Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, debating whether or not to button that top button on your dress shirt? I know I have! It seems like such a small detail, but it can completely change the look and feel of your outfit. It's a question of style, formality, and personal preference, and I’ve spent some time experimenting to find what works best for me.
I remember prepping for a networking event. I wanted to look professional, but I also didn't want to feel stuffy or overdressed. I grabbed a crisp, white dress shirt and started putting my outfit together. As I looked in the mirror, I hesitated at that top button. Should I button it? Or should I leave it undone? That’s when I started to wonder, what’s the real point of buttoning that top button anyway? Is it just for show, or does it serve a purpose?
I’ve noticed a trend lately: more and more people are buttoning that top button, even without a tie. It seems to be a way to elevate the formality of a shirt without fully committing to the tie-and-jacket look. But I always felt like something was missing. Like the look was unfinished. I started to experiment with different styles to see what worked and what didn’t.
One thing I quickly realized is that context matters. Buttoning that top button can definitely elevate your look, but it needs to be paired with the right outfit. For example, I tried wearing a buttoned-up shirt with a casual pair of jeans, and it just didn't work. It felt too formal for the overall look.
Then I tried pairing the buttoned-up shirt with a blazer, and that’s when things started to click. I felt instantly more polished and put-together. It gave me a sophisticated vibe without being overly formal. Speaking of blazers, I recently found a fantastic one from GraceQueens Discount. The tailored fit and classic design are perfect for pairing with a buttoned-up shirt for a smart, professional look. A well-fitted blazer is essential for pulling off this style.
I even found the New Fashion Women Blazer Jacket Office Ladies Double Breasted Solid Style Casual Slim Suit Formal Office Frill Coat Outerwear on their homepage. It's a double-breasted blazer that looks incredible with a buttoned-up dress shirt. I love how it gives off a powerful, confident vibe, perfect for the office or a business meeting. The fit is amazing, and it's comfortable enough to wear all day. I think a blazer like this is key to completing the buttoned-up shirt look. The double-breasted style adds a touch of elegance that complements the formality of the buttoned-up shirt.
I also experimented with different shirt collars. A spread collar, for example, looks great with the top button undone, but it can look a little too relaxed when buttoned up. A point collar, on the other hand, looks more polished and structured, which works well with the buttoned-up look.
I also realized that the fit of the shirt is crucial. A shirt that's too tight will look uncomfortable when buttoned up, while a shirt that's too loose will look sloppy. You want a shirt that fits well in the shoulders and chest, with enough room to move comfortably.
Based on my experiments, here are a few tips for buttoning that top button: