Byrdie Button-up Sewalong, Part 1: Inspiration

I almost didn’t even include the introductory “inspiration” post in this sewalong series because a button-up blouse is such a wardrobe staple that is so widely available that it almost seemed silly to be all: here’s how to style this garment.

The reality, though, is that I have about 40 button-up shirts pinned on Pinterest (maybe more?). There are seemingly endless possibilities for making this pattern fit your personal style. It can go super casual and super chic. So, if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your very own Byrdie Button-up, I got you!

Below are a few of my favorite RTW button-ups from around the web, and you can see even more on my Byrdie Button-up Inspiration board on Pinterest!

CLASSIC

Did I mention that a button-up shirt is a classic? It doesn’t have to be too complicated or fancy to give your wardrobe serious style. When I was high school, I had a white button-up shirt with oversized cuffs that I wore with black dress pants that made me feel like a total boss. So I had to show the simple, crisp white! And a shirtdress never goes out of style. I also love the idea of taking a more luxe fabric, like velvet, to elevate the classic look—it gives off that “this style comes so naturally to me” vibe. This whole category is giving me a 90s kind of feeling, and I’m not mad about it.

PRINTS + FLORALS

Ok, so this category? Litch-erally cannot go wrong. One of my biggest challenges while designing this pattern and getting all the sewalong and listing photos ready was not allowing myself to convince…myself…that I needed to buy every dang floral print fabric on the market (I released this pattern during the holidays and there were copious holiday sales on fabric. I kept saying to myself, oh, this would be perfect for the Byrdie…). Alas, I only gave in most of the time, and for all of my other Byrdie fantasies, I scoured the internet! I love a bold print, and I love even MORE the idea of mixing it up to bust a few scraps!

PLAIDS + CHECKS

I’ll be honest, before this year, I didn’t own one single plaid garment. For one thing, I wanted a plaid button-up shirt but buying ready-to-wear button-ups was always a fitting challenge (hence, designing my own pattern). Also, have you SEEN the selection of plaid fabrics available? SO MANY. Analysis paralysis. I finally found a plaid that I love for one of the Byrdie samples and it has been my most worn shirt since! It’s such a cozy staple and feels casual enough for getting things done at home, but not too casual for day-to-day errands around town.

LAYERING

I love layering. Not only because it’s a way to wear multiple of my favorite handmade garments at once while allowing an outfit to transition through weird seasonal days, but also because great layering just screams “I am confident in my personal style!”. I love, love, love the idea of Byrdie as a duster (!!) and will never grow tired of wearing a button-up under a crew-neck sweater. I’ve also been on the hunt for the perfect long sweater blazer pattern, so all of these looks are right up my style alley.

EMBELLISHMENTS

I’m always drawn to unique embellishments on garments (and keep promising I’m gonna try it one day!). It’s a way to bring a new life to a garment. But it’s also a way to create something totally one-of-a-kind. It can be as simple as adding contrast buttons and a bow tie, or inserting ruffles or piping along the collar, placket, and cuff edges. Or you can go wild with beading and embroidery (have you seen the beautiful embroidery by Tessa Perlow? OMG).