Have you ever stared into your closet, wondering if you should button that top button on your dress shirt? I know I have! It seems like such a small detail, but it can really change the whole vibe of your outfit. For years, I always left that top button undone, thinking it was the only way to go. But recently, I’ve noticed more and more people rocking the buttoned-up look, and I decided to give it a try myself. Let me share my journey and what I've learned.
I remember preparing for a friend's birthday party. I wanted to look sharp, but not too formal. A tie felt like overkill, but I also didn't want to look too casual. That's when the top button dilemma hit me again. Should I button it or not? I felt lost in the world of menswear styling. I decided to experiment.
At first, I felt a little…stuffy. I wasn't used to the feeling of the button against my neck. It felt almost constricting. I even briefly considered that maybe, if you have to ask whether you should button it, maybe you just shouldn’t! It felt like something only certain people could pull off. Then, I took a step back and really looked at my outfit as a whole.
That's when I started to understand the appeal. Buttoning the top button of a dress shirt can be a way to elevate your look without going all-in on a tie. It's like a sweet spot between casual and formal. I found that it works best with a well-fitted shirt and a confident attitude. I also noticed that it draws attention to your face, which can be a good thing!
However, I realized it's not always the right choice. If the shirt is too tight, or the collar is too stiff, buttoning the top button can look and feel uncomfortable. And if you don't have any other accessories to balance it out, it can look a bit unfinished. I also considered that maybe I was confusing the look with a buttoned-up jacket! I needed to find the right balance.
I discovered that pairing the buttoned-up shirt with a well-fitting blazer or jacket can make a huge difference. It creates a more polished and put-together look. I've also found that the fabric of the shirt matters. A linen or cotton shirt is more forgiving than a stiff, starched dress shirt. The key is to find a shirt that's comfortable enough to wear buttoned up all day.
Speaking of blazers, I recently tried a fantastic one from Gracequeens. I was looking for something versatile that I could wear to both casual and semi-formal events. I found the Spring Women Tops Autumn Blazer Long Sleeved Bleiser Mujer Feminino Plus Size Casual Lovely Women Suits on their site and decided to give it a shot.
It's incredibly comfortable and stylish. The back bow detail is a nice touch, adding a bit of femininity to the overall look. I've paired it with a variety of shirts, both buttoned and unbuttoned, and it always looks great. It's become a staple in my wardrobe, and it's definitely helped me elevate my style.
Here are some tips I’ve learned from my experiments with the top button: