https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 13 May 2026 13:07:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503375 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:15:22 +0000 Suz 503375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Patty! You win the YLF funny girl award! With Claire giving you a run for your money. </p> <p>Angie's so smart. I was scratching my head wondering why you'd want to try this, Una, when you know it's not really you and it isn't an easy fit for your body type in the first place. </p> <p>BUT...having said that, KL has a seriously smart point. I have a grey cord button down that I use exclusively as a layering alternative to a cardi on weekends, and it is GREAT in the winter. Cozy yet a bit more structured than a cardi. And a little bit RATE. I can see how a denim shirt or even the right white button down could be used the same way and would really work for you. You'd basically be wearing like a jacket. I don't know if you would like it the way I wear it which is a bit different to KL; I button a couple of middle buttons (to give myself a "waist") leaving the top and very bottom open. I layer it over a thin T and often add a scarf. Skinnies and boots on the bottom. Voila! </p> <p>You could thrift a white button down and see if that worked. If it did, the very same look would work with pencil skirts &amp; boots. In fact, it could look amazing with your sequined skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503373 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:14:33 +0000 ironkurtin 503373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love my white buttondown. I think the cut, fabric, texture, weight, and hue all need to converge. If they do, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. If they don't, you'll wonder why anyone even bothers.</p> <p>I was not a buttondown person in any way before I discovered Steven Alan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503370 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:08:34 +0000 Keix 503370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I own two white button-down shirts: one was purchased for and has been worn only for dress uniforms (concert attire is either black-black or white-black), and hangs carefully in my closet now completely unworn because I don't want to ever iron it.</p> <p>The other one, I ordered from Lands' End Canvas on a whim because it was only $11 or something like that, and I LOVE it. It's a great layering alternative to cardigans. I usually leave the front unbuttoned and untucked and roll up the sleeves to 3/4 or elbow. The shirt came purposely wrinkled and I've kept it that way. It's also a softer white, not so pure and bright, and I think that has helped keep the look casual.</p> <p>I'm not afraid to get my "wrinkly" white button-down dirty because it's machine washable, and anyway, perpetually wrinkled. As a result, I somehow DON'T stain it. Magic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503299 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000 cciele 503299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the same boat as you Una -- I like the idea of a white button down and have been searching for years but recently I've given up! Not worth the effort. For example, I ordered over 10 different button downs from Nordstrom recently and not a one worked. However, in that order was a great knit version that I like a lot (also in my latest WIW): <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/splendid-tab-sleeve-top/3135736" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sp.....op/3135736</a>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503238 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:51:28 +0000 Angie 503238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Or try ebay ?</p> <p>I just don't think it's worth your effort, Una. It's wiser to concentrate on softer blouses with smaller collars - you love those, and know that they work </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503233 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:50:25 +0000 Patty 503233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that white shirts of any kind usually bring out the blue berry pie and spaghetti dinners in people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503231 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:47:13 +0000 catgirl 503231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Angie - the voice of reason! Thanks. I have a denim shirt and you are right, I don't wear it as often as I ought. I thought a white shirt might be better because I can wear it to work, but perhaps I'm wrong. I think I'll thrift one very cheaply if I come across it and see if I can even come up with possible outfits before spending real $. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother/page/2#post-503228 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:43:13 +0000 nicoleb 503228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oooo Angie! So unpredictable! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-503172 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:02:40 +0000 Angie 503172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to be a spanner and say don't bother. You are not at all into that type of collar, don't like white, or the overall effect of the look. How about a fab denim shirt instead? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-503112 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:21:49 +0000 MsMary 503112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have terrible luck with white button downs but I finally found one at J. Crew that fits and doesn't have the dreaded bustal gappage: <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/petite/shirts/PRDOVR~29936/99102098389/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~petite%20white%20shirt/29936.