Button-Down Cardigan with Tie. Opinions?

[BrandOfAction]

Personally, I really like the look of a button down cardigan with a simple dress shirt and tie. In fact, currently I'm wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, checkered tie, and dark jeans. I've heard people scoff at wearing a tie with a cardigan, but I'm still not sure why.

What do you think about the outfit in the picture below? I know there's not much to it, but there are some diehard cardigan w/ tie haters out there.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

What is a 'button-down cardigan' and how does it differ from a normal cardigan?

 

[BrandOfAction]

What is a 'button-down cardigan' and how does it differ from a normal cardigan?

I've seen people refer to ones with zippers as cardigans as well. Example: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=28666&vid=1&pid=429991&scid=429991002

 

[countdemoney]



What is a 'button-down cardigan' and how does it differ from a normal cardigan?

Sadly, some manufacturers selling those hideous zip neck thingies have taken to calling them cardigans, so I can understand the OP's error.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product....d=885&group_id=903&cat_id=5171&subcat_id=6106

 

[BrandOfAction]

Sadly, some manufacturers selling those hideous zip neck thingies have taken to calling them cardigans, so I can understand the OP's error.
http://www.orvis.com/store/product....d=885&group_id=903&cat_id=5171&subcat_id=6106

Precisely. This was news to me until today as well...but I figured I'd be specific just in case it was commonplace.

 

[MagicalPanda]

Whenever I wear a tie with a cardigan, I always button it. For some reason I can't wear a tie with an open cardigan.

Then again I usually throw a sportcoat/blazer on top of it so having an unbuttoned cardigan would, in my opinion, look funny.

 

[Patek]

Do it all the time.

 

[GoldenTribe]

OP, your collar is too large for the rest of what you're wearing, it distorts your upper proportions (or appears to, without your head in the frame). I don't like the gap between your collar and the cardigan neck, either -- that is considered a big faux pas on a suit or sport jacket. But I have no problem with the tie.

And since Sanguis Mortuum's point was not taken:

Button-up means the front buttons up, as on OP's cardigan.

Button-down refers to a shirt collar with functional buttonholes, and is in no way relevant to cardigans or sweaters.

 

[BrandOfAction]

OP, your collar is too large for the rest of what you're wearing, it distorts your upper proportions (or appears to, without your head in the frame). I don't like the gap between your collar and the cardigan neck, either -- that is considered a big faux pas on a suit or sport jacket. But I have no problem with the tie.
And since Sanguis Mortuum's point was not taken:
Button-up means the front buttons up, as on OP's cardigan.
Button-down refers to a shirt collar with functional buttonholes, and is in no way relevant to cardigans or sweaters.

Both terminology and critique points taken. Thank you!

Unfortunately, it's very difficult for me to find dress shirts in my size that actually fit properly. I may need to eventually make the transition to MTM when I have more finances that can go toward my wardrobe. As far as the collar/cardigan separation goes: Consider my outfit adjusted.

EDIT: I'm not sure if it's just the cut of the cardigan or what, but positioning it so it lies on the collar is proving to be very difficult. See the image below -- This is the current cardigan that I'm wearing. If the model were to button his top button, I feel that his shirt would sit the same way. I made a small adjustment which improves the look more than it was in the above photo, but I'm not sure that I'll be able to prevent a small gap entirely.