Closet Cleaning Confessions - White Button-front Shirt

Anonymous

I have been continuing my closet clean-out and have hit a hurdle...to keep or pass on...

My confession is regarding white button-front shirts. Darn near every "must-have" list for wardrobes includes a white button-front shirt. Now, I do have the shirt, it fits, its flattering. Overall, I like it. But I never wear the thing! It looks too formal on its own. It looks too conservative under jackets. Layering it is fussy...too much adjusting and fussing to keep it straight. And I have terrible flashbacks to my waitressing days!

The shirt itself is a basic Eddie Bauer wrinkle resistant shirt. I love the fabric..its got a really cool texture and it really doesn't wrinkle! And it fits great.

Can anyone provide suggestions on how they have worn a simple white button-front shirt in a casual or smart-casual way?

17 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from Antje

bella

(website)

Veteran

I am surprised to hear that you're having a hard time integrating a perfectly fitting white shirt into your wardrobe, it is one of the most versatile items in my closet.

Here is how I've worn mine:

- My flop proof outfit this winter is skinny jeans, knee-high boots, white button-down shirt, black v-neck sweater and a colorful scarf. I will also wear the same outfit with bootcut jeans.
- Under a sheath dress. I don't have a sheath dress and they don't look good on me (I'm a pear), but I have an A-line, sleeveless black dress, which works fine. A colorful cardi and a skinny belt complement this look.
- I think white shirts look good with a blazer, skinny jeans and chunky necklace.
Hope this helps!

17 years ago

ChristineB

Active Member

great ideas from bellacville. Here are a few more:

- Layer a cardi over it (even 3/4 length or short sleeves), or a vest.
- Sometimes I wear mine untucked over jeans with a scarf or a statement necklace
- You can layer a colored T or cami underneath, especially if it's a nice thick weave.

17 years ago

Lee Hovey

Active Member

I was going to make the same suggestion as Christine.

Also, Wear a jean jacket over it with the jacket sleeves rolled up with colored corduroys.

I have also seen it done with the an artsy t-shirt in a darker color, white button down on top unbottoned, skinnies and boots (over or under the jeans), funky statement purse and leather bomber over everything.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

I find this a really interesting question!

I realize that the others have given you great suggestions about how to wear the shirt, but I think that no matter what you do it it, it's still a fairly traditional look. Is it possible that you just don't respond to this particular type of look, no matter how you style it?

I have not worn any type of woven shirt in probably 20 years, for several reasons. Apart from the fit problems, I have never really liked anything with a collar. Collars always felt stiff and confining to me. it has always seemed to me that knits were hipper looking.

However, suddenly I've become drawn to all these completely different looks than I'm used to, like the woven shirt. In fact, I have now become obsessed with them and have been trying them on everywhere. I actually bought that Eddie Bauer shirt you have and I love the fit. I also found one from Jones NY that has the same open collar and fit me pretty well.

I'm starting to want them in different colors and even stripes! (I have never worn stripes in my life!) I bought one from Eddie Bauer that's a black and white print - I wore it under a black jacket and I LOVED it. I suddenly LOVE the look of a striped shirt under a blazer. I'm still not really good at the whole cardigan/layering thing, and I think I prefer the structure of blazers over sweaters anyway, but I'm experimenting like crazy.

To me, the woven shirt feels very different from the knits I'm used to wearing. It feels more structured to me, which for some reason I am really loving right now. You couldn't drag me into a woven shirt for years. Now, I'm suddenly obsessed with them!

I guess what I'm suggesting is that maybe the classic button down just isn't "you," at this point, no matter how you wear it. Do you think that's possible, or do you think it's just a matter of finding the right way to wear it? Or maybe it's the fact that it's plain white that's not "you?"

17 years ago

Anonymous

I feel the same way Marlene. I have the white button down but it feels cold and stiff and stark to me so it just hangs in the closet.

17 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

I have a white button down Eddie Bauer wrinkle resistant shirt. I love it! It's not even one of the more tailored ones, which I think would make it even better. I'll have to get one at some point.

Here are a couple pictures of how I've worn it. Maybe it'll inspire.
http://i508.photobucket.com/al.....0_9039.jpg

http://i508.photobucket.com/al.....0_9119.jpg

If you need a password, it should be ylf2008.

17 years ago

Lee Hovey

Active Member

Alecia, those outfits are great! Good examples...

I really shouldn't talk though because I only own 1 oxford shirt. It's pink with lighter pink stripes, and 3/4 length sleeves. I have been craving a white oxford, but havn't found one that flatters me yet. I have all kings of outfits I would like to try with it when I finally get it!

17 years ago

Anonymous

That looks very nice Alecia. I especially like the wide belt on you. both do look good though.

17 years ago

Anonymous

I think Tarzy's point about it not being "my style" is pretty right on. I hadn't even thought about that since I haven't been wearing button-fronts for so many years! When I did my closet purge, there were not any other button-fronts even in there! And I know I bought the thing because of all those "must-have" lists.

But all these ideas are very inspiring and I am going to commit to giving as many ideas as I can a good ol' fashioned try! I spent the money, I should at least try. If it doesn't work, I'll bring the shirt along to the YLF Seattle Clothes Swap and it can go to a home where it will be enjoyed

Thanks so much everyone!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’d love to see you in the shirt, Marlene. I wonder if the length is right.

17 years ago

Anonymous

We just bought a new camera at costco last night that I suspect may work better for these shots than what I have been TRYING to use. Let me experiment with my new gadget and see if I can get a good photo of it.

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

Marlene, I'm glad you're giving the button down a shot. I hadn't owned a white button down shirt in years, but now I own several because I got such great ideas for layering them from Angie and YLF. My favorite ways are under a black tailored sheath dress, with a menswear vest, and under v-neck sleeveless knits. Once you start, you'll see how versatile white button downs are, and how fun and crisp they are.

17 years ago

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