Southern Wardrobe Staples: Crisp White Top

|| Top: J.Crew Factory (sold out, additional colors) || Skirt: J.Crew (sold out) || Shoes: kate spade new york (around three years old) || Earrings: Lisi Lerch in ear candy || Watch: kate spade new york (similar style) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

I am bringing a new series to the blog! A few of my readers have asked about what items I think are a must-have. My goal is to have a summer, fall, winter and spring capsule wardrobe post (broken down into age categories). I am treating this as a big project and giving it the time it deserves. Until then, these ones from posts will have to suffice. Over the years, I have had numerous influences on my personal style from Vogue, J.Crew catalogs, Legally Blonde, Southern Living, to influential women in my life. I am taking the time to comb through my closet and share my southern wardrobe staples with you.

Throughout college, I had the chance to work at an upscale women's clothing store, Elizabeth's. A husband and wife team, Bud and Betty Townsend, own and operate this Knoblock Street shopping destination. If you are familiar with Stillwater, you might remember seeing Elizabeth's impressive window displays, it's right by the original Hideaway Pizza (let's just say I ate a lot of personal ATW pizzas in college). During my time there, I soaked up as much as I could. I took each day as a learning opportunity, taking notes from the mastermind behind Elizabeth's. One thing I remember in particular was her love for a crisp white top. Miss Betty had a way of making such a statement with such a simple piece. I might be over exaggerating, but I think she might have worn a white button down once every two weeks. Now that's getting bang for your buck!

I took a note from Miss Betty and found a great short-sleeved popover from J.Crew Factory this summer. I have worn it with skirts, jeans, and black structured leggings. This particular top is still available in a blue and white stripe and chambray option. Right now, J.Crew Factory has a few other crisp white shirts that are at great price points ( 1 / 2 / 3 ). The only thing I will say that is kind of a bummer is that these tops usually require dry cleaning if you don't have time for (or hate) ironing. With that said, I have three crisp white tops that are in my lineup. They seem to rotate in and out of the dry cleaning bag.

You might be asking yourself, why do I need a white button-down blouse? It’s simple really. It never goes out of style, and you can style it for the season you are in. Heck, you can wear the same top with dark wash jeans and change your lipstick and shoes for the season--and it looks like an entirely different outfit! Not only is a crisp white top a stable, it's also easy-button approved.