The blue button-down shirt reimagined

EVERY fashion season has its go-to pieces: trench coats, little black boots, great jeans. This spring and summer, though, South Africans are giving the button-down shirt a fresh new look.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

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.

South Africans are also changing things up each season. More people are clearing out clothes they don’t wear and focusing on making the most of their favourite basics, instead of buying a whole new wardrobe.

True blues are the season’s MVP