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_sp...../29936.jsp</a></p> <p>The petite medium fits me perfectly and I think it looks good. Might be worth a try even though it's fairly pricey (at least by my standards for such a plain item).</p> <p>It also comes in long sleeves: <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/petite/shirts/PRDOVR~29938/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~petite%20white%20shirt/29938.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_sp...../29938.jsp</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-503062 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:33:22 +0000 Aida 503062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for yes do bother, just don't spent $$$$$$$$ on this first one I think they can be really fun on their own: toss on a long statement necklace, distressed jeans and boots and voila! Add a jacket if you feel like. Easy peasy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502369 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:34:26 +0000 catgirl 502369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ms. Maven, I hear you! </p> <p>You all are sweet but I fear you overestimate my styling abilities. Jewell, that's a nice shirt but the collar is not an option - I need an undersized collar, if anything. Someone here could rock that look for sure, though (Suz? Claire? Short hair/swanlike neck?). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502356 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:14:07 +0000 soobee 502356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I vote for you to get one, but that's just because I'm dying to see you style it And a big LOL @ Claire. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502269 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:31:29 +0000 rae 502269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've thrifted many, many a white button down. They're always clean when I get em, but I have to buy a lot cuz *I'm* messy. o_0 It can be done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502265 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:29:53 +0000 Jewell 502265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're not looking to spend a lot then you might consider this French cuff button down from Worthington by JC Penney ($19.99 and even cheaper during their online doorbuster sales). They come in misses, petites, and talls. It is the one I tried and I love the fit.</p> <p><a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=STY&#038;ItemID=1ad563b&#038;N=4294959029+4294967029&#038;Nao=0&#038;SelDim=4%7e&#038;hdnOnGo=true&#038;NOffset=0&#038;Ntt=worthington&#038;SearchString=worthington&#038;Ne=4+840+877+878+5+961+6+29+3+579+963+1014+1031+8+587+15+12+1011+598+11+506+10+23+585+969+596+1022+586+1007+879+968+1027+18+904+903+833+949&#038;SO=0&#038;PSO=0&#038;CmCatId=searchresults" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.....rchresults</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502250 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:22:21 +0000 MsMaven 502250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While white shirts sometimes look great on other women, they bring back horrifying memories of Jr. High gym uniforms and tucked blouses ballooning out over circle skirts. I don't know why white shirts are always on the "lists" of items every woman should have. In the first place, I don't look good in white. I hate to iron, and every no-iron shirt I've tried still has to have some ironing.</p> <p>While I never seem to spill on a black top, whites are stain magnets, although I do manage white jeans pretty well. So I've banished white and most off-white tops all together.</p> <p>On the other hand: I once saved a photo of India Hicks from Vogue. She was wearing white shirt, black blazer, dark jeans and high high heeled sandals and of course, she looked fantastic. Sigh. I think Una, with her great shoulders and body shape, could look just as good in a white shirt, so I'm inclined to encourage the hunt to find the perfect one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502241 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:16:56 +0000 Diana 502241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do think it's a good item to have, but I will say that I have one classic white button down that I very rarely wear (even though it fits well) because it feels so stiff and starched and very not me, plus I hate to iron. I also have another couple of white button downs that are a lot softer/drapier and a little more distressed looking - one is somewhat sheer (needs a layer over or under) and has some seaming/pleat details and the other is an off-white, slightly victorian looking with lace details - and I wear both of those a lot more often and don't really need to iron them. I'd love to get a drapey, cream silk blouse too.</p> <p>I have a short neck, and I never ever button up my shirts to the top. Here again the softer, less stiff shirts are better for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502230 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:12:59 +0000 Anonymous 502230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed you gals too...<br /> I was too sick for most of 2011....ahhh... long story...<br /> I'm glad to be back to my old self, for the most part!<br /> I agree, BR or GAP sound like a cheaper alternative, especially with all of the coupons and deals going around! