https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 00:37:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped/page/2#post-997150 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 14:30:40 +0000 Mona 997150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am pear shaped with small bust and find button-downs really tricky. Especially, if I tuck, they never stay tucked. always shifting around and driving me crazy. This problem of course, only happens with cotton ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped/page/2#post-996947 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 06:19:13 +0000 goldenpig 996947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Button downs are tricky for me too! As an apple with a nursing bust, I need a more feminine cut and material. I find that I have better luck with silky (but not shiny satin) button downs that have a soft drape. The stiff cotton tomboy style button downs look too masculine on me. For example, compare the two shirts below. The first one is more flowy and a better color for me and the undone buttons at the top create a V neck. The second one is too stiff and boyish on me (I should have known better than to get something called "Boy shirt") and the buttoned up collar, lack of darts and pastel blue color aren't helping--I loved the seahorse print, but I do realize I look dorky in this, so I'm returning it. I have the feeling that a tomboy rectangle like Angie or Suz et al would look great in this type of shirt though.</p> <p>The first one is from <a href="http://www.the-shirt.com/" rel="nofollow">The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens</a> (Sona's suggestion)--they have an extra hidden row of buttons on the inside placket which helps prevent gaping bust--you may want to check out their site. You can also check out my recent <a href="http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/post/red-is-a-neutral-ms-scarlets-first-two-weeks" rel="nofollow">thread with two weeks of outfits</a>--I wore several other button down shirts: a couple short sleeve ones in white and red with feminine cuts/details, and another silky turquoise one, and a stiffer denim one but used it as a blazer over a T shirt. </p> <p>I agree with the others that you have to get the right button down to match your body and style. Don't give up yet if you want one!</p> <p>Rachy--LOL! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped/page/2#post-996941 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 06:05:40 +0000 Ingunn 996941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like crisp button downs, but soft, drapey ones are a lot easier to wear. So many good points in this thread!</p> <p>Rachy, you almost made me roll out of bed laughing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped/page/2#post-996918 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 05:01:55 +0000 Gaylene 996918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's perfectly fine to like something in theory, admire it on others, but not wear it myself. For me, button-downs fall into that category, along with 3"+ heels, mid-calf skirts, pointy toes, and statement necklaces. I suppose, if I really cared, I could try to find versions that would work, but the effort doesn't seem worth it when there are so many items that I can wear without any hassle. Fashion ought to be fun, not a source of frustration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996907 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 04:10:36 +0000 MsLuna 996907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@puffenstuff: What is your body type like? Do you tend to be angular up the top or more rounded? If you're a bit more on the "squishy" side, I recommend choosing flowy, lighter fabrics that just drape on your body. Sometimes stiff fabrics can be tougher to work with for people with rounder/softer torsos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996904 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 03:59:52 +0000 puffenstuff 996904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm more food for thought. Its funny that Gaylene said that they may fit ok<br /> into a "Modern Classic" style, that is kind of where I consider myself to be and<br /> that's why I brought one. But maybe I have more of a leaning to a different<br /> style aesthetic than I thought, or maybe it is just my short curvy hourglass<br /> throwing the look out of whack. I do like tunics though, the ones where the<br /> buttons only go half way down and the one single example I have of that in my<br /> wardrobe is one of my go to items.</p> <p>So happy to hear I have alot of company in not feeling the love for button<br /> down's, you've all made my day :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996850 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 02:22:00 +0000 Mo 996850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried to put on my newer Express white button down to work a wedding last week. &nbsp;Had to pull it off and put on my knit white top instead. &nbsp;<br />I think I can do it untucked okay, but once I try to tuck I feel like I need to be immobilized for it to stay the way it's supposed to. &nbsp;I don't feel free to move like I normally do. &nbsp;Can't stand that feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996820 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 01:46:58 +0000 kkards 996820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think rachy summed up why I don't really wear button downs.<br /> But that being said, I buy a new white one every year thinking I just need to find the right one. Thanks rachy, for showing me, it's not them, it's me.<br /> Puffenstuff, I did get a knit button down this year, that i love. It's got the easy and softness of a tee shirt, but with the look of a button-down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996810 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 01:40:23 +0000 Jeanie 996810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also being a curvy hourglass, I have not made friends with button downs but I keep trying. &nbsp;The shaped ones look good untucked. &nbsp;Today I tried on my teenage son's oxford and I thought it looked good because it was sleeker. &nbsp;I&nbsp;buttoned just a couple of the buttons under the bust and put a tank under. &nbsp; Of course I still frump around in my super soft cotton mens versions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996784 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 01:21:22 +0000 Suz 996784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smiling, Gaylene.&nbsp;</p> <p>I had to do the opposite. Face the reality that much as I didn't particularly <b>want</b> to be a button down kind of girl, button downs wanted me!&nbsp;</p> <p>I did some serious reflection on it and realized I just have to make them the <b>RIGHT</b> button downs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now for me, there's <b>no</b> fussing with the right button down. Tucked, untucked, semi-tucked -- if the fit is right, it's all good.