Men’s Fashion Trend: Buttoned-Up Shirts
Not so long ago, men would be faced with a horrible dilemma come summer: to shirt, or not to shirt. Indeed, many seemed to opt for the more casual alternative of a t-shirt, only to sling it over their shoulder, in favour of walking the streets half-naked for the majority of the day.
Those who were perhaps a little wiser might forego the fully shirtless option, instead unbuttoning their chosen garment as far down the torso as is possible before looking like Dean Gaffney, circa 1995. Obviously, neither option is ideal.
Well, this season there is one rule when it comes to shirts, and one rule only: button up. That’s right, the shirt is set to make a return over the summer months – and not just for office-wear and Sunday best. Slim-fit options are still very much on trend but, no matter how hot it gets this summer, the fashion-forward amongst us will be seen sweating it out in shirts buttoned up, yes, right up, to the collar.
If this is starting to sound like another unbearable summer trend (see super-skinny-fit jeans), don’t panic. For one, it’s unlikely to get THAT hot anyway – the cloud-to-shine ratio tends to leave us with far fewer days of unbearable heat than many of us like to plan for. But, if you’re planning to rock the buttoned-up look on that much-anticipated ‘hottest day of the year’, there are a few things which are worth considering.
Denim might have dominated your Autumn/Winter apparel, but avoid such heavy materials if you need to stay cool this season. Instead, roll up your shirt sleeves, and team with shorts or chinos for an understated style, which is right on trend. Last year’s wardrobe staple, the check shirt, isn’t going anywhere fast, so simply button yours up to collar to instantly create a fresh look which is in-keeping with this season’s style. Darker check designs are great for concealing those dreaded sweat patches, too – never, ever, a good look.
Clockwise from top left: Pretty Green Black Oxford Gingham Button Down Shirt: £54 my-wardrobe.com; Guide London Purple Check Shirt: £15 stand-out.net; Stussy X Dickies Striped Work Shirt: £59 Urban Outfitters; Levis Sawtooth Shirt Red: £68 mainlinemenswear.co.uk.
