Cooler Than a White Button-Down: This Specific Shirt Color Is the Key to Looking Chic This Fall
White button-down shirts are the foundation of so many chic outfits, but this fall, red ones will be replacing them. Here are the stylish ways to wear red button-down shirts for the season ahead.

A white button-down shirt has long been a wardrobe staple loved for its crisp, clean, and endlessly versatile style. While this classic top remains an essential, fashion people are increasingly turning to its more daring cousin—the red button-down.
This shift has become more noticeable recently, especially after Copenhagen Fashion Week earlier this month. For spring/summer 2026, designers like Herskind and Auralee showcased red button-down shirts on the runway. Herskind styled a sheer version over a red bodysuit, and Auralee paired a red poplin button-down with a coordinating cinch-waist jacket and pants. On the streets, showgoers styled the top with everything from lace-trim slip skirts and short trench coats to miniskirts and clogs.
Beyond Copenhagen, this trend has been seen on It girl Alexa Chung. Just this week, she posted a series of photos on Instagram, including one where she wore a red button-down shirt with a denim miniskirt and a black leather tote bag. Considering Chung's significant influence on fashion trends and shopping habits, her sporting a red button-down is destined to boost its popularity.
Brands like Madewell, Ralph Lauren, and Free People are releasing button-down shirts in this eye-catching color, further fueling our trend forecast that the style will be big this fall. Keep scrolling to see how red button-down shirts are being styled and shop the pieces along the way.
How to Style a Red Button-Down Shirt
Outfit Formula: Red Button-Down Shirt + Dark-Wash Denim Skirt + Tote Bag
Outfit Formula: Red Button-Down Shirt + Red Jacket + Pants
Outfit Formula: Red Button-Down Shirt + White Skirt + Clogs
Outfit Formula: Red Button-Down Shirt + Colored Trousers
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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