https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:24:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1984345 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 16:14:44 +0000 Bethster 1984345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I was completely OVER button downs and have a bunch of brooks brothers no-iron shirts sitting all unloved in my closet now that my professional role is a little more casual. But then fell head over heels in love with David Cline crushed shirts&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://davidclineonline.com/collections/crushed-shirts">https://davidclineonline.com/c.....hed-shirts</a>&nbsp;So soft! So drapey! My only regret is having to do laundry more often so that I can keep my new faves in rotation </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1984338 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:55:35 +0000 Angie 1984338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I AM though into <i>flirty button downs that have pretty details</i> like these from my wardrobe: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1984337 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 15:54:29 +0000 Angie 1984337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Classic button down shirts are easy to fit to on my more boyish body. It's a slam dunk. They used to be a wardrobe essential for my style and I loved them.</p> <p>But I went VERY off them a few years ago. Too masculine for this leg of my style journey in ANY fit (tailored, fluid or oversized). I had to fight the urge to buy them because they are easy to fit on my body type.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have ONE classic button down and am leaving it at that for while. It's tailored and I like that.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1984298 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 14:26:33 +0000 Anonymous 1984298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello jussie me I wear buttoned shirts every day is an essential dress for me I like the fully buttoned worn it's my style to me but I like that I wear shirts in general white and blue it depends but I like the buttoned litters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1984229 Wed, 19 Dec 2018 06:22:33 +0000 jussie 1984229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for your interesting responses. Seems like buttondowns are actually quite divisive!<br /> What I’m thinking is I ought to play around with wearing them open over a tee or singlet.<br /> Also this thread reminds me of how much I like buttondowns tucked into skirts. I could experiment with tying a little knot at the front hem of the softer ones too. Can’t wait </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1983270 Sun, 16 Dec 2018 21:30:22 +0000 Lesley 1983270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will echo everyone and say they are hard to find and fit, but I do love the options you get with one. You can wear them with a shirt under, you can wear them with a sweater over and get that pop of a different color or even pattern at the sleeve, collar, and hem. You can roll up the sleeves and pop the collar. It has been a long time since I wore them in the winter months—I have a workhorse chambray for the other 3 seasons and usually have a white shirt in rotation—but <br />i recently tried flannel in a black and white buffalo plaid and a white and magenta gingham and they went into instant high rotation. They are such a warm cozy layer. In keeping with the relaxed feel of flannel, I did go a little oversized, which helps with fitting across the bust. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1983034 Sun, 16 Dec 2018 02:52:46 +0000 Deb 1983034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love a loose fit button down with an extra button undone. Plain neutrals in high quality linen or cotton or silk. No patterns except animal print for me, although I do have one floral Equipment one. Always stylish with denim and a standout shoe, sandal or bootie. They are great for the summer in Australia offering good sun protection with the long sleeve and collar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1983032 Sun, 16 Dec 2018 02:27:37 +0000 delurked 1983032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By and large, button downs do not fit, nor do they flatter my shape. They make me feel like I do when I wear my most unflattering colors. They bind my shoulders and biceps, and they don’t fit my lifestyle. So, other than that I love them on me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1982991 Sat, 15 Dec 2018 22:26:48 +0000 Gretchen 1982991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a love hate relationship with button downs - love the way the look on others, hate them on me!&nbsp;</p> <p>I keep a white, a chambray and a flannel for layering, but every time I go for anything else it ends up just being closet filler.</p> <p>Kudos to those who can wear them - I'll keep admiring from afar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1982927 Sat, 15 Dec 2018 17:14:03 +0000 shiny 1982927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too prefer softer, silkier fabrications rather than crisp. I don't mind if they are deliberately wider in the body if that means no gaps at the chest and no clinging at the mid section. </p> <p>Assuming I can find one that fits, I prefer to wear them when my hair is shorter. Because my neck is short and my shoulders straight and broad, it can be too much going on at the neckline, between collar and hair and shoulders. I also like collars that lay flat.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do find they're really difficult to layer under anything. Again it just seems to add more bulk around the neck where I don't want it.