Deciding what to shop for in the summer can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task. Do you go the safe route and invest in staple pieces? Or do you take a risk and try a new micro-trend? And why do you have to pick just one way to shop for the summer? If you’re anything like our editors, it’s safe to guess that you want anything you buy to satisfy your cravings fully and be both trendy and timeless. Luckily for you, there’s one stylish summer staple that manages to bridge that gap: the tropical button-down shirt. Tropical prints have made a triumphant comeback in spring/summer 2022 collections, but if the idea of wearing this print makes you think of those oversize menswear shirts, you’re not alone. Former iterations of this staple were far from chic, but as usual, our very own Who What Wear Collection is solving style dilemmas you didn’t even know existed.
And if you’re still dubious about how a tropical-print button-down could be chic, much less a must-have for the summer, prepare to be proven wrong. Ahead, our very own editor in chief, Kat Collings, and I are test-driving the trend by trying on and styling Who What Wear Collection’s Kiki Button-Down Vacation Shirt. Keep reading for our reviews and some styling inspiration that’s bound to make you fall in love with this summer staple.
Kat Collings in the Kiki Button-Down Vacation Shirt
Kat’s Review: "Every summer, I get the urge to liven up my look a bit, but it’s easier said than done for a girl who is usually in neutrals. How do I look summery and fun in browns, tans, white, and black? Well, the answer lies in this shirt. It has a tropical nod without feeling out of place in the city. The slightly oversize silhouette is easy, and the second you step outside your door, people will compliment you. I’m obsessed! I styled it with trousers for an office look, but how cute would it be with denim shorts and chunky fisherman sandals for a laid-back look?”
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman in the Kiki Button-Down Vacation Shirt
Jasmine’s Review: "I must preface this by saying that I’m not normally a fan of button-down shirts because they don’t always fit my larger bust, and I find them harder to style. But that’s not the case with Who What Wear Collection’s Kiki Button-Down Vacation Shirt. First, the fit is immaculate. There was none of that button bulging, and it has a perfect waist-length hemline. The fabric is breathable, making it ideal for a sweltering summer in New York or a tropical destination. What I also love about this top is that, despite being a tropical print, it’s perfect for everyday wear. You can style it with jeans or trousers for a work-friendly look, or you can tie it over a bikini or slip skirt for a vacation outfit. The possibilities are endless with this top.”
Shop the Who What Wear Collection Kiki Button-Down Vacation Shirt:
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Still not sold on tropical prints? This top is all you.
She comes in a slip skirt too!
Another summer staple worth investing in.
Commit to this print, full stop.
It doesn’t get more classic than this.
These trousers will look good with just about anything (including the Kiki top).
Layer this under a button-down.
Insider tip: You can wear your tropical-print top well into the fall by styling it with fall staples—e.g., leather shorts.
A moment of silence for the scoop neck on this top.
The key to pulling off tropical prints is pairing them with simple staples, like linen shorts.
Tie the Kiki top around the waist of this dress and you'll be embodying effortlessly cool energy.
My jaw just dropped over this vest.
And it comes with a matching blazer—too good.
Minimalists, here you go.
If you still want to embody tropical vibes sans prints, this polo was made for you.
You can pair these pants with prints or neutrals, and they’ll look good no matter what.
This dress needs to be in my life—like yesterday.
Can you tell we love a good button-down?
Maxi skirts are magical, and you can’t convince me otherwise.
You’ll wear this all summer.
The cotton-and-silk blend on this polo makes it an ideal summertime top.
Another pair of pants begging to be styled with a tropical-print top.
She’s perfect.
I wouldn’t mind taking this to the tropics.
Just think of how good this would look styled with a tropical-print top. I rest my case.
Cargo shorts are also making a comeback, and I’m not mad about it.
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