&nbsp;But there is endless fussing with a low scoop neck. Ugh. Nightmare!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996727 Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:01:40 +0000 Gaylene 996727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are two issues with button-down shirts.</p> <p>First, as others have noted, it's harder for some shapes to find the proper fit than others. Soft, flowy fabric can help to a point, but women with larger or widely-spaced breasts, short necks, overly long or short waists, broad shoulders, and curves can find the search for a nice-looking button-down even more frustrating than trying to find a good-looking pair of jeans. (Ask me how I know!)</p> <p>Second, the button-down shirt plays nicely with some styles, but not as well with others. An Arty Eclectic, or Sleek Urban, is likely to find it harder to incorporate the button-down into her closet than a Modern Classic. It's amazing the amount of fussing that I have to do to make a button-down shirt look good on me while pulling on a turtleneck or V-neck sweater is a total no-brainer. Rachylou's description made me laugh (and cry just a bit!) because I totally get the same feeling when I'm looking at myself in the mirror with one of those blasted oxford button-downs.</p> <p>After years spent trying to figure out the secret for getting the button-down to work, I finally tossed all my shirts into the recycle bin. Here's to the sweater girls! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996721 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 23:44:48 +0000 JulieJohn 996721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm stumped too, puff. I don't know if I've worn one since high school, when a favorite light blue oxford was my once-a-week standard. I am hourglass, short-waisted, curvy, and short of stature. Perhaps I will try a silky one in an oversized silhouette. I do like wearing scarfs as neckties, and you need a collar and buttons to really pull that off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996686 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 23:11:58 +0000 Caro in Oz 996686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Lantana beat me to it - try on some VM ones. I also have a Country Road one in a really soft cotton that works with my large bust.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996646 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:18:13 +0000 Anonymous 996646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a white Brooks Brothers shirt and a blue chambray button front that fit me perfectly and both were good colors but I could never get used to the cotton shirt feeling. I now have a couple in silk, two are oversized, and I feel MUCH more like myself. If you really want to wear one, just keep trying different ones on. There are a lot of good looking collar-less ones out there (at least here in the states) that might work better if the collar bothers you. Over-sizing them can help with bust gap. I think. I've never had the pleasure, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996587 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 20:50:32 +0000 Lantana 996587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Check out Veronika Maine, she makes a buttondown that is slightly shaped with seams and suits the hourglass/short neck scenario. In fact I think she is a great designer for hourglass gals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996576 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 20:18:28 +0000 puffenstuff 996576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah such wise advice from you all, and as I'm reading it does start to make sense. I am a short hourglass, and I think I am not short waisted (2 hands width trick) but don't know about being short on long necked. But what I do like is soft, flowy and drapey fabrics so it makes sense that when I went to put on a chambray shirt that it didn't feel quite right. The fabric was softer than usual that's why I thought I would give it a go but something was just a little off.&nbsp;</p> <p>I loved Diana's picture, visuals are always great. I could never tuck like that though. For one I have a pot belly and I'm not too happy about showing that off, and also I would be so fidgety all day with it shifting. The more I thought about that and looked at that photo made me cement the ideas in my head about why they may not be right for me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess sometimes you do just have to give things a go but also have to admit that sometimes they just don't suit your style or figure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996447 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 17:36:49 +0000 Anonymous 996447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just popped back to this thread for another peruse and Rachy, you crack me up!&nbsp;&nbsp;:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996431 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 17:02:56 +0000 rachylou 996431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if there's anything I look worse in than an oxford button-down. Some people look chic and sleek, but I put one on... my waist moves up to right below my neck, my hair develops split ends, and all my pants become oversized wide wale corduroy. </p> <p>I do a little better if the shirt has princess seams and the collar is widespread, and if the material has a little stretch... but this is not a "classy" type of shirt. Doesn't have the same effect at all as a proper button down.</p> <p>Yes, the sort of button down I look OK in (and only OK) is what you wear when you're gonna be the temp receptionist who wears too-tall, high-heeled sandals and one too many buttons unbuttoned.</p> <p>... ok, but back on track. The <i>silky</i> button down is fabulous. More sympathetic to feminine curves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996359 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:49:23 +0000 cade 996359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear button downs a lot because I look good in tailored, classic lines and paired with a scarf I am&nbsp;good to go. My very best friend is a very curvy hourglass and looks in them as if she tried to dress like a man and therefore hates them. Body shape has a lot to do with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996355 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:48:10 +0000 deb 996355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Suz is right about body type. I am small busted and long necked and I think that is why they work for me. The longer neck makes room for the collar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996338 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:35:47 +0000 T-Rex 996338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like them untucked over pants or a pencil skirt&nbsp;for work if they are nipped in at the waist a bit. And I usually wear them with a more feminine shoe with a&nbsp;bit of a heel. If I wore the straight version, untucked, over pants with a flat, androgynous oxford or loafer, I would feel a bit sloppy. If it matters, these shirts often have a bit of lycra in them, so I can wear them as truly fitted for my body&nbsp;without being uncomfortable in them. </p> <p>The other way I like to wear them is open, like a jacket, over a fitted tee, tank, or camisole. The layer underneath has to hug my body and have a v or lower cut scoop neck for this to work. And even though a straight cut is acceptable in this case, it can't be oversized or baggy if I want to look pulled together. This reads as a more casual look to me than what I described in the first paragraph.