All my button ups (thanks, JAileen) are cotton or cotton blend short sleeved shirts, boxy and cropped. White, royal blue, navy blue plaid, bluish-gray striped, green, cinnamon and dark pink.

My preferred button down is white

Apparently I like that traditional blue and white stripe as I have it in ... maybe 5 iterations. I think I just kept trying to get the right one and failed until earlier this spring when I found a Rag and Bone at TJ Maxx on steep discount. It is really beautiful, hangs just right, tucks just right, is not fitted, but not oversized either. It is crisp and the collar stays popped. Not sure what I will do with the other four . . .

Irina, agreed, and thanks! Those L'Agence silk blouses are like wearing liquid gold. Feels gorgeous against the skin. I love them in fun patterns! Hope you find a pattern that's more to your taste

I have a few that I enjoy wearing. The navy white check is the newest and is really versatile. The blue plaid was a gift from a few years ago that also works with a lot of my pants and jackets. I'm not sure the four Anthro shirts are what you mean by button downs because they have a lower neckline and are a soft fabric but I've worn them many times. The black and white plaid is one of a collection of shirts I wear for summer hiking. They are very lightweight and cover my arms and neck from the hot sun. I guess button downs are a staple in my wardrobe.

I’m also a fan of taking must have lists with a grain of salt; particularly the ones on French style. I am not a dark haired small boned Southern European woman living in a city, so need to adjust accordingly!

I have a few straggling button downs, one may be white, the others are some sort of sky blue, aqua, or maybe light blue? They are not a classic oxford blue color. I have learned that I hate the way most classic tab collars look on me. It’s rare that I find a tab collar I like and I am not easily able to identify what makes it work when others don’t. I much prefer softer knits, popover blouses, and mandarin collared tops. I also do not like the stiffness of many classic button tops, so I have a collection of silk blouses instead.

Jenni--yes. Each to their own! It is good to know yourself.

Star--those both sound like excellent choices. I would wear out both.

Lisa--thanks for sharing all those pics. I can see how gauzy material would be a great pick, esp. as an alternative to sunscreen on the shoulders. That navy...I would probably wear that.

Irina--a white shirt probably is a great staple for most people, but many of us don't have it. I like how you also use natural fabric.

Robin F--I think those "have to" lists are going out of style, but sometimes like you said, having one of those items (a button-down) works out well.

Janet--cute picks. I also like the new cropped look, but it has to be done right. I find some cropped button-ups elegant, and some a bit awkward. I do not have any--just what I see elsewhere.

Star--cinnamon is a great color, and I have seen it around. I wonder how different it is from terra cotta, which I have always loved.

Helena--great point, especially when you feel stuck. I actually love white button-downs, but it was the idea of being a little different that I found attractive.

LJP--I wonder if you just belt them occasionally, if this would work. Belting things usually makes them feminine for me.

Carla--cute stuff. I did just buy a black polka-dotted long-sleeve dress shirt online, so we will see how that is when it comes.

ChristelJ--I love that jacket option for these shirts, and those JCrew ones sound cute. I am also curious about cropped.

JAileen--red, blue, and TH in general are very much my style. Interesting about button-up v. button-down. And I like the idea of pairing them with a vest.

Suz--thanks are all great, and I love that you also have short-sleeved. I wonder if you ever button up the collar all the way, because it brings out the tailoring.

Angie--love all those, especially the blues and brights. I can really see how these can be everyday wear, especially when you get into a rhythm of what you like.

Angie--I know blouses is a separate category, that many of us are confused about. Do you think these are cooler in temperature to wear than the shirts?

Suz--these are all lovely, and I find the pattern on the first one very artful (the blue embroidery).

Angie--terminology is fascinating, and something I like to collect in my mind in any category of knowledge. I don't know if "right/left" buttons is a thing anymore. I just saw Paris is Burning, and one competitor nearly gets to tears when they tell him he's wearing a women's jacket in the men's category. "The buttons are on the right!" he shouts over and over.

Irina--such a great blouse. Almost tempting to wear, even if not quite the right color!

Aurore--those are nice picks--I love a classic look. And dinginess happens--I had to get rid of the blue Oxford mentioned in my post because of it! A short run.

Sloper--cotton poplin sounds great, especially in stripes. Nice that you always have those in your closet.

The cat--that sounds like a super cute collection.

Sal--all nice. That olive one, I understand. Honestly, it looks like an item where people say, "that looks great on you!" but it takes a few tries to believe them.

Jaime--one of my main "colors" is also prints--usually classic. I love the stripe shirts, and I just bought a polka dotted shirt.

Bijou--great shirt! I love what you say about "pure classic" feeling like dress-up--that is a great way to put it.

The cat--that is a good "rule" or general rule. It's so easy to remember.

Joy--those are nice options--I would do a plaid in a lightweight materials.

Kate--those sound very appetizing. I like the cropped look now--I think a few years ago the waist was higher, which did not look as good on me.

AndiB--I love the idea of a collection of blue striped shirts--I think you should continue to wear them all.

Bonnie--these are beautiful, and I like the dressy-casual vibe given off by the softer fabric. That navy would do the trick for me.

cat2--such a good point. Whenever I look at those lists, I try to find updated ones, because the "French" one has been the same for years!

Staysfit--see, and I like the easy elegance of classic design in these shirts. But it can be a strong look, best achieved only if you really want to be wearing it.

karen23--good description of how awkward these shirts can actually be. I remember the "rectangle" suits of the 80s--I was a kid, but my mom had them.

Carol - It is lovely of you to write a personal message to everyone - it's much appreciated.