I know what you’re thinking. A button-down shirt isn’t that complicated, you just put your arms through the sleeves and do up the buttons.

Yes, it’s true, most shirts are fairly straight-forward. In fact, a crisp, white button-down is a classic wardrobe basic, and an autumn staple for many women who are in no need of directions. However, too often, the standard Oxford shirt is relegated to work-wear only status when, in truth, it can be a stylishly versatile garment. Here are a few creative styling ideas to breathe some new life into your go-to button-down.

First, make it a dress! I’m not suggesting you not wear pants with your shirt, but instead, explore shirtdresses. From chambray to plaid, to silk, shirtdresses are on trend this fall and come in a variety of colors, prints, and price points. I’m personally a big fan of the shirtdresses on offer at Uniqlo.com. They come in a range of sizes, are reasonably priced, machine-washable, and have pockets! For work, cinch your shirtdress with a menswear-inspired leather belt and top off the look with a blazer. For casual wear, leave things loose and pair with leggings and ankle boots. You can also layer sweaters with a shirtdress as you would a standard button-down.

Speaking of layers, a button-front shirt lends itself to some very stylish layered looks. There’s the classic sweater and shirt combo for both cardigans and pullovers. You can also wear a button-down under a shift dress, or over a turtleneck. For nights on the town, pair your shirt with a cocktail skirt, tights, and heels. For weekend errands, throw a button-down over a striped tee with jeans and sneakers. More fitted shirts work best for layers, as there is less bulk to contend with, however, if you have an oversized button-down, make that the top layer of your outfit.

In fact, why not wear your loose-fitting button-down as a jacket? Denim and utility-inspired shirts and shirtdresses are the easiest styles to wear as outerwear. The key to donning a shirt as a jacket is to keep it at least partially unbuttoned. Flannel shirts also work as jackets, especially paired with more fitted pieces, like a slim-cut tee and skinny cords. For patterned longer shirtdresses, wear them as a duster-coat, leaving it unbuttoned to flow over drawstring pants and a graphic tee. Add some pewter jewelry and suede booties for a boho look.

Your shirt can also work as a middle layer. The collar and cuffs of a white shirt create a graphic contrast between a black turtleneck and monochrome cardigan. Or, lean into menswear, pairing a button-down with a plaid vest and trousers for some traditional autumnal flair. You can also extend the life of your summertime crop top by wearing it over a pinstriped shirt and flared pants. Another fall look I also like is a chambray button-down tucked into a patterned midi-skirt and layered under a long cardigan, or more substantial coatigan.

If you’re not a fan of layers, but want to freshen up your button-down game, consider swapping your basic white or blue shirt for a patterned version. J.Crew has shirts in paisleys, florals, ginghams, and plaids that pair wonderfully with standard trousers, jeans, and skirts. You can also experiment with rolling up the sleeves, the style of tuck, and how buttoned up or not to wear your shirt. I prefer to leave the top buttons undone, flip back the cuffs, and half-tuck my shirts. On the flip side, this season, it’s the trend to leave sleeves long, button the top buttons, and leave the shirt untucked with the bottom half left open. You can also leave longer shirts untucked, and create shape with a wide belt, or tie the front tails of your shirt instead of tucking them into higher-waisted pants.

Whether you go with a shirtdress, find new ways to layer, or pick up a primrose patterned shirt, the button-down can be worn to work, on the weekends, and to social gatherings, making it the perfect go-to garment for fall. Just be sure to follow the care instructions and iron out the wrinkles: The crisper, the better.