button-downs with contrasting collar, yay or nay

qfbrenda

This is sort of a "keep or purge" post. I have 4 Van Heusen button-down shirts with contrasting collar lining that I'm debating on keeping or not. They fit me SO well and hubby loves them, but the collar linings bother me a little. I don't see other major retailers putting contrasting collar lining on their button-downs so it makes me wonder if they are totally un-stylish.

I tried to find an image that showed the contrast and apparently they don't sell shirts like that anymore.... or if they do, they are hard to find. The contrast only shows INSIDE the collars. For example, the red shirt has a red plaid inside the collar... the blue has blue/white check... the navy has a navy/white/turquoise plaid....

What say you? YAY for "yes, they are ok to keep", NAY for "pass them along".

12 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Neelie

rachylou

Veteran

I say yay. I know what you mean, I'm wearing such a blouse today and always feel a bit iffy too when I look at it. But sometimes that contrast is the only thing that keeps me out of dowdy territory.

12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

If you like it, and it fits well, I don;t see an issue with it.

If you don;t like it and aren;t reaching for it because of the lining, then I would donate.

12 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

I also don't see an issue with the lining. If they fit you well I'd keep and wear them.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

Personally, I love that look, dated or not. It makes me think of Paul Smith, and I feel rich wearing it

12 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I know what you mean. You might be preferring a "cleaner" look. But if they fit fine, I'd keep them until you get around to finding replacements.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Hmmm, so there are two different issues here. One is your like or dislike for the look, and the other is whether or not it is dated. If you don't like the collars and wouldn't buy shirts like that again, then maybe your style is shifting away from that detail. I hear you on wanting to hang onto something well-made and classic that fits perfectly! You could wear them around the house for DH, but I don't know if they need to be ironed or if that's even practical for you.

Contrasting collar lining doesn't look dated to me, BTW. I think it's quite charming.

12 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

Hmmm... I just pulled a shirt from the dontate pile that has a contrasting cuff lining... and wouldnt you know it is Van Huesen as well. I bought about 5 years ago and the contrasting fabric is what charms me about it. I dont know, not much help here. If everyone said a contrasting lining was on trend would you want to get go out and shirt with it or would you say you'd pass b/c you prefer a more minimal style? (I think it is classic so perhaps it feels like too much classic for your style in the button up construction)

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am a big yay on this, at least in theory. It's those little details that can make an item stand out.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Love that type of look on a button down.

12 years ago

carter

Veteran

I say yay! I think Boden and Foxcroft both do the contrasting collar sometimes.

12 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

Wow, I'm really surprised! I figured everyone would tell me to get rid of them.

My style is shifting a bit to like simpler looks but it's not shifting so fast that I need to get rid of these before they show more wear.

Unless the tide of opinion turns and a lot of people tell me to get rid of them--which would be ok--they get to stay.

12 years ago

Neelie

Veteran

I really like that type of detail. My husband has some very cool shirts with contrasting patterns inside the collar and cuffs, eg: a plaid shirt with a paisley lining...I think the look is quite current, for males or females!

12 years ago

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