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1982926 Sat, 15 Dec 2018 17:07:19 +0000 Anonymous 1982926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just realized that I have not worn crisp buttondowns for awhile, but do wear silky ones in a semi-tuck with rolled sleeves, layered usually. I feel the fashion is about to turn back to them. We have had draped knits for too long. Usually the direct opposite will become the style, like wide pants after skinnies, midi lengths look fresh after minis, etc. it is time when structure will look fresh and different again soon, so hold onto your shirts </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1982844 Sat, 15 Dec 2018 13:08:06 +0000 Bennett 1982844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't&nbsp; imagine life without buttondowns! Oxford cloth, chambray, denim, silk, linen, flannel ...&nbsp; You can make them look dressy, casual, prim, sexy; oversized or fitted. Great to front-tuck, they can be the star of the outfit OR the top that lets a statement bottom shine. I feel most like myself in a buttondown shirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns/page/2#post-1982533 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 14:01:16 +0000 Windchime 1982533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Button downs with draped fabric, yes. For the past several years I wore them over pants and skirts; I’ve recently started tucking them</p> <p>Crisp button downs, not so much. I felt I had a wardrobe hole for a crisp white button down and bought a new one over a year ago. I may have worn it once. I’ve taken it out and tried styling it various ways, but always end up putting it back and choosing something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982515 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 11:10:49 +0000 Minah Lynn 1982515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never worn one because it doesn't suit a short woman like me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982512 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 11:02:54 +0000 ChrisM 1982512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For years I hated button downs because of fit issues through the shoulders and bust. A year or so ago, I decided to try again because tee shirts (and the way they can emphasize softness around my middle-aged middle) are annoying. I picked up a couple of LLBean no-iron cotton button front tunics and Voila! I had my answer. Popped collar, scrunched sleeves, jewelry or a scarf - it works for me.</p> <p>Cool and covered in the summer, layerable (although that’s not something I do much anymore due to internal thermostat issues), maybe JFE. I bought an Everlane shirt dress that I wear over skinnies - love it.</p> <p>I find my best options at gear-type stores because of more generous cuts through the shoulders - Bean, Duluth (who put extra hidden buttons in some of their no-iron shirts) sometimes Eddie Bauer. </p> <p>It took a while to find a good fit though. And I do wear a lightweight low v-neck tee in a neutral color (usually silk) under to keep pit stains off the shirt and gaping minimized. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982492 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 07:58:06 +0000 jussie 1982492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb: enjoy the tees! </p> <p>Torontogirl: thank you so much for that link! Also, I agree some light wash “mom-ish” jeans with a casual shirt could work.... just gotta get the courage to try 1) light wash and 2) mom jeans. Maybe I should just do it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982491 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 07:55:55 +0000 jussie 1982491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for the replies.</p> <p>Jane: I think you would rock a tartan shirt. Maybe you could try yours with the collar popped? </p> <p>Shevia: I too like silkier ones, or soft cotton voile. A lot more comfortable. </p> <p>Barbara Diane: wearing jewelry with them to make them look a little more delicate is a great idea. Thanks :)</p> <p>Leslie: I bet you look fabulous in them. I occasionally wear mine tucked into skirts, mainly knee length skirts. I think it’s a cute look. </p> <p>Canada: gotta love chambray. It must be one of the most versatile fabrics around. </p> <p>Suz: you look brilliant in your buttondowns. I should study your old wiws for some styling ideas for them! Think I’ll do that. </p> <p>Em: I feel your pain. Sometimes buttondowns can be incredibly ill fitting and unflattering. I also find that softer fabric is a much safer bet. In fact I recently passed on two very expensive crisp oxford shirts that I was gifted, because they just didn’t flatter. At all. I tried for a few years then finally gave up on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982489 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 07:22:34 +0000 Jane 1982489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with sterling as I’ve stopped wearing them following my planned weight loss. I have a tartan j crew one which I love but it doesn’t get much wear. </p> <p>Somehow the waists seem bulky to me. That said, there is a new store near where I work (Pinks) that do beautiful shirts for men and have a small women’s collection so I might have a look there.</p> <p>I like the way Suz wears them - collars popped, sleeves scrunched - it’s a great look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982468 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 03:59:58 +0000 Jaime 1982468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Only silkier types fit me, and I go in and out of phases even with these. Right now I am in a collar under my pullover mood. