Can we all agree that while tucking-in button down shirts looks cute in theory, it’s a freaking chore. I don’t know if it’s my shorter midsection, my straighter midsection, my actual skills at tucking in shirts (I’m not that great at making a bed either, I’ll be honest) but I have kinda just given up.
I have a solution though…
It all started with my first + favorite boxy button-down shirt from Everlane. I’ve had theirs for a few years now and it’s become a true go-to in my closet. The quality of the oxford fabric is great and doesn’t wrinkle easily, the cut is super cute and loose without being too baggy, and the length is perfect…for NOT tucking-in.
If you’re in a time crunch and just want the low down on the 4 boxy button downs I tried, here’s a little round-up for you to click through.
I Tried 4 Boxy Button Downs So You Don’t Have To
Below, I have two very similar oxford options and two lighter-weight options (that I happened to order in stripe but that also come in some other colors.) I’ve ranked them here in order of favorite to least…
In general, these tops are great for just about any season (layering right now is fun) but especially the upcoming transitional season, especially in the oxford cloth. The bottom two lighter shirts will be perfect as the temps rise a bit and you still need office-ready wear.
1 | Everlane Boxy Oxford
Shirt (S) | Similar Jeans
So, for purposes of this try-on, I tried my favorite shirt in another color from Everlane’s site. I was unsure about this shirt when I pulled it out of the package, but then I put it on. Wow. As a green-eyed girlie, too, this is gorgeous. It may not be fun and springy but I think this color is so lovely…even more so in person than on their site.
Fit Notes: The fit on the Everlane Oxford is a little big. It’s meant to be boxy but I’m typically a M and am still happy with the S I’ve had for a few years now. Don’t size down if you have long arms though. Mine aren’t short (I’m shorter but not Petite sizes) and the sleeves hit right at the wrist.
Shirt (S) | Similar Jeans | Similar Boots
2 | Everlane The Way Short Shirt in Silky Cotton
Shirt (M) | Similar Jeans
Fit Notes: Don’t be too afraid by the name “Way Short” here, especially if you’re on the shorter side or the shorter torso side like me. While it is definitely cropped, I would feel fine rocking this with high waisted pants and jeans.
My vintage Levi’s are a little looser in the waist, so when I moved around here it was slightly shorter than I wanted, but gahhhh this fabric. It’s dreamy. They have a few other tops in this same fabric on Everlane here. I love the fit on this so much. True to size. I’m typically a Medium.
Shirt (M) | Similar Jeans | Similar Boots
3 | Quince Organic Cotton Boxy Oxford
Shirt (S) | “Jeans” (29) | Hat
This oxford shirt from Quince is a pretty similar match to my favorite Everlane shirt. The fabric on this one is softer and so lovely. I think the only downside here is that it’s longer than the Everlane, which on me is too long. It’s also only offered in two colors and I wasn’t in love with the white on me (and I already have blue above.) The softness is so good here I hope they’ll offer it in more colors!
Fit Notes: If you don’t want fabric as structured as the Everlane oxford or you need more length, this one is best for you. It runs big, so be aware of that.
Shirt (S) | “Jeans” (29) | Hat | Similar Boots
4 | Madewell Straight Hem Shirt
Fit Notes: And lastly, I tried this Madewell straight hem shirt. And. It seems like it would be good, but I hated it. It was way too short and while I thought they were cool at first, it has weird buttons on the sleeves that were only cool in theory.
Shoutout though to these awesome Low Slung Baggy jeans, also from Madewell. They’re cool, comfy and just all around rad. I have too many leopard print pants already or I would have 100% kept these. They do come in other non-print washes, too. TTS and awesome.
If you’ve tried any other boxy button downs you love, please let me know. I’m always on the lookout. They’re just too easy breezy!
xo,
L
Would love for you to follow me + my stories over on Instagram…for comic relief, food appreciation, cute animal vids and more fashion… xx
Can someone do one on long, oversized Oxfords next?! I’ve ordered so many that I didn’t like
I know Amy has covered some! I get that. They’re not all created equally. I will say my favorite is the Will button down from Reformation: https://shopstyle.it/l/cmp1I if that helps!
This is perfect Laura! I have a striped Everlane boxy oxford and LOVE it and have been considering branching out. Had not seen the olive and will be picking it up after this review. I appreciate you and your style so much. Thank you!
Oh great I’m so glad this was helpful, Amy. Thank you so much!
What are the white/off-white pants in that first pic???
Hi lisa, they are the Free People Moxie jeans we all love! https://shopstyle.it/l/cm7nK