Put Something in the Middle
You’d be surprised how much that one move changes the whole shebang.
Today’s trick is what we call sandwiching. It’s the easiest way to get more mileage out of a button-down (or cardi or zip-up). Instead of wearing it closed, wear it open over a base layer (a tee), then add something on top (cardigan, jacket, blazer, etc).
Think of the button-down as the filling.
The button-down is the Jarlsberg. The tee and the jacket (or oversized cardigan) are the ciabatta.
That middle layer creates visual interest even if you’re wearing it monochrome. A white tee under a white button-down still works because of the placket peeking through. If it’s striped or an interesting color, that sliver of pattern adds so much to an outfit.
This formula actually became the juice behind my Kurt Cobain post after seeing him do it a few times.
I break down how I choose my favorite button-downs in this post.
The Pieces I Keep Recommending to Clients
I don’t have one single “best” button-down. I love the gamut: boyfriend fits, a classic fitted version (this one is interesting), oversized options and many of my clients love the TWP cropped versions, depending on the mood. The only detail I try to avoid is a double chest pocket. It leans too Western for me and adds too much width through the chest, which makes me look at nothing else.
I’m also particular about the tone of blue. My favorite is a deeper, denim-like blue (like this), but I dont mind a French blue either. The one I tend to skip is a baby blue stripe, It reads a little too sweet for my taste.
You can also double down and layer one shirt over another. A great way to stay warm when you’re sick of wearing sweaters.
Warmer weather is coming (NY is supposed to hit 60 this week), which makes this formula perfect for that in-between weather. It’s still cold in the morning but hot once you're inside by the heater. You can shed the top layer and still have something happening.
A button-down is the perfect middle layer. The fabric is thin but structured, so it adds dimension without bulk. It works under something sharp and tailored just as well as under something slouchy. Put it in the middle and suddenly the whole outfit has shape.
My current obsession is a zip-up sweatshirt. The sandwiched shirt underneath is what saves it. Still comfortable, but polished enough that I don’t feel like I showed up to work in loungewear. The juxtaposition of something sharp (the button-down) with something cozy on top is a win. You look elevated but remain comfortable.
The cardigan also does a lot of the work here. Everything else is fairly neutral, so the color in the knit wakes the outfit up. Without it, the look reads pretty simple which is also lovely if you veer more neutral. I also like how the sneaker give the preppy sweater a sporty element. This sneaker can do no wrong.
