Corridor40

I recently decided I’m a button-down shirt freak. The realization was the result of two separate, nearly-concurrent, events; first, a friend who works at AG informed me that he immediately thought of me when unpacking the line’s new “boy fit” shirts; the same day, while shopping the Value Village half-off sale, I bought yet a second oversized leopard-print button-down–my original is my favorite top ever and, “What if I lose it or stain it and I hate myself for not buying this one for 50 cents?” Seriously, menswear shirts are my go-to for work, for play, for most any occasion (except jogging–Ashley, WTF?!). I may have a problem.

It is my personal belief that the obsession started while working my first post-college job; I worked in an office and, for nine hours of my day, was expected to sport business casual attire–aka, my worst nightmare. I refused to spend money on clothes I hated, so resorted to a crisp white shirt and black trousers most every day. But, as in my high school days–when skirts that touched one’s fingertips were long enough–I soon found that, thanks to my freakish body, I could have a little fun bending the dress code and dressing slightly-inappropriately-sexy. In school, I was grateful for my long torso; at work? Maybe one more button really should have been buttoned, but–no bra showing (didn‘t own one), no cleavage (as if!)–what rule was I breaking? Button-down shirts became my uniform’s saving grace, and so I stocked up.

The collection I’ve built over the years is actually a good investment; the menswear trend is called out season after season. ‘Seems I’m not the only one who digs the I-grabbed-something-from-my-boyfriend’s-closet-when-I-rolled-out-of-bed look (though my almost-constant bed head is a nice complement, if I do say so myself). This season, multiple designers–including those for (pictured, from top left) Rag & Bone, D&G, Erin Wasson x RVCA and Balmain–are perpetuating the popularity of the shirt, having debuted new takes on the classic staple for SS10. Hallelujah!

I love the look paired with denim cutoffs (as seen on Erin Wasson and 4th and Bleeker blogger Alexandra Spencer), micro-minis, super-skinnies–really, anything that balances out a voluminous top. I’ll continue to wear mine until–like boys–girls who rely strictly on too-big button-downs to make up their going-out wardrobes are deemed d-bags (tuck it in, frat bro!)…

Images via style.com, Studded Hearts, 4th and Bleeker

rag-bone.com
dolcegabbana.com
balmain.com
shop.rvca.com