I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to Wear

Ready in 10 minutes or less.

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fashion collage featuring chic style influencers wearing outfits with button-down shirts and jeans
(Image credit: @slyviemus_; @anoukyve; @chloekathbutler; @mimixn; @marina_torres)

We've all been there—running late and frazzled with the idea of trying to find something to wear. It's on those days when I take a deep breath and reach for two tried-and-true pieces that I know will get me out the door in style no matter the season: a button-down shirt and a pair of jeans. Throw on these classic basics along with occasion-appropriate shoes, a bag, and outerwear and you're good to go in 10 minutes or less.

To get you prepared for those future rushed mornings, I've rounded up seven easy looks that show exactly how to pull off the no-brainer outfit formula. I highly recommend making a mental note of each chic outfit idea and stocking up your closet with the pieces that speak to you most in completing the look. This season, it will be all about adding ballet flats, kitten heels, or loafers alongside timeless bags. Scroll on to study up on the inspiring button-down-shirt–and-denim ensembles and to shop each look.

Outfit #1

fashion influencer Anouk Yve poses for a mirror selfie wearing a blue button-down shirt with contrast collar and cuffs, jeans, and ballet flats

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Outfit #2

style influencer Sylvie Mus poses on a Paris sidewalk wearing a white button-down shirt, black leather shoulder bag, black headscarf, belt, straight-leg jeans, and mule kitten-heel sandals

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Outfit #3

British style influencer Chloe Kath Butler poses in London wearing a long light-blue linen button-down shirt, tan suede bag, striped shirt around the waist, baggy jeans, and brown flip-flip sandals

(Image credit: @chloekathbutler)

Outfit #4

mid-size fashion influencer Marina Torres poses in a white button-down shirt, a burgundy Bottega Veneta bag, wide-leg jeans, and snakeskin shoes

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Outfit #5

NYC style influencer Mimi Nguyen walking while on her phone wearing an oversize striped button-down shirt, simple black bag, and oversized relaxed jeans

(Image credit: @mimixn)

Outfit #6

close up of style influencer Anouk Yve sitting wearing a diamond tennis necklace, white button-down shirt with oversized cuffs, a black belt with silver buckle, and button-fly jeans

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Outfit #7

fashion creative Clara Dyrhauge poses on an NYC street corner wearing a white linen button-down shirt, brown tote bag, belt, dark wash jeans, and flip-flop sandals

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)
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Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.