Meghan Markle's Go-To Linen Button Down Is the Most Versatile Top For a Summer Wardrobe
After careful observation over the last 5 or so years, I have come to the conclusion that the Duchess of Sussex, one Meghan Markle, absolutely excels when it comes to her frequent fashion flex: the button down shirt. Crisp, clean, and classic—and very much in line with her overall personal taste. Markle has picked the wardrobe essential (in varying iterations) over her public life with Prince Harry, and even chose to make her first public appearance with him at the Invictus Games (pre-engagement) wearing a boyfriend blouse. Needless to say, it is one of her go-to looks, and it's easy to understand why. Recently, I decided as a woman of nearly 30, it was time for me to add a sophisticated and timeless summer top to my wardrobe: a crisp, linen button down. And from who better to take inspiration than Meghan Markle with her relaxed but still polished Frank & Eileen blouses.
The top in question is the Eileen, a number that she wore on a the New Zealand press tour shortly after announcing her pregnancy with Archie. The selection struck the perfect note: easygoing, but still refined. And heat appropriate. With temperatures rising, but my need to look stylish unhindered, it only made sense that I would snap one up for myself.
I have long been a fan of linen sheets—breathable and cooling—but also soft and comfortable... which beckons the question, why have I waited so long to incorporate linen clothing into my wardrobe? This piece, with its relaxed fit, evokes casual glamour plain and simple. It can be worn with ease, as I have learned with just about everything. Whether it's tossed over a swimsuit and a pair of cutoffs to walk home from a day at the beach, or paired with a classic pair of skinny jeans and flats, it just works.
And, perhaps most importantly, it's insanely comfortable. On days when it's hot and sticky, I don't feel stifled by my choice of attire. Another thing that I love: this linen isn't flimsy. It's rumpled in the dolce far niente way, not in the I'm-a-schlub manner. Further: some linen clothing can be far too see-through—but the Eileen is just the right level of opacity. No see-through moments that would relegate it to the "beach days only" section of my closet.
One last bit of smart design: the buttons are placed strategically at the wides part of the chest, so you don't get any dreaded gapping, that can, let's face it, take down ones level of polish.
If you see me this summer, the chances are high I'll be wearing my Eileen button down. It's a classic for a reason.
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