These days, when I’m too lazy or completely blocked to think of something to wear, I automatically reach for one of my oversized men’s button downs. I have a couple from my dad, and because of my wheedling, my husband caved and unearthed his Ye Olde Grunge era plaid flannels (which he did actually wear, briefly, when he was in a band!)

Oversize button-downs don’t have to look grungy and lazy, though. They can be businesslike and even polished. Mixed with the right accessories and unexpected items, the man’s polo can be chic. Like so:

Image from The Window/Barneys.com

Leandra Medine (www.manrepeller.com) pairs a plaid button-down with a formal skirt and some seriously happening neck and arm parties. This may be a bit too extreme for everyday, but I think a slim maxi skirt or even a pencil skirt would be a fab substitute!

Image from The Window/Barneys.com

Leandra, again, shows how a short-sleeved button-down works well with skinny trousers. If you attempt this, pick your accessories well — jewelry, shoes and bag — and elevate it from boring to stylish.

Image from Chictopia

Throw an oversize polo over roomy shorts, add a statement necklace and a funky bag = voila! Unfussy and laid back, perfect for the weekend.

And here’s my lazy-bones-in-the-office take: belt the polo over a stretchy pencil skirt (Forever 21), add lots of necklaces, bracelets and some booties, and you’re good to go. (Belt from People are People).

What about you? How would you style an oversized button-down? (Check out my blog tomorrow for some shopping picks as well!)

Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).