsend on a thicker arm and gives us a much more defined waist when we tuck it in.
Price: $165
2. Best Inexpensive
WHAT: Quince 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Long Sleeve Shirt*
When we buy something as classic nd staple as a button-down, quality matters more than anything. We’ve never found a flawless, 100% organic cotton poplin button-down that fits this effortlessly and doesn’t cost in the triple digits. Lots of color variations are available, but our next purchase will definitely be the Hudson Stripe*.
Price: $39
3. Best Oversized
WHAT: Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve*
Years ago, when we first tried on this famous button-down from Anthropologie, we were immediately excited by the longer length and the slit between the front and back which allows you to tuck, tie, or half-tuck the front, then untuck just the back and get this extra bit of butt coverage. Plus, we can actually move our arms and finish the bread bowl and be bloated beyond reason in our luteal please never, ever feel restricted.
It comes in several colors we either want or already own. We also have it in solid white because, well, obvious reasons.
Price: $118
4. Best Cropped
WHAT: Everlane The Way-Short Shirt in Silky Cotton*
Do not fear the crop. It makes for the perfect, minimalist piece of outerwear when left open over tanks and jeans and dresses. But it also is the one piece of clothing that makes us look narrower while being wider. It’s true! A roomy cropped top makes waists look nipped and legs look longer. Plus, you don’t have to tuck it if tucking makes you want to scream into a void.
Price: $88
5. Best For Warm-Weather
WHAT: Z Supply Helena Striped Airy Gauze Button Up*
We stumbled upon this button-down when writing about one of our favorite midrange brands for staples that feel amazing and fit exceptionally. We were very generously sent this top in white by Z Supply, and after feeling the soft, gauzy material, we knew we’d have to purchase it in the stripe before it sells out. Which it does. All the time. But right now, it’s still available.
Here it is in white for fit reference:
Price: $84
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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