Meghan Markle’s style has long been admired for its effortless elegance and versatility, with one wardrobe staple standing out: the timeless white button-down shirt. Whether she’s in the UK or Montecito, this piece has become a symbol of her refined yet approachable fashion.
Master the French Tuck for Instant Style
The first rule to rocking a white button-down is mastering the French tuck. This involves tucking only the front of your shirt into your pants or jeans, while leaving the back untucked and loose. It’s one of her favorite styling tricks, as it creates a flattering, waist-defining effect while maintaining a relaxed, effortlessly cool vibe.
Pair it with well-fitted denim jeans, a crisply pressed button-down, and a few carefully chosen accessories. To nail the look, make sure the tucked portion of the shirt lies flat beneath your waistband, smoothing out any wrinkles for a clean, polished finish.
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Let Your Button-Down Hang Loose for Effortless Style
Meghan’s second styling tip encourages us to embrace a more casual take. Letting your button-down hang loose underneath a blazer or coat delivers a refined yet laid-back look. The key is to prevent the shirt from extending past the jacket’s hem. She ensures her outerwear overlaps the shirt’s edge, creating a clean and structured silhouette.
This style achieves the perfect balance between casual and formal, offering a polished look that remains comfortable and effortless.
Go Bigger: How a Looser Fit Elevates Your Style
When she wears a white button-down, she’s not afraid to go for a looser fit, particularly during warmer months. A looser shirt can be more flattering than a restrictive, tightly-fitted one, allowing for better airflow and a relaxed aesthetic. The trick to pulling off a loose-fit button-down without losing structure is pairing it with fitted pants or shorts to maintain balanced proportions.
Another clever styling technique is to fold up the sleeves to break up the extra fabric, showing a little forearm for added interest. This breezy, relaxed approach is perfect for summer, allowing the shirt to feel light and effortless.
Add a Belt to Highlight Your Waist
One styling tip that adds instant polish to a white button-down is adding a belt. She often uses this trick to create an hourglass silhouette by cinching in her waist. Whether it’s pairing the button-down with a skirt or pants that have a contrasting waistband, a belt can be a game-changer.
Adding a belt not only highlights the waist but also helps to define the shape, making it an excellent way to dress up your button-down for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
Perfect the Sleeve Roll for a Polished Style
The most important rule for wearing a white button-down, according to Meghan, is perfecting the sleeve roll. While it may seem like a simple task, rolling the sleeves of a button-down shirt with precision can make or break the look. Meghan’s sleeve rolls are always neat and intentional, offering just the right amount of structure without appearing too stiff.
