Trends go but style is what stays. Sound familiar?

Surely every well-known designer, stylist and fashion expert has quoted a similar version of these words.

Most of them discuss the concept of having “style” not fashion. That trends continuously come and go, but real style stays.

While I totally agree, it’s a broad concept that most don’t fully understand.

You can buy fashion all day long, but piecing it together for the right time and place is the art of styling.

No amount of money can buy you style.
It’s an instinct.
A behavior of presence.

And it trickles down to other areas outside of fashion like your home, organization, even your manners and the way you carry yourself.

It total, it’s a standard that sets the tone on how the world experiences your essence.

No, I am not referring to the little black dress or the quilted leather bag (two of Chanel’s most notable updates to womenswear and accessories).

Chanel liberated the body from corsets, and as women were entering the workforce she borrowed from men’s wardrobes. Jersey fabric, straight lines, trousers—all brought to life just one-hundred years prior by the father of modern menswear, Beau Brumell.

These two innovators had something in common: they both rejected excess.
1800’s → Brumell said no to wigs and lace.
1920’s → Chanel said no to structured under-layers, boning, heavy embroidery or trim.

Style stopped being about display and spectacle and instead about nuanced details like precise tailoring, clean lines, crisp materials…

This simplicity was reframed as freedom and movement with complete ease.
Style evolved into how life is really lived.

Business formal and casual dress codes have made the white button down, blazer and slacks somewhat of a uniform when it comes to professional dressing. People take it literally and there’s very little originality…

But there’s room for interpretation when it comes to styling.

→ Dress up a button down with a silk scarf.
→ Dress it down with denim slacks.
→ Add a statement layer like a tailored or knit vest.
→ Add a bold necklace or single chain through an open collar.

Shift things a bit with unexpected details like leather pants, tailored shorts, cropped pants or dark denim with a sharp shoe.

A white button down becomes interesting when one thing feels intentional and slightly off. Not loud, not styled to death. Just….considered.

💡 Takeaway: A white button down doesn’t have to be boring. It only becomes dull when it’s left unquestioned. Take a familiar concept, and interrupt it with one intentional choice. You’ll see it gain a new energy, an edge and subtle relevance.


So, as we consider dressing from everyday to special occasion, let’s also consider how we can add some of our own authentic flavors to the mix.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Wishing you good taste, good company, and something delightful under the tree 🎄🎁

Elevate the white button down with the details that count:

…incorporate silk scarves, ribbons, even play with texture when using satins, lace and see-through fabrics.

Patterns, a play with colors especially jewel-tones in the fall and winter months is promising.

Here’s to using the most of colors, color-blocking, jewel-tones 🍾

Themed parties & color-coordinating truly bring the best out of special events.

Checks, caviar, and Christmas.