The blue button-down shirt reimagined

EVERY fashion season has its go-to pieces: trench coats, little black boots, great jeans.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

This spring and summer, though, South Africans are giving the button-down shirt a fresh new look.

What used to be a borrowed-from-the-boys staple is now the base for our most creative summer outfits. Why the sudden interest?

Edited reports that global searches for “oversized shirt” and “blue button-down” are up more than 30% this year.

Its one piece that can go from a beach cover-up to a boardroom to a rooftop sundowner without you having to change your shoes.

We're moving past the usual capsule wardrobe staples. A classic trench is still great for a cool Joburg morning, but this summer is all about shirts that work for anything: brunch, the office or last-minute drinks.

Even minimalist bags, stylish flats and dressier pieces are showing up in our daytime outfits.