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502229 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:12:50 +0000 nicoleb 502229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I believe i've only worn mine to work. Though with the collar trend going on i've been taking lots of button down shirts lately and wearing in non-work looks too. </p> <p>In the back of my mind i have a DIY project going where you take a thrifted white button down, cut it up so you have a detachable collar piece and stud it up. Maybe this spring...</p> <p>ETA: Isabel that's "snowmachine" to us Alaskans lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502223 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:10:30 +0000 Isabel 502223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in the same boat....er...snowmobile as you. I also set out a plan to replace my wardrobe ( I like my plan ), anyway, a white shirt is on it. I really love wearing a white shirt, particularly a tunic.</p> <p>I am considering this one :</p> <p><a href="http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&#038;Section_Id=693&#038;Parent_id=528&#038;Product_Id=1553063&#038;default_color=White" rel="nofollow">http://www.brooksbrothers.com/.....olor=White</a></p> <p>And yes, they are expensive and the sizing is inconsistent. IMO, this would have to be a core basic that your "look" is pinned on..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502221 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:08:47 +0000 lynn 502221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would caution you about ordering from Brooks Brothers. I have two shirts from there that I love but I went to buy a black one recently and they didn't fit! Same size, same style but not the same fit. They are not cheap so I would try the Foxcroft first. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502218 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:07:03 +0000 catgirl 502218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, so how do you wear yours? Do you treat it as a basic? Since you're on Team UWP, I'm interested in seeing how you make it work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502215 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:05:23 +0000 nicoleb 502215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a white button down shirt from Goodwill and it is fine. No stains, it's white. Just make sure you inspect every last inch of it. </p> <p>I believe it's good to have in your closet but at the same time it's also one of those boring (to me) purchases i practically have to force myself to make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502214 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:05:17 +0000 catgirl 502214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ZAP! I've missed you here! So good to see you, and Happy New Year to you too! No Express, but maybe BR or Gap has something... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502210 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:03:41 +0000 Anonymous 502210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Una!<br /> Remember me? happy new year!<br /> I am not sure if you have an Express somewhere near.If so, maybe that would be a good alternative that's easy on the pocket. I have gotten some nice shirts from them. I hate to spend too much on white tops, since I stop wearing them at the first sign of turning yellow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502195 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:52:28 +0000 Anonymous 502195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still struggling with white button front shirts. It seems like I don't really need them for layering and they are a bit plain on me on their own. At least you work in an office and they might come in handy for that. I found one in new condition at Goodwill believe it or not. It had ruffles down the front-- I tried unsuccessfully to do a rufflectomy-- and I lost the patient. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502160 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:20:15 +0000 Beth 502160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I think you'd be awesome in a white button-down! Actually, I'm looking forward to seeing how you end up styling it.</p> <p>So go get one, please:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502155 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:15:21 +0000 annagybe 502155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure if it'll sway you but I've been seriously considering a Brooks Brother one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502154 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:15:15 +0000 Girl X 502154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You should definitely bother! I think you'd look great in a white button up over skinnies and boots - maybe a couple of belts at the waist I've bought button ups that were in the $20 - $25 range, from Victoria Secret and JCPenney, that I quite like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/white-button-down-should-i-bother#post-502057 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:22:45 +0000 sarah 502057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just ordered one from Talbot's on deep discount (and free shipping today only). I can't tell you how it fits yet, but it looks like it's got potential, and it's relatively inexpensive (well, compared to the JCrew shirts that I also wear).</p> <p><a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi26790&#038;rootCategory=cat90036&#038;catId=cat110053&#038;sortKey=Default&#038;section=Sale&#038;conceptIdUnderSale=cat90036" rel="nofollow">http://www.talbots.com/online/.....e=cat90036</a></p> <p>Uh-oh, it looks like it may now be sold out in your size, which I think it similar to mine : (</p> <p>You could also try the Gap...they'll probably have a big discount any day now.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=760857022" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=760857022</a> </p>