In the midst of researching for an upcoming style series for the blog, I’ve been totally closet crushing on Sarah Vickers and feeling the New Englander vibes. As I’ve been pouring over Sarah’s Classy Girls Wear Pearls blog and Pinterest board, it occurred to me that I don’t wear button up shirts enough. I have always been drawn to that casual, borrowed from the boys oxford shirt look, but with such broad shoulders I have a difficult time finding button up shirts that fit me well. I absolutely can’t stand when a top or blazer is too small in the shoulders and feels restricting when I move around. To avoid turning into the Hulk, I ended up just avoided button up shirts altogether for years.
Now that I’m older and obviously much wiser, I’ve determined that what works best for broad shoulders like mine is to size up one or maybe two sizes and if need be have the shirt taken in on the sides if it’s too baggy. Typically with prints I stick to stripes, gingham, or the occasional floral print. That said, I got this polka dot shirt on a whim a couple of years ago, and find that I like it best when I layer something over it. Adding a neutral layer over a loud print calms the print down and makes it easier to pair with other prints like these snake print sling backs.
Button up shirts are very versatile and hardworking pieces to have in your wardrobe. They can be easily dressed up with statement heels or down with denim and loafers, layered under a sweater or dress, layered over a shell or turtleneck, tied around the shoulders or waist, the options really are endless.
I’m particularly partial to vintage cotton t-shirts because I love how I can start the day in a t-shirt and jeans and swap out the denim for a mini and heels to go out in the evenings. I’m now convinced that a good cotton button up can pull double duty just as well and have a feeling this fall I will be looking to my cotton button ups much more often.
