Try baggy jeans with an oversized button-up left wide open to show off a sick graphic tee or a svelte ribbed tank. If you're not convinced, start off by pairing one with the sartorial equivalent of a skeleton key, the default garment that unlocks every head-scratching outfit: jeans. Crisp and pressed or rumpled and with the sleeves rolled, a pearly collared shirt will never steer you wrong-and its abilities to elevate your every fit extends far beyond the occasions you’ve been relegating it to. The right one can add polish to a dull look and turn a throw-away outfit into a grid-worthy ensemble.

Instead, wear it the way you would any other shirt in your closet: often, and with absolutely everything. So consider this the PSA you weren’t waiting for-don't treat the white button-up like fine china. Which also means you're probably not rocking it on a regular ol' Tuesday, let alone for a casual link with the homies.

Which means there's probably one in your closet right now, still wrapped in plastic from the dry cleaners, on ice until your next formal occasion demands its services. Job interviews, weddings, first dates, court dates (yikes)-these are the situations it thrives in. The white button-up shirt can come off as a little precious, like fancy dinnerware you reserve for when the in-laws visit.

Red white blue button up shirt