What makes a shirt look good with one or two buttons unbuttoned?

[skogmantore]

I sometimes see people wearing a shirt with one or even two buttons unbuttoned, and still look dressy and elegant. Often when I try it, the collar sort of collapses, and the unbuttoned portion of the shirt folds together somehow.

Is it just a matter of choosing a stiffer shirt fabric or what else should I try?

 

[sartorial_marxist]

I guess its how your shirt fits as well. It must not be too tight at the shoulders which will cause pulling at the collar which results in too much exposure. Also, it must be slim and trim enough at the chest so it doesn't make you look like you are supposed to button it.

 

[The Louche]

High stance collars, often seen with two buttons, are good for this.

 

[scurvyfreedman]

Originally Posted by The Louche

High stance collars, often seen with two buttons, are good for this.

Louche- off topic.

Did you ever go to Field English Custom Tailor and if so what was the result?

 

[acecow]

Originally Posted by skogmantore

I sometimes see people wearing a shirt with one or even two buttons unbuttoned, and still look dressy and elegant. Often when I try it, the collar sort of collapses, and the unbuttoned portion of the shirt folds together somehow.

Is it just a matter of choosing a stiffer shirt fabric or what else should I try?

Stiff fused collars help that. Also buying more expensive shirts does too. My MTM shirts from moderntailor.com are all pretty good so far even with the soft collar option.

 

[jnm23q]

A Kiton chest wig?

 

[saiyar1]

Some fabrics are better for that look. One thing that works well is to buy some spray starch and spray the shirt above the second-to-top button. then iron and it stays stiff

 

[dressedforsuccess]

I do this quite a bit, the starch thing helps. Another thing that has worked well for me is using non iron shirts, something like any of these: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatS...Section_Id=205. They seem to be a little stiffer and hold up well.

 

[JLibourel]

How about an ascot (aka day cravat) for spiffing up a shirt with an open collar?

 

[sonlegoman]

well made shirts have well made collars. Poorly made shirts dont. Also, proper laundering and care helps.

 

[AZTEC]

The right fused collar can help form a nice curve..but can also look cheap & nasty, depending on shirt.

AZTEC

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by skogmantore

I sometimes see people wearing a shirt with one or even two buttons unbuttoned, and still look dressy and elegant.
It may be a look you like ... but does not qualify as dressy or elegant.

 

[westinghouse]

Clothes should look like you are coming out of them.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Clothes should look like you are coming out of them.
AZTEC's avatar appears to be taking your point quite literally.

 

[Ianiceman]

Originally Posted by RSS

It may be a look you like ... but does not qualify as dressy or elegant.

I really have a hard time with this look. On the extremely rare occasions I wear an open necked shirt I've never felt comfortable. I tend to either go with a shirt and tie or dress down to a nice polo shirt. The open collar is probably somewhere in between on the dressiness scale. I have to say that TC (Houston) on the WAYWRN thread seems to pull this off with ease looking dressy and/or elegant, but I can't seem go there without feeling/looking sloppy.