ALL IN THE DETAILS: Not Your Average Button-Down

The sunny days that we’ve been blessed with lately have nearly distracted me from the fact that it’s still cold and only reaching a high of about 30 degrees (one day, I even called it “warm”….). Though I’m looking forward to the weather warming up, as I’m sure most of my peers are, we’re not quuuite there yet. However, I’ve seen a few people pulling out some spring/more fun pieces and incorporating them into their wardrobes, so I know some other people are just as antsy as I am (people wearing shorts and short sleeves outside already—I’m not talking to you. That’s just plain weird and I’m convinced you’re aliens). When I spotted this Fashionisto, the subtle pattern on his shirt piqued my interest.

What I loved about this shirt is that it put a spin on the classic button-down—much different than the solid color or plaid shirts we’re used to seeing—while not overloading it with pattern. Had this pattern filled the entire shirt, it may have been a little overwhelming, but having just one strip of it makes it tasteful and interesting. The Southwestern trend has been in for a while now, and it’s been something I’ve loved almost every piece from—all of the different patterns and metal detailing and fringe. The Urban Outfitters lookbook entitled “Wild West” from a few months ago featured a lot of pieces of this style, as well as many of Pendleton’s items (and this shirt actually looks similar to something Pendleton would sell). With the sun coming out and the layers not needing to be fully zipped, it’s a perfect time to put such a unique and striking shirt on display. The muted shades of blue are perfect for the wintertime, but pairing them with a pair of green pants gives a nice alternative to jeans. I pretty much want the shirt for myself, because the twill looks so comfy and warm and I would probably wear it everyday.

Still dreaming of warmth, we’ve all tired out our best winter looks. Help, Mother Nature.

How To: If you feel like you’re not bold enough to wear a fully patterned shirt, go for a subtler pattern like this Fashionisto did for an in-between look—just dipping your foot in the water. It can be dressed up with black pants for a night out or dressed down with jeans for a casual look around campus.

Author