Any top or blouse with a stiff collar could easily be mistaken as a “formal top” or a “corporate top” and could thus be discarded when choosing options for more casual occasions, say, if you’re going to the mall or spending a day at the beach. Well, we’re here to debunk that notion for you. Think of a collared shirt as one of your wardrobe’s building blocks, just like your perfect-fitting pair of jeans and your go-to little black dress.
The formality that a collar exudes shouldn’t limit your style but should serve as a gateway for experimentation: maybe you could pop it up; maybe you could tie that button-down around your waist; or maybe you could layer as you please. To put it plainly, let the collared shirt be a top-of-mind option for whatever occasion. Here are some ways you could play around with it:
1. Opt for Oversized.
If you’re used to button-down shirts with a slim fit, then you might want to grab one in a size (or two) larger. The great thing about oversized shirts is you (literally) get more room to be adventurous with your outfits.
Check out how these street style stars below curated their looks: They wore theirs with loose trousers tapered at the end and finished their looks with a belt to cinch the waist. The pointed black boots give an extra edge, too.
2. Go garçon.
For those who don’t know, garçon is French for boy. As we’ve seen in multiple outfits by fashionphiles, there seems to be a trend oriented towards that French tomboyish look. Read: nonchalant jeans or trousers, a crisp white button-down top, and a just-as-insouciant muted blazer for good measure.
3. Try it with slim shorts
If your fashion history is still in check, then you’ll recall how the women wore short-sleeved button-downs with hot pants (shorts that cinched the waist and slightly flared out). How do we update this trend into 2019? Go low-waisted, go slim.
4. Play with prints, please.
We’ve scoured the ‘gram for some colorful collared confections and here’s the lowdown: The ‘80s are still in full swing. Whether you like your prints short-sleeved or long and oversized, a crazy printed blouse adds a good dose of retro zest.
5. Dare to don a low V.
It’s always great to have a piece that can easily adapt to different weather conditions. In this case, the button-down allows you to bare some skin—like a really deep V-neckline—if you’re gutsy enough to leave most buttons undone.
These two looks prove that such a neckline is best paired with high-waisted anything, plus layered necklaces to accentuate the décolletage area. Now, who said long sleeves only combat the cold?
6. Lounge in pique polos.
Sports collars aren’t just for the tennis court or golf course. Bring the ease and comfort of pique polos into your everyday attire by pairing it with your usual casual pieces—the polo elevates your outfit by adding a nostalgic vibe (the long-sleeved tops as seen below were a big hit in the ‘80s) as well as an androgynous touch when worn with other masculine pieces.
7. Layer, layer, layer!
If there’s anything that this age of democratized fashion has taught us, then it’s this: Anything goes. Bloggers to everyday fashion folk remind us that at the end of the day, clothes are supposed to be fun and not constricting. And so, if you can wear your collared shirt unbuttoned on a sunny day, you could wear a short-sleeved version with a turtleneck underneath or maybe even a camisole. And you would look just as chic.
8. Denim can do no wrong.
Even the most skilled stylephiles have their off days—sometimes you just run out of inspiration. When all else fails, opt for ol’ reliable denim for a classic look that wouldn’t hurt a fly.
If you gravitate towards light washed denims or indigo ones, then you might want to try a dark wash for a change. It’s a refreshing and modern update for any outfit, especially when worn with a dressy button-down.
9. Suit up.
Blazers are one thing, but a pantsuit is another. For a high impact outfit with minimum effort, put on a bright pantsuit in any color of your choice or go for a Canadian tux if denim is your second skin.
10. Swathe yourself in silk.
Collared shirts can either be structured and crisp or loose and flowy. And what better way to cop the latter than by wearing luxurious silk blouses? These lend a very retro feel to any outfit while amplifying your look’s sophistication.
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