Tailored buttoned down menswear shirts

Patience

Pre-YLF it was not uncommon for me to wear tailored button down menswear styled shirts tucked into khakis with oxford shoes. Shirts something like this:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../91377.jsp

I've gotten rid of all my twill pants and am no longer interested in this look. My question is-- is there a place for these types of shirts in a modern style? What is it? I'm looking for fresh and new ideas for wearing these types of shirts.

17 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Patience

Sarah

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Patience, I have two button down tops. One is similar to the one you posted, which I wore with the polka dot skirt here:
http://letitrainagain.blogspot.....17-23.html
I also have this top
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../98698.jsp
in ivory. What I like about it is that it is structured but the silk and twisted placket make it more feminine and modern - at least in my opinion. I'm wearing it today under my purple v-neck sweater and I love how it looks and feels.
I have always liked button down tops, but I tend to wear them with something more feminine to soften the look.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I like tailored button down shirts for layering. They look great under a tons of items: jacket, cardis, sweaters, SS sweaters, vests, knit vests...

17 years ago

Dani

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Patience, I asked a similar question a little while back. Here's the thread with a lot of great answers:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=25

17 years ago

Patience

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Dani, thanks-- I had forgotten about that thread. It covers everything. My one last question is if these types of shirts would work on their own untucked with jeans, assuming they are long enough. One more reason to find a waistcoat too.

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Nicole had the suggestion of wearing them untucked, over skinny jeans with a statement necklace. I'm planning to try that look out when the weather cooperates

17 years ago

Angie

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Fashion Stylist

I LOVE the way the model sports her shirt and ensemble, Patience. I am an absolute sucker for that look. That’s how I prefer to sport button downs best. I Like to scrunch up the sleeves and pop the collar for extra sass. (I always do that with button downs).

I also like to wear them over skinnies with heels and a huge necklace. Sometimes belted. I like to wear my black button down with cream and black micro check skinnies (or white skinnies), red heels and some form of chunky pearl necklace (maybe with my denim jacket).

The shirts have to be very tailored and impeccable quality. Otherwise they look like the things I use to have to wear to school

The vest layering preppy idea is another fun one. I love to pop fab white crisp shirt under a military jacket too (like the Rag & Bone jaclet I got at the NAS). But the right type of shirt and fabric is crucial. I really like buttom downs in voile too. Nothing too masculine. It’s important to keep the look soft. pretty and feminine. Loads of bad quality starched cottons can look severe.

17 years ago

Ana

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Patience, I personally love shirts like this. I'm not sure if I posted on the other thread, but I am actually wearing one today tucked into that full cotton/taffeta skirt that we tried on at J. Crew (I'll be posting photos Sunday):

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../97636.jsp

I was thinking that you could try one tucked into your grey pleated skirt with the little flower pin you bought.

Also, tomorrow I am going to wear this top in bright rhubarb:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../98698.jsp

With my white walk shorts and my yellow ladybug necklace:

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../98032.jsp

Sort of a variation on what Nicole suggested with the skinnies (I'll probably do the same look with skinnies when it's not so hot). I like what you suggested on the other thread about wearing it with a sleeveless dress. Very cute. Have you seen the new J. Crew catalog? They have some interesting ways to do a button up, like wearing one buttoned all the way up with a tie layered underneath a crewneck, long sleeve sweater. I might try that when the weather gets cooler.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ana! We posted at the same time. I’m wearing a woven white Max Studio button down shirt over skinnies today. It’s a STRETCH oxford cotton with lantern sleeves. I adore this look. I popped over my Lavin copy necklace and through on a pair of silver sling back wedges and Bobs your uncle. I feel fab.

http://www.maxstudio.com/cgi-b.....D=21300042

I love the sound of your tafetta skirt!

17 years ago

Maya

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I actually love love love the way the model is wearing hers in the example you posted Patience. I have a couple of button downs, but not that many since it isn't a versatile look for me. I like mine tucked into skirts or layered under knits. Under vests is a look I would like to explore but I need to find a good vest. I'm sure you would have an easier time with that. I personally haven't had much luck with belts, but I really like how a colorful belt looks on other people with some great jeans.

17 years ago

Patience

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I like the model's outfit too. I think Angie's statement that fit and fabric are key is so true. One last question about wearing necklaces with these shirts. I always have problems with the collar. Where exactly should the necklace sit? Does this mean the necklace should be long?

17 years ago

Ana

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Veteran

I was wondering the same thing, Patience. Does it go under the collar, or inside the shirt, etc?

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Depends on the necklace! The model is adorned for a photo shoot. That necklace would not stay in place the whole day – drive me batty.

Short chunky necklaces go inside the collar. Long chunky necklaces go outside. Sometimes, a less chunky long necklace stays inside the collar, but makes an outside statement too. Does that make sense?

17 years ago

Patience

Veteran

Yes! That would have been my guess, but now I have confirmation. I was wondering about the model.

17 years ago

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