Button-Down Shirts and Shorts Pairings for Spring

Spring is tricky. It can be borderline hot one day and close to freezing the next. As we get farther along, temps tend to moderate. Although we’re often still left strategizing what exactly to wear to look cool while keeping warm. (That’s why spring layering is a learned skill.) But there’s an under-the-radar pairing that’ll solve all your springtime woes. We’re talking about button-down shirts and shorts. You may never have thought about teaming the two together previously. Which is a real shame since they go together so beautifully. A long-sleeve button-down shirt is pretty versatile to begin with. But it’s a perfect foil for shorts because it provides some coverage up top while you flaunt your legs below. Another benefit? Button-downs are great for tucking. Whether you prefer a full tuck, half tuck or any other fraction. Oversized versions are especially helpful in these situations. It’s also ideal for showing off shorts with fancy waistbands. See below for the best button-down shirts and shorts pairings to wear this season.

Button Down Shirts Shorts

Pairing #1

Co Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, $895 at Net-a-Porter
Pairing #1

Nanushka Leana Vegan Leather Shorts in Pink, $395 at Nanushka
Pairing #2

Mango Oversize Cotton Shirt, $49.99 at Mango
Pairing #2

Self-Portrait Belted Broderie Anglaise Cotton-Twill Shorts, $325 at Net-a-Porter
Pairing #3

Zara Poplin Shirt in White, $35.90 at Zara
Pairing #3

Zara Mid Rise Denim Shorts, $39.90 at Zara
Pairing #4

Tory Burch Button-Down Blouse, $328 at Tory Burch
Pairing #4

Dries Van Noten High-Rise Floral Shorts, $455 at mytheresa.com
Pairing #5

Nanushka Elise Cupro Shirt, $375 at Nanushka
Pairing #5

COS Linen Paperbag Waist Shorts, $49.50 at COS
Pairing #6

Zara Oversized Linen Shirt, $39.90 at Zara
Pairing #6

Ulla Johnson Paloma Floral High-Rise Cotton Shorts, $280 at mytheresa.com
Pairing #7

Violeta by Mango Lapels Striped Shirt, $39.99 at Mango
Pairing #7

Violeta by Mango Lyocell Shorts, $49.99 at Mango
Pairing #8

N°21 Double Layer Silk Shirt, $670 at Shopbop
Pairing #8

The Frankie Shop Alex Leather Paperbag Shorts in Cream, $97 at The Frankie Shop
Pairing #9

H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt in White, $17.99 at H&M
Pairing #9

Corey Lynn Calter Jordan Shorts, $128 at Anthropologie
Pairing #10

The Frankie Shop Amaris Striped Button Down Shirt in White/Onyx, $115 at The Frankie Shop
Pairing #10

Mango Faux Leather Shorts, $59.99 at Mango