</p> <p>Which doesn't mean I don't wear oversized, baggy ones with my jeans or leggings. I just don't pretend that I look sharp in them. This look is usually reserved for hanging around the house. Even in those cases, I tend to go for shirts with great colors or prints. I used to manage a menswear store, and many cool paisley and floral print mens shirts managed to follow me home during that time. I may revisit my old menswear shirt + leggings + cool boots formula again this fall. But this time, I'm going to see how it looks and feels when I belt in the shirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996331 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 15:25:01 +0000 Diana 996331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding a photo for you.&nbsp; This is from my WIW post today, and features my J Crew liberty shirt.&nbsp; I have a short neck, short waist, and am curvy (more on bottom than on top though); to Suz's point, I do have to do things to my buttondowns to make them look good.&nbsp; Here, the fabric is very soft and not stiff at all, I have two buttons open at the top (to create a vee to lengthen the neck), and it's semi-tucked (to give some waist definition).&nbsp; I also have the sleeves cuffed to give it a more casual, RATE feel that's more in keeping with my aesthetic. </p> <p>ETA: PS, if your buttons gape but the shirt is not tight at the bust, it may just be the button placement or your particular bust shape.&nbsp; Buttons gape on me all the time (not on this particular one here, but on many others I own) because my boobs are wide set so they pull the sides of the shirt apart unless there happens to be a button right in line with the nipples.&nbsp; I usually just safety pin between the offending buttons and put the shirt on over my head.&nbsp; You could even sew it together there.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996294 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:33:13 +0000 Thistle 996294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not much help, I'm afraid. I don;t wear them as they don't fit my bust/waist ratio. </p> <p>Some fab ideas from the others though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996277 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:17:27 +0000 texstyle 996277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another lover of button downs - in soft, light fabrics. Linen/cotton blends, lawn weight cotton, cotton voile, etc. Worn semi-tucked this is my favorite&nbsp;shirt style and I wear them often. In summer I like to roll and scrunch the sleeves to just below elbow length - doing this makes them seem much more casual to me. I never wear them buttoned up all the way as it's just not a good look for me. If I want to wear them untucked I choose slightly fitted, tailored styles and leave the bottom button or two undone to create an upside down v in front which seems more flattering to me as it gives more of an hourglass shape.</p> <p>I'd say to try them in softer, lighter fabrics and see what you think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996273 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:13:31 +0000 Kristin L 996273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto on what everyone has said. I love buttondowns, but I'm more of rectangle on top with a small bust. The ones that work best for me are usually thinner cotton or oxford cloth. Mine come from a varity of places, but a lot of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft on work well for me as well as Gap and Old Navy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996270 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:04:46 +0000 Suz 996270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just stepping in again to say that body type plays as big a role as personal style here. Several of us who like button downs are slim hourglass or rectangle shaped with smaller bust lines and in some cases longer necks. If you have a short neck or a large bust button downs can still work, but you might have to work harder to make them work, and a flowing fabrication will be helpful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996268 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:57:09 +0000 Karie 996268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love buttondowns, especially the Gap fitted boyfriend style for casual wear, and the Brooks Brothers fitted style for dressy wear. If these aren't for you, how about trying a silky or woven fabrication others have suggested? Perhaps it's the drape that is turning you off and changing the fabrication might solve that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996252 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:46:31 +0000 Sarah A 996252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love buttondowns but they arent for everyone and if you try a few and they dont feel right to you go for a woven T (they can be found in cottons and drapey rayons as well as silks like Suz mentioned) or perhaps a woven peplum top to switch up from knits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996217 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 13:04:49 +0000 Suz 996217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would try the suggestions of these wise fabbers and if none of these work, then there is no shame in saying: It's not for me. You can get a silk blouse in a tee shirt shape if you want a top that isn't a knit. Or some other, similar top -- no need for only knits.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/buttondowns-have-me-stumped#post-996192 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:40:21 +0000 Diana 996192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree that you should try a different fabric. I don't do stiff, crisp ones, but soft fabrications like silk or very thin cottons are nice. I also leave the two top buttons open - important to eliminate that choking feeling. I have a short neck in any case so all buttoned up to the top looks funny on me anyway.<br /> I've been enjoying wearing my liberty shirt (a very soft, thin cotton) semi tucked and with sleeved cuffed to the elbow lately and loving it. </p>