A Retrofit Republic fan needed our fashion advice ASAP. She wrote to us for help.
Dear Retrofit Republic Fashionistas,
HELP!
I need some fashion advice pronto! I’m trying to resolve a dilemma between my male (straight) guyfriend and I. He loves to tuck his button-up shirts inside the waistline of his slacks when we go out. On two occasions, I suggested nicely that it would look more casual out. His button-ups are nicely fitted and they aren’t overly long so when he does pull them out, they are right above his pelvis area. He, however, does not seem to appreciate my fashion tip. Can i get some legit, EXPERT advice on this matter so that a THIRD run-in of this sort doesn’t happen, pls?
When is it appropriate to have a tucked in shirt and when not to?
All I can visualize when I see his tucked-in top is Dwight, from The OFFICE. If I were to see him in the club, I would NEVER give him a chance bc my first thought is “SQUARE”!
I appreciate it, sistas!
With much love,
Linda
Linda, thank you for reaching out to us. You’ve asked a great question. We’ve seen too many men unflatteringly wear dress shirts. One common mistake is men wearing dress shirts too large whether tucked in or out. Too big is too big, period. If you’re trying to go for the baggy look, please don’t.
For James, tucking in his shirt will depend on the occasion and the look he is going for. Tucked in shirts are always permissible for business casual or formal events such as a professional work environment or Queen Elizabeth’s ball. However, if you’re not going to such events then here is our advice on how to casually wear a button-up shirt or dress shirt, tucked in and out.
For James and all wo/men who care, we recommend going for a polished casual look or an effortless casual look. The key to pulling off a casual look is to also pair your dress shirt with casual bottoms such as jeans or khaki pants.
First and foremost, the material and style of the dress shirt matter:
The key to looking current are the material/fabric and style of the button-up/dress shirt. Unless you want to look like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever steer clear from shiny fabrics such as satin. Fabrics with too much sheen instantly make you look outdated and cheap. For a contemporary and stylish look stick to natural fabrics of varying weights and texture such as cotton, oxford, twill, poplin, broadcloth. For style, don’t be afraid of color and patterns such as check, plaid, or gingham.
For a polished casual look:
1. Tuck in your dress shirt.
2. Button the cuffs so it sits right at your wrist or ½ inch passed your wrist is ok too.
3. Wear a fitted long sleeve cardigan or a v or crew-neck sweater over the dress shirt.
4. Add a textured tie and brownie points for adding a classic tie clip or rocking the bow tie instead -it indicates mad style and that you’ve got it together (again steer clear of shiny synthetic fabrics that look cheap)
5. Pull it all together with a simple leather belt.
6. More style cred if you go with vintage pieces and top off the look with a fitted blazer.
For a polished casual look sans the tie:
For an effortless casual look:
1. Do not tuck in the entire dress shirt. Make sure the dress shirt does not pass your hip bone by more than 3 inches. If it covers most of your crotch then it is too long. If this is the case, slightly tuck in one side of the shirt and let the other side slightly hang out casually like David Beckham does below.
2. Forgo a tie.
3. Unbutton the collar so you look at ease.
4. Nonchalantly roll your cuffs anywhere between mid-bicep to mid-forearm.
david beckham
Other effortless casual looks with the dress shirt tucked in:
Add layers:
With the same effortless casual look add layers for colder temperatures. Layering instantly adds an interesting depth to your outfit.
1. Wear a simple basic tee underneath your dress shirt or wear a collared shirt over the dress shirt. Top it off with fitted outerwear.
2. Let the dress shirt naturally peek out from underneath the cardigan or sweater.
3. Tuck your dress shirt’s collar underneath the outer layer’s neckline.
4. Roll up the sweater’s cuff and do the same for the dress shirt so that it cuffs over the sweater’s cuff.
Wear your dress shirt like an open cardigan or jacket:
Another casual way to wear a dress shirt is like a open cardigan or jacket over a nice fitted sweater, turtle neck, t-shirt or another dress shirt just like our Spring look book model, Julian, below. Feel free to roll the cuffs in between mid-bicep to mid-forearm or not.
Other great examples:
For more examples, J.Crew always gets it right. Check out how they do it here. http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/shirts.jsp
We hope this helps. If you have any more fashion related questions, please do not hesitate to ask us. We love saving couples’ relationships and friendships too.
For a styling consultation and exclusive access to shop at our store, you may set-up a private shopping appointment for you and your friends, by emailing team@retrofitrepublic.com or facebook us: www.facebook.com/retrofitrepublic.