K/R - slim blue button down - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R - slim blue button down

Astrid

Veteran

The button down arrived and I'm wondering whether I should keep it. It's quite slim fitting (and I'm not used to that anymore after wearing slouchy pullovers all the time), but it fits. Although there could be more give in the hips - I would add side vents if I decide to keep it. It's a cotton linen mix fabric and it has a sheen to it. I made an awkward selfie in natural light, so #3 shows pretty good what the fabric looks like.

It's either keep or return, because the button down isn't available on the website anymore. I have to say I'm not quite sure I can see myself in this, but then it was inexpensive on mark down and it might be worth keeping to give it a try.

What do you think? Should I keep it? If yes, any ideas how to wear it?

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Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from AM

Jenny H

Veteran

I love it! I'm not a trained stylist by any measure, but I'm thinking this looks tailored which is fresh for spring. Great color and cut!

approprio

(website)

Veteran

It suits you, colour and fit look good. But I can also see why you're doubtful. Somehow it distracts from the clean lines of your crew necks and outerwear styles.

Play with execution to be sure. Sleeves rolled up or down? Would you button up to the top? How does it play as a layer under jackets or sweaters? Can you tuck it in at the waist?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The color and fit look good so it is just a question of whether you want to wear it!

celia

Veteran

oops, looks like I am the naysayer here.
I find that the fit in the shoulders in the first photo is kind of off, it seems ok everywhere else but the shoulders seem too small.
Maybe is just the angle of the photo.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the input so far! I've taken a few more pics:

#1
With rolled sleeves. I think this needs to be buttoned completely, or I can undo the buttons like in the picture. Anymore doesn't look right, but that might change after the first wash.

#2
Layered under a pullover.

#3
With the new jacket - definitely fussy.

I tried to tuck it into a skirt and it technically worked, but I know that I couldn't wear it. The combination of button down and tucking in is too much fuss for my taste. I definitely prefer this one untucked and with few layers.

@Celia
The shoulders fit fine... I now they look narrow, but my shoulders are that narrow. Often shoulder seems are too wide on me.

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, I love it for you, but it sounds as if you do not!

I'd wear that tucked into a skirt in a heartbeat. But also layered as you have shown it and over simple shorts untucked. Or tucked into white BFjeans.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Suz! It definitely isn't love at first sight, but I think that might be because it's such a departure to what I've been wearing the past few months. I think I definitely prefer it with pants and untucked. I can also see it working well over shorts in summer, as you said. I wonder if mabye it's too "crisp" for me?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think I'd keep looking Astrid. The shirt is okay but that's not really good enough, is it? You already said you'd have to do alterations on it and to invest in something you don't love right away seems counterproductive to me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Tex has a point.

I'd also like to say, in defence of button downs -- this is not the season really to enjoy them. As Angie pointed out to me, fabrication is key, and if something feels "cool" or "crisp" to the hand, we're unlikely to reach for it or even to be able to imagine ourselves wearing it.

Add 10 degrees to the temperature (or, in my case, add about 20 degrees) and our feeling will quickly change. I can see this being a spring/ summer/ fall item for you, Astrid, with occasional layering opportunities in winter.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I love the vibe. But adding side vents is not worth the hassle. I vote return.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Texstyle, Suz and Angie. Just to clarify, getting the small alteration would not be a problem at all, my usual place does this for about 5€ or so and I've had it done on other button downs too. And this is definitely not an investment where everything has to be perfect from the start: it was marked down to a whopping 15€. That makes it 20€ with alterations, less expensive than a full price t-shirt.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

OKAY. Then I vote keep.
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celia

Veteran

So it seems that it is a good fit to your body .

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I bet it would soften up after a couple of wears. It might grow on you after a spin in the wash. Looks nice buttoned up under the sweater.

Then again, don't take our word for it if you don't love it. We all loved the red jeans, remember.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Angie and Celia...

Haha approprio, too true! I think I'm going to return it. I've just tried it with shorts and rolled sleeves and it did look good, but I felt not like myself. It is tempting to keep it because it was so inexpensive and the quality and fabric is lovely, but I think I need something softer and more feminine if I go the button down route. This is too sharp for me.

rachylou

Veteran

It looks really nice on you, the fit and everything. But I do rather agree you should return it... it's going into Chairman Mao territory for me. I'm not ready for a redux of this aspect of '70s fashion...

Hahaha. This is what happens when you get old.

Astrid

Veteran

LOL, you crack me up just as usual, Rachylou.

Anonymous

As I read down the replies, the minute I read this written by you : "but I think I need something softer and more feminine if I go the button down route. This is too sharp for me". it was exactly what I thought too...not feminine enough. 'NEXT!' as Angie would say

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Diane. I will keep on looking, with that in mind.

E

Veteran

I agree with your decision Astrid & your reason behind it! Onward.

Gaylene

Veteran

I like it, but, if you've played around with the shirt and still aren't feeling much love for it, then it's time to return it. Price and quality are the minimum requirements, but should never be the only reasons for adding a piece to your closet. You're on your way to creating a wardrobe where every piece makes you happy, so this shirt should not be the exception.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Eva and Gaylene. I've been enjoying my wardrobe very much lately and so far my new acquisitions have all been great, so I guess I shouldn't settle.

DonnaF

Veteran

The color and fit look great, but the buttoned pocket flaps don't seem like *Astrid* to me. . .I think that's what is giving it a more masculine vibe and makes the shirt not as versatile as perhaps you need.

AM

Veteran

I hope you find a button-down that you love (and I hope I do too - but still looking).