Here’s something that many of you may not know about Dr. Megan Brown. Yes, she has a doctorate in Physical Therapy. Yes, she is the co-owner of Mind the Mat. Yes, she teaches amazing classes that have a cult following in Alexandria and Arlington (and she sometimes dresses up for certain themed classes). Yes, she writes great Stylebook articles on how to cure what is ailing us and help us all live longer. But did you know that she is a professor and is often asked to give speeches at conferences across the country on things like pre-and post-natal care and entrepreneurship?

Well, she does, and often before the conference she calls me and says, what am I wearing? She doesn’t want to look like an accountant. But she wants to look professional while maintaining her own personal style. I mean she looks good, damn good. Over the years we have added pieces to her wardrobe that I know will work for these types of trips but also for dinner out, meetings around town, or sitting on the sidelines watching her kids play sports. One of these items is a silk button-down. 

Now you may think this seems stuffy or maybe too corporate. Well, only if you wear it in a stuffy or corporate manner. I hate this word and I can’t believe I am typing it, but a silk button-down can also be sexy. Sexy doesn’t mean having your belly and boobs showing all the time. I for one, think subtle is way more attractive, like a little wink and nod. Like, yep, I still got it. If you watch Emily In Paris, one of the main characters, Sylvie, does this perfectly. I am not saying don’t show any skin or don’t show it off. Just find a balance.

I try desperately to explain this to my teenage daughter on a weekly basis, as she’s surrounded by society telling her the opposite. Classy is sexy. Being comfortable in your own skin but not having to show all your skin is sexy. 

I asked Ali to come show Megan and Stylebook readers how to dress up or dress down a silk button-down. These looks turned out even better than I could have imagined. (Okay, so maybe she wouldn’t wear the crazy platform heels on the sidelines, but I wouldn’t totally put it past her.)