Over the weekend, J.Crew sent an email from
fashion director and head stylist Gayle Spannaus on how to work the collar of a button down shirt.
What
makes the email interesting? It provides several {really good} fashion
tips on updating the classic shirt style. This email offers advice that I
am actually tempted to try!
First, Gayle insists on wearing the collar completely buttoned-up with the sleeves scrunched up. The only times I did that (buttoning up the shirt) is when it is really cold outside and I am freezing. But I have to admit that the look Gayle offers (reference the top image) is pretty fresh! It is something I am going to try tomorrow. (Plus, the timing is great. The weather is crazy cold where I am.)
Gayle also offers three ways to style the collar... The first tip is to "layer two or more bold necklaces over (not under) the shirt..." This looks so pretty in the catalogs and on the store mannequins at J.Crew. However, I never figure out how to do this in real life. I always worry about the necklaces damaging each other. Then, I end up choosing one statement necklace and calling it a day. So JCAs, if you know the art of making this work... please let me know your technique!
The second tip is "give your baubles a break and borrow a men's patterned pocket square instead for a new spin on a statement necklace". This is a really clever idea! Plus, it is super simple to create. Got to love that.
The third tip is "two collars are sometimes better than one", "let a pop-bright shade (or a soft stripe or Liberty print) peek out underneath a neutral chambray". I love the layered look presented here. It is eye-catching thanks to the pop of color from underneath. However, I do wonder how it will feel to wear two button down shirts together. Are the sizes of the shirts important (one shirt needs to be slightly bigger than the other)?
What are your thoughts on the tips shared in the email from J.Crew? Do you have any suggestions to make these tips work? What are your own style techniques when it comes to collars?
I just made a blogpost about wearing the shirt buttoned up "Gayle style". You can check it out
ReplyDeletehere.
I just buttoned up my collar and layered two necklaces yesterday...for the first time in my entire life (groundbreaking I know). And so, my tip (from a first timer), is to make sure the necklaces are slightly different lengths so that they don't damage each other. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good tip, thanks! It probably looks better when they are slightly different lengths, too.
DeleteThat is a good tip about the lengths! I will definitely try that.
DeleteI was wondering about the sizing on the layered look, too. It seems you would need to size up on the outer layer, or wear a slimmer cut shirt under one with a looser fit.
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly what I was wondering to make the double shirts work. Otherwise, I think it would like tight...
DeleteI am going to try the layered shirts look but I don't think that I need to size up. I have both the Perfech chambray polka dot and Indian voile popover in my normal size 2. The Indian voile is a very light shirt and I think that that is the key to layering these. It shouldn't affect the way the chambray wears too much.
DeleteI'd probably try the multiple necklaces too but I draw the line at the scarf. Reminds me of Fred from Scooby Doo.
DeleteI wore all three in high school and college circa 1984. All we need is buttoned up with a bar pin across the collar. Seriously it was the pink Oxford with the Kelly green polo under, collar flipped.
ReplyDeleteI think we're the same age. I remember multiple collars and multiple necklaces.
DeleteMy prep school classmates wore that look...circa 2005. Complete with the pink and Kelly green.
DeleteI too was there sporting the same look. I accompanied it with tortured hair and bad shoes. Ahhh the 80s.
DeleteI also wore these looks in back in the 80's. They always remind of me of the movie Pretty in Pink.
DeleteI do not care for looks 1 and 2. Looks too Montana/Western/Farm girl, like wearing one of those icky bolo ties.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolo_tie
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. As a stylist, you'd think she would know the difference between a button up and a button down. Button up refers to a shirt having buttons on the front. Button down refers to the collar having buttons on it to secure it down.
ReplyDeleteI think these tips are good for some body types but not all. Buttoning the collar all the way to the top is not a good look for busty women in my experience - I know because I've tried it. Too much visual bulk on top. Layering two shirts is possible if they are thin and tailored to a T, but the fit can be really tricky to get just right. When you're top-heavy, collarbones are your friend and I try to show mine whenever I can.
ReplyDeleteI'm not that busty and my shoulders are rather slight and this look would be *terrible* on me too. It would destroy any shape in my upper body and make me look kind of lumpy.
DeleteWhitney that is so true that collarbones are our friend. I think a v-neckline, as long as it's not too low, is the best silhouette. I often wear a scarf with a turtleneck to break up the bulk on top. I like the look of a scarf tied right on the neck and a bit to the side, worn with an open shirt but not over top a buttoned one. Reminds me of a child's cowboy costume.
DeleteI've tried buttoning a shirt to the top (the Perfect Shirt in Chambray Polka Dot) and it looked pretty good. I'm a bit busty and my shoulders aren't tiny and I think layering two button-downs /button-ups (I never knew that distinction) would give me too much bulk and make me feel trapped in my clothes lol. The pocket square looks cute in the picture but I know I'd feel like I was being choked, there is just no way I could wear that. The necklace/s look is the one I would try.
ReplyDeleteI am always in awe of the layering they pull off in the style guides. If I ever tried to wear a button down, a sweater, and a blazer over it, I'd look like the abominable snowman and I probably wouldn't be able to move my arms.
ReplyDeleteI'm tempted to try the first look if I own a necklace that would work to pull it off.
LOL @ the abominable snowman comment! Your comment is exactly how I feel: I am in awe of the style, but can't seem to wear that many layers without losing the ability to bend at the elbows. I don't know how they (and even fashion bloggers) pull it off!
DeleteHa Alexis! Speaking of pulling it off, it probably takes 45 minutes to get undressed at night wearing that much clothing!
DeleteI think being model-skinny helps.. all the layers add at least one size visually and the models still looks slim after this. I think for regular sized women the crazy layering can quickly make you look much bigger than you want to. That's been my experience anyway!
DeleteJessy: LOL! That is probably true! It would take a long time to peel away the layers. ;)
DeleteRebekah: What you said makes complete sense! I did not even think of that. :)
I'm very tempted to try Look #1 with a perfect shirt I own in modern red, and a gold chain necklace + my new beaded rose necklace. Maybe tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so pretty!!!
DeleteOh, that does sound nice. Please tell us about the necklace. Do you have pics?
DeleteCompletely OT but Mindy on The Mindy Project was wearing that silk chicken shirt tonight. I got distracted by it and missed the gist of the scene. lol
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Gayle's style tips, but I'm completely smitten by this little guy: http://mensweardog.tumblr.com/
ReplyDeleteGranted, I'm partial to shibas, but how adorable!
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ReplyDeleteI prefer to button my collar at all times because it looks good and is respectful. I love to wear a simple long sleeve collared blouse completly buttoned up and a floor length skirt with a brooch at the center of the collar. It is very simple, yet extremely elegant.
ReplyDelete