Just because a shirt has buttons doesn’t mean you have to use them. In fact, sometimes the best outfits happen when you pretend those buttons don’t even exist. An unbuttoned shirt can be one of the most versatile layering pieces in your closet, and today, I’m showing you three completely different ways to style one.
Quote of the day: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Charles Swindoll
The idea of unbuttoned shirts is part of our Thrifty 6 prompt, and you’ll see how everyone created such fabulous outfits by ignoring the buttons.
I had my crew showcase 3 unique approaches, which are:
Reasons to reinvent a top into an unbuttoned shirt?:
-It’s been in your closet for years, and you want to make it look different.
-You hate it when it’s a tad small and gapes open.
-Maybe you need some light layering options.
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The beauty of an unbuttoned shirt lies in its chameleon-like qualities.
It’s not quite a jacket, but it can play the part.
It’s not quite a cardigan, but it adds that same layer of interest.
It can be wrapped, layered, or origami-ed to look entirely different.
Also, unbuttoning your shirt completely removes the “fit” pressure. No worrying about the bust area pulling, no feeling constricted, no fussing with keeping everything smooth underneath. You can just throw it on and go, which is the best feeling.
Insider tip: I Love this idea if you have a blouse that is a tad tight or gapes open. Just wear it unbuttoned in all kinds of ways.
Charlotte’s look proves that you don’t have to wait for the perfect lightweight jacket because sometimes you already have one hanging in your closet disguised as a shirt.
We’ve showcased this idea a long time ago with white button downs. But any color or print unbuttoned shirt would work just as fabulously, like my mom is showing.
Insider tip: Fabric can make a difference. For example, a flowy rayon, Tencel, or lightweight cotton will drape more like a kimono. Whereas a structured linen or crisp cotton will feel more like a casual jacket.
Details:
-My mom’s purse is a clear purse, and then she tied the ends of an owl scarf around the handles to create a lining for it. You could use this trick for any clear purse.
-Pendants can work on necklaces AND scarves. While some are marketed for one or the other, they can do double duty.
Lesley’s look is perfect for when you want to define your waistline and add some personality. Instead of leaving the shirt open completely, she buttons none of it and simply ties the two ends in a knot right at the waist.
I love this method of wearing an oversized unbuttoned shirt so much that I found myself with a bunch of shirts that fit the bill (as explained in my quest clothing trap article). In my defense, I have learned (and shown in that article) many varieties of methods to wear this type of blouse.
Details:
-Straw purses can add such fabulous texture to your summer looks. Since they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, there’s one for everyone.
-Hats are another easy way to change the vibe or add sass to your look. Even if you’re going to be inside, I hope you throw one on occasionally.
Now, you know I can’t resist experimenting with layering and unique style ideas.
For my look, I went the opposite direction from my mom and Lesley. Instead of putting the unbuttoned shirt on top, I layered it under a cropped top.
Since the cropped top had a bow on the side, I copied that detail with the ends of my unbuttoned shirt. The rest of the blouse was tucked, wrapped, and hidden.
Insider tip: One secret of layering is to remember 2 words: OVER and UNDER. If it isn’t the norm, it might be a fabulous idea.
Details:
-These shorts were thrifted for $1, and even though they are a couple of sizes big, they are the perfect looseness for summer. Reminder—size is so inconsequential. Buy for the fit you want.
-I had so many positive comments on wearing my hair like this from last week that I tried it again with a smaller scarf. My mom said I look like a 1950s housewife.
Don’t forget you can accessorize your unbuttoned shirt to give it tons of personality. Think about:
-Belting it,
-Adding loads of necklaces that can be layered or stacked,
-Brooches can find a place anywhere on your shirt…don’t limit them to the side only.
I bet you can find a ton of ways to style an unbuttoned shirt. Try our ideas or come up with your own.
Playing in your closet and putting together outfits that aren’t your “usual” are just as good for your brain as they are for your wallet.
Insider tip: Remember, buttons are optional.
With the fashion and textile industry being a major contributor to landfills and other environmental pollution, we decided that our mission of this group is to focus on second-hand items. I feel like there is no shortage of unbuttoned shirt ideas at the second-hand stores.
Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out the men’s and kids’ sections of the store because you might be surprised. This is especially true for options for oversized unbuttoned shirts.
Check out the other members of the Thrifty 6 group for all kinds of unbuttoned shirt ideas.
Insider tip: If there aren’t many wonderful secondhand shops near you, I have included a list of online shops that I love at the end of this post.
“I found this blue floral shirt dress on a recent thrifting adventure when I wasn’t even supposed to be looking at clothing! But I couldn’t resist the color and the floral print so I bought it. I love maxi shirt dresses because they can easily double as dusters for layering. I layered a white preloved sundress beneath my unbuttoned shirt dress then I tied the matching floral fabric belt around my hat for a matching hat band. My necklace was made by my friend Michelle and my earrings were preloved. My blue sandals are very old.”
“The unbuttoned item is not pre loved. But I love this outfit so much that I wanted to share. The dress is from the shop I used to work for and bought, for the first time, when I was working. Wore it to pieces with red ballerinas. Years and years later I came across the dress on Vinted and could not resist! Only this time the dress didn’t give me that fabulous feel as it did back then.
It is still a lovely dress. Polka dots are so frivolous and feminine. And I adored those sandals. The dress has red little buttons and red piping at the ruffles and sleeves, which are puff ones. So, a unbuttoned red cardigan is the perfect layering for this one.”
“Unbuttoned” is the T6 theme for August – this opus in denim and gold hits the brief in three ways…
· The exquisite golden jacquard evening coat is worn literally ‘unbuttoned’
· Washed-out jeans give a relaxed, ‘unbuttoned’ feel to an otherwise glamorous ensemble
· A risqué sheer lace vest, the reverse of ‘buttoned up’, the epitome of freedom and confidence
Undo your buttons and set your spirit free!…”
“For the “unbuttoned” theme, I could not resist styling one of my long-sleeved check print button-up shirts as a lightweight jacket over a sleeveless top for some easy summer layering. I created a fun print mix by pairing the thrifted Tommy Hilfiger black and white check shirt with a thrifted Talbots skirt in a bold and colorful floral print. I finished this cheerful outfit with whimsical jewelry, all handmade except for the short floral necklace.”
“I’m wearing an Essential Antwerp shirt dress as a duster over jeans and a striped tee. I bought the dress on eBay a few years ago but have only worn it once before. For accessories, I’m wearing shoes that were just £1 in a charity shop and a red bag that was my mum’s.”
If you don’t have great secondhand stores near you, then another great option is online thrifting. These are the ones I’ve used more than once (except Swap, but it comes highly recommended by a friend)
thredUp—this link gives you $10 (and me in return).
Poshmark — here is the post about how to shop the site.
Preworn–10% off with code JODIEFILOGOMO
Etsy
ebay
Swap
Uncommon Closet— a nonprofit to help women.
Gild the Lily–a local Michigan store that sells online.
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any kind of budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us Stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and me. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my mother and friends. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.
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