Button down buzz. Do you ever knot them at the waist? - YouLookFab Forum

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Button down buzz. Do you ever knot them at the waist?

Laura

Hello ladies. Lots of talk about one of my favorite wardrobe staples: the button down shirt.
Do you ever wear them casually, or dressed up knotted at the waist?
I love this look on chambray and print shirts. Too casual, cheesy? Popular look in your regions? Body types suited to this popular look?
Yes or no?

17 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

shipskitty

Veteran

I have done in the past. I don't wear button downs much anymore - I tend to prefer blouses - but I think it can be a fun casual look especially in the summer.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I haven't knotted them at the waist in years - a big knot at my midsection just wouldn't be flattering on me. I do belt them on occasion, though.

Laura

Karie. I agree. A big knot looks a bit tacky especially high up the shirt. I wear this look, I think with a bit of class. Wearing a shirt of thinner material such as a Liberty Print or a faded chambray whereby the knot is smaller, lower and a bit more discreet and simple.

Anonymous

No, I really don't, and I think it's just kind of an out dated concept. Even over a bathing suit for example, it would look too contrived.

(approx.15 min. later) I'm thinking my comment might have sounded a little harsh and that a little more information might give context..as much as I like the look of the "semi-tuck" that's also too contrived for me. I'm probably making things worse.

deb

Veteran

I used to knot them when I was younger. Now it does not suit my shape nor style. I love the look, though. A classic, IMO

Beth Ann

Veteran

Greetings, Laura! I think you're right --- a knot seems best to me tied low, and on a softer fabric. Perhaps it's a signature touch for you?

I haven't worn a shirt like this recently, but I could see a chambray or soft white shirtd tied over a midi t-shirt dress -- worn with sandals or sassy sneaks. (Sounds like a great vacation look, and I must be craving a vacation).

K.M.

Veteran

I used to wear the knot in my teens, in the 80s... I don't remember wearing the knot again ever since. But Laura, your suggestion--a small, low knot with a thin fabric--sounds appealing!

Gigi

Veteran

I knot occasionally. I think I have only one shirt that I knot, though...it's a drapey rayon button-down, which ties nicely. It sounds like it fits the bill of a small knot tied low, with a soft fabric. I also have a very lightweight, gauzy cardigan that I knot. Again, this would be the same scenario: soft fabric, low knot, small knot.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I've knotted them for casual wear for years. Mainly it's something I've done for the right silhouette as a petite when not wanting to tuck them. I think I do this more in Spring/Summer when worn with tanks for shoulder coverage in AC. As a SAHM it made them more useful and more casual.

Anonymous

I used to in the past. I wouldn't today because I feel it would date me.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Actually just this morning I was perusing the February People Style Watch this morning at the gym. They showed this look on several people, using a button down. It looked good with full midi skirts.

ETA Angie talked about a few years ago

http://youlookfab.com/2012/06/.....the-waist/

Staysfit

Veteran

I sometimes do this when the proportion looks right with jeans, but a low small knot, with a thin fabric. It's not something I would wear to work. It's more of a very casual at home weekend look for me.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Maybe this is a pear shape thing, but I'm always amazed that those who do this and the knot stays put, when it's tied below the natural waist. I'd always have to wear something underneath, or a seriously high waisted bottom, or when I would move the shirt would move up to above my belly button and turn into a crop top.

anne

Veteran

I was going to link to the post Anna did. I think it can work. I do it occasionally when I wear a shirt for sun protection over a dress.

Laura

Thanks ladies.
Sorry I missed the earlier post which was identical to mine.
Gigi, you inspired me to take another look at my cardigans where I think I will try to knot them. I have a few in my -not too sure I want to keep- holding pattern.
I love this forum. It's so fun when I consider my objective was to change my style to a more professional look for work. The opposite has happened. I am inspired more than ever to try new things with my everyday casual clothes.
Thanks ladies for your guidance.
L

Gaylene

Veteran

I love to knot because it balances that long stretch between my bust and my waist and defines a waist on my rectangular midsection. Knotting works better than tucking or belting for my shape.

rachylou

Veteran

I've knotted a button down on a really really sweltering day, but have always avoided the look. It seems inappropriate to me, to treat a button down that way. I don't know. Like it's too fancy for that. But I have seen some svelte people do it in pictures...