6 Short-Sleeve Button Up Outfit Ideas for Spring/Summer

Button ups have been a wardrobe staple around the world for over a thousand years. They’re the perfect shortcut to looking sharp year-round, whether as a layering piece or an outfit’s focal point.

Sometimes called a “camp shirt,” “cabana top,” or “bowling shirt,” the short-sleeve button up is a staple for many in the spring and summer. It’s ideal as concert attire or something more casual like a beach day or barbeque.

Learn how to style a short-sleeve button up this season, exploring new prints and patterns to add to your wardrobe.

#1 Bold Patterns and Prints

Nothing screams “spring” or “summer” like a bold pattern or print. Whether it’s paisley or florals, a short-sleeve button up with a loud pattern makes an easy outfit centerpiece. Choosing bright, warm colors for summer and spring can brighten up your outfit. Mix and match with different prints for an extra bold look.

Take the look even further by tying in a complementary statement piece. Choose one of the bold colors from your shirt’s print or pattern and match it to your shoes or accessories. It’s an easy way to tie your look together.

#2 The Monochromatic Ensemble

The monochrome outfit looks polished and purposeful. Pairing your short-sleeve button up with other pieces of the same or similar shades can make a statement with minimal effort. It’s easy to create a polished look when color is not a concern – choose a single color and experiment with fabrics and textures. 

Accessorizing and layering is an easy way to add depth and dimension to monochromatic outfits. Balance a more fitted button up with baggy jeans or vice versa. You should also look for shoes, belts, or jewelry of the same hue to tie the outfit together. 

#3 Paired with Denim

The key to a simple short-sleeve button up outfit is often a classic pairing—denim. Denim can dress down a button up while still keeping your look sharp. 

Experimenting with different washes and cuts can give you access to a week of outfits—denim shorts and flared denim jeans are all fair game. Try balancing out a loud pattern with a solid wash, or pairing a plain button up shirt with patchwork or ripped jeans.

A button up/jeans combo is a versatile look that can be easily layered to suit the weather as it warms up.

#4 Shorts and Light Fabrics

When sporting a short-sleeve shirt in spring or summer, make sure the rest of your outfit is heat-appropriate as well. Opt for a short-sleeve button up shirt in a lightweight fabric, paired with breathable streetwear shorts or pants. 

It’s scientifically proven that linen is the coolest fabric. Its moisture-wicking properties are ideal for hotter temperatures. Other exceptionally breathable fabrics include cotton and viscose.

Finally, accessorize with summer vibes in mind. A bucket hat or classic baseball cap can top off a short-sleeve button up outfit.

#5 Layering for Style

As you brainstorm looks using your short-sleeve button up, don’t forget that it can be worn unbuttoned as well. The short-sleeve button up is a multi-talented layering piece, and can be worn over tanks, tops, or graphic tees. Pairing short-sleeve button ups with an inner layer is an opportunity to experiment with endless types of patterns in clothes and color combinations.

In the same vein, your short-sleeve button up can become the inner layer itself. On cooler evenings, try matching your short-sleeve button up with a lightweight jacket or cardigan. This way, you’ll be covered for a nighttime barbecue or campfire, and your outfit will gain some extra shape and dimension. 

#6 Streetwear Accessories

Accessories are the ultimate way to add flair to a short-sleeve button up casual look. A belt, bag, ascot, or pair of sneakers can make a real difference in tying your outfit together. Be sure to choose streetwear accessories that complement your short-sleeve button up shirt, playing off of the casual shirt’s color or one color from its print or pattern. 

Complete Your Button Up Pairing with mnml

If you’re looking to stock your closet with short-sleeve button up shirt styles this season, mnml has you covered. Our pieces come in classic solids and bolder patterns, so you can check all your boxes when building this year’s spring and summer wardrobe. 

Not to mention, they come in lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics like linen, cotton, and viscose to keep you cool all season long.