Button-down oxford shirts vs. scoop/mock/turtlenecks?

Karie

I have practically no button-down oxford shirts in my wardrobe, because for the past few years I have been wearing long sleeved scoop necks, mock necks, and turtlenecks under blazers and jackets. I have recently been thinking that these might be accentuating my problem area (my abs), and that button-down oxford shirts would be a better choice, particularly those with a shirt-tail hem - they might create a longer, leaner silhouette. I would love to hear your thoughts on this!

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Thistle

Veteran

I avoid button downs. They simply do not fit my shape well. I am very curvy, and to get them to fit across my chest, they do not come in properly at the waist and make me look rather shapeless.

I am not sure what shape you are, but if you are a racy rectangle, I think button downs were made for you!

13 years ago

Makrame

Veteran

I think this is also a question of knit vs. woven shirts, right?

I find that as an apple, I am wearing fewer and fewer knit tops in general because they highlight any hint of a muffintop. Non-iron fitted shirts from Brook Brothers work pretty well for me, hiding the problem area and creating a longer line, just as you said. But I also find myself wearing a lot of silk and polyester blouses, for a loose, softer silhouette.

13 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Yes, knit vs. woven shirts, but my knit shirts tend to be on the thin side as bulky knits under blazers are just too warm.
I guess my primary body type is pear - small bust, a bit larger in the ab area than I would like to be. I don't have a muffin top, but I do have ab flab!

13 years ago

sinead

Active Member

I don't think it's either or- could you get a couple of button downs, just to see if you'd wear them? And if your style is more mod/boho, don't forget about other blouses:
http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=5128

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/imag.....;id=6qwrq2
I think there are lots of other options than button downs if that doesn't really fit your style, but at the same time, for the office I found button downs to be such an easy flop proof outfit for work. On cold days I layered my tees under or sweaters over. I have to admit I got bored to death with my button downs and am looking to style them in more interesting ways or for blouses with more zing for my next job.

13 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

As an apple with a bust line that 4 sizes larger than my pants size I can relate.

I used to cop out and wear turtlenecks some tops end up being cut too low when the girls are up where they belong; you end up with cleavage showing even when the top wasn't cut to be cleavage bearing and cami's don't always work -- So I was forced to go back and find a button-down that works. because I can always adjust the cleavage factor.

My favorite button downs are from Talbot's and Land's End. They offer size 16P which means the shoulder seams are where they are supposed to be, the shirt untucked isn't super long an I can button the shirts with out gapping -- with a lace bra on.

I have found that because there is so much "area" of super satiny bra material -- with elastine bras, I need to wear a cotton tank under my button downs to keep them in place. Other than this minor issue, I have made peace with this article of clothing. (YAY!)

13 years ago

Veteran

I rather like long button downs with a shirt tail hem, left untucked. It is a very slimming silhouette. I'm wearing one of hubby's shirts as a topper over a long-sleeved T and my denim skirt today, and just love how it looks when I turn sideways. (I'm at home, I can be as weird as I want...)

13 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Another yay vote for buttondowns. I love them. I like how they form a flattering vee at the neckline. Fit is definitely tricker, because woven fabric doesn't give, but it glides over everything, leaving no fear of muffin top. If you have a small bust, it will definitely be easier finding button front shirts that fit, as it is invariably the well-endowed ladies who have buttonhole gaping/overflowing issues.

You know what, though? I never wear collared shirts with a blazer. I don't like how the collars compete. I see other people do it and it looks great -- I mean, office wear is exactly that -- but I usually wear a crew or vee neck short-sleeve tee with the blazer. It seems to suit me better.

13 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I agree, woven tops can skim over a tummy in a more flattering way than knits which often cling unless they're too big everywhere else. If you can find a button-front that fits you otherwise, I would say try it and see if it works. I have a hard time finding them that fit my bust without being too wide in the shoulders, but I do like the v-neck that forms, very flattering on most of us.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I have a love hate relationship with them - when they work they are fab when they don't ugh. Maybe try one with a little stretch & see if you like the style.

13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

What Makrame said.

I have been embracing silk- and silk-like button downs because they glide nicely and don't feel as stiff and starched. But, I'm also liking the trend towards a slightly looser/sloucher fit in cotton tees works really well for me. But you don't want it too boxy and loose -- it's tricky to get the fit just so -- accentuating the high waist right under the ribs, then skimming/loose-ish around the mid section. Then you do the half tuck, which helps conceal muffin top too.

I like the Jcrew vintage tees. They are a tad too long for me (I'm only 5') but the fit width wise is just right.

13 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I agree with those of you that said that woven shirts glide better over the tummy, especially if the fabric has a little stretch to it.
So I went shopping last night, (specifically for a button down shirt, I don't know how those other clothes got into my bag, ) and it was the same old story of "one size too small (hips) next size too big (bust). ARGH! And it was especially frustrating because the too small ones were just ever-so-slightly too small in the hips, like "just a few more Pilates classes" too small
The search for the perfect button down shirt continues...I love a challenge!

13 years ago

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