Shirt/Tie/Top Button Open: OK For Work?

[adamm411]

I've seen this look a few times in the fashion mags. A button down shirt with just the top button open and a tie. Can I rock that at work? Or will it look too try hard? Or is that just a "going out" look?

PS: I saw this look on the Oct issue of GQ magazine: Josh Hartnett it says on the cover.

 

[tiecollector]

Depends on the look you are going for. If you want a more comfortable, casual look, then go for it. I would have done it at the last job I worked at but the rule was that the top button needs to be buttoned.

Be careful though, you risk looking drunk.

 

[tom288]

The only time I think that would be appropriate is for after a day at work, like the drive home or relaxing around the house. Work it would not be appropriate, if work attire dictates a tie/suit, wear it properly...IMO

 

[tiecollector]

If your work requires a suit, it would look awkward in most settings to unbutton it. My job was as a programmer so it worked just fine, but it would look weird seeing a lawyer or banker not having the top button buttoned. I also think you need be younger than 35 to pull the look off.

 

[grimslade]

It depends on your industry and your job. In my office, it's quite common. In fact, having just come out of my last meeting of the day, I think I'll loosen my tie right now. If you don't see those around you doing it, this is a situation where I'd run with the herd.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

As everyone has said, you risk looking "exasperated", like you just got a dressing-down from the boss behind closed doors. If the office is laid back, though, go for it. Just make sure you still look neat. And never before lunchtime.

 

[nighttrain7404]

Originally Posted by adamm411

I've seen this look a few times in the fashion mags. A button down shirt with just the top button open and a tie. Can I rock that at work? Or will it look too try hard? Or is that just a "going out" look?

PS: I saw this look on the Oct issue of GQ magazine: Josh Hartnett it says on the cover.

I always have the top button unbuttoned and just tighten my double windsor a bit more to compensate. A trick my tailor and I agree on. It goes completely unnoticed, still looks formal and makes it MUCH more comfortable to wear

 

[lakewolf]

Originally Posted by nighttrain7404

I always have the top button unbuttoned and just tighten my double windsor a bit more to compensate. A trick my tailor and I agree on. It goes completely unnoticed, still looks formal and makes it MUCH more comfortable to wear

I do the same thing, but only when wearing OTR shirts. the real reason is that I am slim and should use a 39 ( 15 1/2" ) shirt. the problem is that here most OTR shirts come in S ( 37/38 ) M ( 39/40 ), if I get an S it'll fit perfectly except for the neck and if I get an M the neck will fill well but the shirt will fit badly ( baggy and the shoulders/sleeves out of place.

If I wear a better quality slim cut shirt in 39 I keep the button done.

( P.S. the European measurements are in cm )

 

[Bradford]

I personally will only do this if I am working beyond regular business hours... i.e. if I am still at the office after 6:00 p.m. or so it's fine to loosen the tie, undo the top button and roll-up the sleeves...

I guess my thought is, if you're going to wear a tie in the first place just do it the right way. Otherwise, why wear a tie at all.

And quite honestly, I would recommend against taking real-life fashion cues from the cover of GQ Magazine... celebrities like Josh Hartnett don't work 9-5 and most of them wouldn't have a clue how to dress if they didn't have stylists to lay everything out for them.

 

[adamm411]

This is EXACTLY what I am dealing with. I was measured 16" neck, 32" sleeve. When I go to buy shirts, that means I usually have to buy a size large to get the correct neck size. Then the sleeves are too long, the chest measurement too wide, and I can build a small sail with the extra material around the waist. Usually, a size small works best for me EXCEPT for the neck size (which is a 14 to 14.5" in a small). I can button it up with a lot of effort, but it's very uncomfortable and I can't really move in it. Adamm

Originally Posted by lakewolf

I do the same thing, but only when wearing OTR shirts. the real reason is that I am slim and should use a 39 ( 15 1/2" ) shirt. the problem is that here most OTR shirts come in S ( 37/38 ) M ( 39/40 ), if I get an S it'll fit perfectly except for the neck and if I get an M the neck will fill well but the shirt will fit badly ( baggy and the shoulders/sleeves out of place. If I wear a better quality slim cut shirt in 39 I keep the button done. ( P.S. the European measurements are in cm )

 

[Jared]

I would say the rules are exactly the same for when it's okay to roll up your sleeves. On that topic, I have read in advice columns that business casual wearers in temperate climates are more stylish to roll their sleeves up in the summer than wear short-sleeve shirts because it makes it look like you're working harder.

 

[Jovan]

Yeah, never ever fall into the cliche of short sleeve shirts with a tie. It looks bad and just really unprofessional. Now, as for ties with open collar; any time you do this, make sure your tie is just loosened enough for moving around comfortably. When you loosen it too much, yes, you look drunk. It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing.

Here's an example of the right way to pull it off from Mr. McGregor. Notice how his tie doesn't droop... a lot of people make that mistake and it looks sloppy.