Ahh the classic button up – a staple in every woman’s work wardrobe. TBH: they’re not my fav. BUT the I found these button ups for women that I actually love so they’re slowly working their way back in my work wardrobe.
I find them really boring. Don’t get me wrong they’re as classic as Jackie O but they’re just so plain. It’s not that they’re white because I love my white silk blouses; it’s that they’re originally for GUYS. I feel like I’m playing dress up in a dad’s suit when I wear one.
But on the rare occasions I wear a button up I usually layer it under a dress for a little extra something. Putting it under this wool Boden dress is a great choice for the “cold” Texas weather and just for using button ups for women at work in general. The dress is solid for layering since it’s thick enough that it doesn’t show the shirt tail. I really don’t like having shirt lines under a dress that’s supposed to be smooth.
This is the button up I wear and know and love. Since they’ve come out with the new cut I’ve been wearing them more often. They just fit better; not as boxy, and for some reason softer; I really really like the new version of button ups for women.
I used to call these shirts button downs and an ex of mine – who was in NO WAY a clothes horse – got exasperated one time and tells me ‘katherine they’re called button downs when there are buttons keeping the collar down but button ups when there are no buttons on the collar.” He was quasi-embarrassed that I didn’t know that and it showed. We didn’t work out… for so many reasons : )
Tip for your button ups: I never iron mine myself – I’ve legitimately burned a button up with an iron before so I take them to the dry cleaner and get them starched and pressed. Professionals for the win.
