A good button-down shirt is a closet staple. They’re extremely versatile; they can easily morph from office wear to a casual day top, and even as a going-out piece. Aside from its sartorial adaptability, button-downs are loved by many for their flexibility in terms of overall aesthetic. You can instantly look refined and elegant in one look, and then with a few tweaks, your borrowed-from-the-boys top is easily giving you a laid back look.
Now, since this known office staple is indeed inspired by menswear, finding pieces that flawlessly fit can be quite a challenge. Below, we created a simple guideline you can follow when purchasing a button-down.
First off, remember that in choosing the right button-down for the office, you have to go beyond just ticking off boxes to follow your work dress codes. You also have to mind the fit, cut, silhouette, as well as how these pieces fall on your body. Below, we’ve categorized some concerns that may help you choose button-downs that will accentuate your body best.
If you have a small chest
When looking for button-down shirts, look for top heavy pieces. Watch out for design details like pussy bows, ruffles, pleats, and even exaggerated pockets on the shirt to add volume to your chest area. You can also opt for tops that come in soft fabrics so they hug your body better instead of creating a stiff silhouette that further emphasizes your small chest.
If you have broad shoulders
Look for shirts with sleeve seams that fall slightly on the edge of your shoulders and taper down the waist so you won’t look too bulky or boxy. If you want to cinch your waist, make sure to wear your belt at your true waist and that the hem of your shirt is slightly longer to offset the volume from your shoulders. This will pull the eye down for a longer body frame. Additionally, try to avoid puffy sleeves that cut mid-arm or cap sleeves as these will further emphasize your shoulders.
If you have a large bust
The trick is to camouflage your chest area to balance your body proportions. Do so by wearing button-down shirts that have buttons that start at the chest area, have playful prints, or have buttons that are offset from the middle of the body.
If you have a rounded tummy
Loose silhouettes from the waist down are your best bets to help conceal a rounded tummy. With these in mind, keep your embellishments above the waist to redirect the eyes, away from the stomach. Try puff sleeves, embellished collars, pussy bows, and pleats to get this effect. If you’re looking to cinch the waist, make sure to do so with a solid-colored shirt or wear a dress shirt to balance your proportions. Remember to avoid snug or too tapered pieces that will draw more attention to your tummy.
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