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982461 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 02:09:41 +0000 Barbara Diane 1982461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few softer cotton ones I wear in spring and summer. I always wear jewelry with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982453 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:56:21 +0000 Leslie 1982453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uber preppy here. I wear them tucked in under sweaters and blazers with my collar out and somewhat popped. Occasionally unlayered tucked into a full skirt. In the winter, I add a long-sleeve t-shirt underneath for extra warmth. I have 17, solids, stripes, plaids, and paisley, mostly from Talbots and Lands End. They never fit my modest pear shape as well as I would like, but they satifice enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982442 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:22:16 +0000 Canada 1982442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've just discovered a classic light blue chambray shirt which I adore: it's easy, on trend, comfy, flows with many of the toppers in my closet. Haven't worn an Oxford or other crisp button down shirt in a few years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982425 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:49:23 +0000 Suz 1982425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear them quite often. I like to pop the collars, scrunch the sleeves, and semi-tuck. I'll wear with skirts, jeans, trousers, culottes -- you name it. I rarely wear them completely untucked. I sometimes wear them layered under a pullover, cardigan, or blazer. I wear my denim shirts quite often with white jeans or with dressier trousers or skirts (to "dress down" the look. I wear the silk shirts with jeans (to "dress up" the look). I wear the flannel shirts in cooler temps (for coziness) and the light cotton shirts in warmer temps (for crispness).&nbsp;</p> <p>I have both "crisp" and "soft" button front shirts. I use different ones at different times.&nbsp;</p> <p>Below, my current collection.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982424 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:18:17 +0000 em 1982424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And when ONE does find one, they cost the earth:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/1255388?qxjkl=tsid:38929|cgn:J84DHJLQkR4&amp;c3ch=LinkShare&amp;c3nid=J84DHJLQkR4&amp;rffrid=aff.linkshare.1808364.37420"><a href="https://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/1255388?qxjkl=tsid:38929" rel="nofollow">https://www.matchesfashion.com.....tsid:38929</a>|cgn:J84DHJLQkR4&amp;c3ch=LinkSha</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982423 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:17:07 +0000 em 1982423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In general, I hate button-down shirts. I am a curvy petite, and even if they have princess seams (like those from Hugo Boss) they still look too masculine. The only type I like have an open neck and ruching, like this from Pinko. However, blouses like this in soft materials are few and far between:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/pinko-ruched-crepe-de-chine-blouse-item-13095815.aspx?fsb=1&amp;storeid=11619&amp;size=21&amp;clickref=1011l5Rr37YH&amp;utm_source=shopstyle&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=PHUS&amp;utm_term=USNetwork&amp;pid=performancehorizon_int&amp;c=shopstyle&amp;clickid=1011l5Rr37YH&amp;af_siteid=1101l510&amp;af_sub_siteid=1011l274&amp;af_cost_model=CPA&amp;af_channel=affiliate&amp;is_retargeting=true"><a href="https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/pinko-ruched-crepe-de-chine-blouse-item-13095815.aspx?fsb=1&#038;amp" rel="nofollow">https://www.farfetch.com/shopp.....1&#038;amp</a>;</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982421 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 22:06:50 +0000 deb 1982421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I purged the last two in my closet last year. I am now on a tee kick.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982356 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 17:56:34 +0000 Helena 1982356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Jussie, check out this video from J.Crew - it's a little annoying TBH but these little styling tricks I think make button-ups look fresh - basically knotting at the waist, cuffing the sleeves in the J. Crew signature way, or semi-tucking. I think the idea is to add a touch of controlled messiness to keep it from looking too stiff.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMapbPzVtgU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMapbPzVtgU</a></p> <p>I think a casually-styled button up with some lighter-wash higher-waist jeans would totally go with your style vibe! Good luck and have fun with them :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982349 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 17:46:43 +0000 Sara L. 1982349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a few - all in patterns and soft fabrics.&nbsp; I mainly wear them in the spring and fall.&nbsp; They're not warm enough in the winter and too hot for the summer. Here's a few examples.&nbsp; I tend to wear them with ankle pants that show some skin.&nbsp; Maybe because that feels more feminine to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982345 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 17:36:32 +0000 LaPed 1982345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Team Tomboy here! I have a lot of button-front shirts. I have one oversized oxford shirt and two tailored ones, a couple chambray shirts (both tailored), a short-sleeve gingham shirt for the summer, and some flannels for the winter. My favourite button-front right now is a burgundy plaid-but-not-flannel, with dolman sleeves and a stand colour. I like that it's a bit unconventional and looks great with black jeans.&nbsp;</p> <p>I almost always wear shirts untucked, over straight leg jeans. In the summer, I will wear shirts as toppers, unbuttoned over a tee or tank (or swimsuit!).&nbsp;</p> <p>I prefer softly structured fabrics (broken-in cotton oxford is really the best) over drape-y ones, and I don't like to go too crisp (not a fan of poplin). I wonder, Jussie, if you'd enjoy them more in more drape-y/flow-y fabrics... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/can-we-talk-buttondowns#post-1982329 Thu, 13 Dec 2018 16:51:49 +0000 Greyscale 1982329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear a lot of slightly oversized Oxford shirts. And loose but flattering silk button downs for times I want to dress up a bit. I also have a few cropped button downs that are trendy but less versatile. </p> <p>For myself, I find fitted button downs hard to style. </p>