What to wear with button-down shirts? - YouLookFab Forum

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What to wear with button-down shirts?

WishfulSpirit

Hi everyone.

I have a question. Here in Colorado the weather is warming up, which means cardigans are soon going to the back of the closet. I've started wearing my long-sleeve button-down shirts again (usually over a black or solid-colored shell) and while I like the button-downs, I find the total "look" a bit boring.

Any ideas how I can style things up while remaining work appropriate for business casual? (and I mean real business casual, not sloppy tees and flip-flops that so often pass for it). My button-downs are lavender, royal blue and I think I have a white one somewhere (and if I don't I'll get one...it's a wardrobe staple). They don't have a lot of darts, though I do have a half-length sleeve one that does (it's emerald green).

Body type: I am 5'7 with a long torso and long legs. My trouble area is my tummy, where I have a bit of a pooch.

Thanks much!

Dressing

17 replies

Latest reply was from WishfulSpirit

Gigi

Veteran

I actually returned two button-downs to BR today for exactly the reason you state: they seem boring. I work at home, so I don't have to be too particular about looking business-y.

Can you add a nice vest over the top? That's about the only thing I can think of.

ManidipaM

Veteran

A vest with minimal back like for a tux or a wide giedling belt esp with a skirt? Or wear shirt partially open over tank or tee with statement necklace?

Actually, just the statement necklace can help break up the 'starch' a good bit. Or scrunching or rolling up sleeves, with or without hand and wrist jewellery to depart from the norm (hectic cuffs, delicate knuckle rings). Or untucking and belting over... or just untucking if the bottoms and hemline allow.

Another option is to have colour or pattern or a more fashion-forward shape on the bottom to create a juxtaposition away from businesslike suits.

harmonica

Veteran

Have you seen this: http://www.fabsugar.com/10-Way.....n-20414010

Inspirational and fun. Hopefully you get some new ideas

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't think they are boring if they're styled well. Scrunch your sleeves. Pop a collar (if you have a long neck or short hair). Tuck and belt if you can. Pair them with an unexpected bottom. Throw on a vest (if it's too warm for a jacket). Add a light scarf if you want some pattern/ colour. Fill the neckline with a statement necklace. Lots of options!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA: And don't buy a white button down if you aren't wearing your other button downs and can't remember whether you already own one. Just because it makes all those lists doesn't mean it's a wardrobe essential for YOUR style.

Von

Veteran

My typical button up style has evolved because I have the hardest time finding shirts to fit my bust, so I always wear them buttoned down to mid-chest, with a nice cami underneath - unless I score in the button jackpot and find one that ends right above giving away all the goods! I then roll up the sleeves, because larger bust = pulls under the armpits = short sleeves at the wrist.

I dislike "camp shirts" because that little button hook is NEVER where it needs to be! I always roll on my own. I believe that unbuttoning your button up can really do wonders for just about every shape, even better if you're not as large up top, because you can wear great longer necklaces that won't get lost in cleavage. Shirts with stretch + front darts are wonderful for the figure!

crutcher

Veteran

I let my button downs function as the bottom layer...Over a light sweater, then a third piece, vest, jacket...Another look is wearing a tee over the button down and again layering out...I understand that alone the bd is boring but let it set the stage for other pieces and you have a fab outfit...

WishfulSpirit

Thanks much ManidipaM and Suz. I love the statement necklace idea (plus it gives me an excuse to make more jewelry). Suz's idea is a good one; maybe I'll forgo the white BD for something more fun.

rachylou

Veteran

Silky button down? Or starched? If you do starched, you might consider some "investment" ones. Their sharp construction adds a lot on its own, but they also come in really smart colours, stripes, etc. I remember my dad buying me Pinks shirts... I don't do starched button-downs, but they were so nice I couldn't bring myself to get rid of them for a long time. Angie has a favourite to... is it Karen Millen?

retailgirl

Veteran

I wear a "button down" shirt every day...almost. Either: under a crew or v neck sweater, under a fitted cardigan, sometimes with the tails out, and sometimes belted with a skinny belt. Or: over a tee or camisole, buttoned, tails out and belted. Or: just tails out and belted. Or: sleeves scrunched, not rolled, a la J. Crew. Personally, I think open over a tank or tee looks matronly. And then, always, under a blazer, collar out and popped in back, sometimes sleeves cuffed over the blazer sleeves. I love square scarves and wear smaller ones in the neckline and larger ones almost like a man's tie. (If I were more tech savvy I would post pics!)

K. Period.

Veteran

I wear lots of button downs too. I love them wide trousers and with skinny pants. I'm actually wearing one today in my WIW. My best advice? Check out Angie's Pinterest board for White Shirts and her other Pinterest boards. Tons of ideas of how to wear button downs.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I can't stop buying button front shirts. I find them to be incredibly versatile. There are some great suggestions in this post. I don't think anyone has mentioned putting one under a sleeveless dress or a cropped pullover sweater. I saw a blogger today had knotted one at the waist over a dress.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I wear lightweight button downs a lot in summer because I like to have some coverage from the intense Texas sun. I like to scrunch the sleeves, and I wear the more tailored fit button downs untucked over shorts or slim pants with the bottom couple of buttons undone to give sort of a reverse V - seems to create some added curve to the hip area. And it's breezier that way. Or sometimes I semi-tuck them to create a hi-low effect and show off my belt. I buy button downs only in very light "lawn cotton" or linen mostly, but have a few more substantial ones for cooler weather. I must own 10 or more that I wear regularly. The white ones I have I don't seem to reach for as often, except to wear over a swim suit by the pool or for the beach.

clearlyclaire wears button downs really well if you can find some of her posts.

unfrumped

Veteran

Watching with interest. I don't feel I can wear untucked shirts at work unless they seem designed for that (such as no shirttail hem or some other feature), and I don't always want to tuck.
I also think there are some shirts that work better for layering and some for "stand alone" and some for different types of layering, even, so even though the fashion lists tout the one perfect shirt and you'll see a model wearing one 50 ways (look--I'm wearing my classic white shirt as a bandana!) , that seems kind of mythical to me. Or maybe I am too picky.

dustt

Veteran

I have many - silky drapy to Oxford cloth - always wear the sleeves rolled or scrunched and the collar popped. I don't care for them untucked (unless I'm cleaning the garage - I tend to wear them a bit on the large size with a very slim fitted bottom - either skirt and pants. Usually a big long necklace or a shorter chunky statement necklace - but sometime no necklace and several chunky bracelets

WishfulSpirit

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I can't do all of them as I have some remnants of a childhood sensory processing disorder that make me picky about how clothes fit. I can't stand rolled or scrunched sleeves.

I liked the ideas about belting, statement necklaces, and wearing them over a printed tank.

WishfulSpirit

Random side note: I didn't know silky BD's existed...that sounds really comfy. Will have to keep my eyes open next time I shop.