Every man should own an oxford cloth button-down. And at one time, every man did. The “OCBD” is a timeless wardrobe staple, that's never fallen out of fashion but is certainly enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment. This essential woven shirt should be the first item every man should buy whenever they're revamping their wardrobe or looking to cover their bases for a classically cool outfit. Although the shirt derived from an Ivy League university, it democratizes style like no other garment.

The anatomy of the OCBD is the ultimate chef's kiss where function meets style: the chest pocket is for small belongings, the soft rolls of the button-down collar are for added sharpness and the cuff and gauntlet are to adjust your sleeve length. Where once your choices were blue or white, the shirts now come in a range of colors from saturated, garment-dyed hues, to subtle shades and patterns.

Of course, like so many things in menswear today, the real secret is in the fit. Maybe you'll tuck this into a proper pair of trousers or layer it under a sweater with some relaxed work pants on date night. You could just throw it on over a simple T-shirt and sport it with washed and worn jeans—feel free to leave the collar unbuttoned. This is a shirt that will never let you down. Just a few tips: look for a substantial collar that will hold its shape and the sleeve-length should be meeting at your wrist. Here, we've pulled together some of our current favorite oxfords. Whichever one you go with, we guarantee you'll look handsome.