Buttons Up!

CEBU, Philippines - Simplicity can be sexy, and as for modesty? Well, it can be foxy. 

This is my take on an upcoming trend that’s all about keeping things down while relying on shots of confidence to sex up the entire attire. 

At first glance, buttoned up collars can be such a drag especially while flannels, sheer, and everything grunge is still well within the trend radar. Today, anything that bares something is an automatic come on, which is why perhaps most of the runway trends that gain widespread acceptance in the streets are those that bare sexy shoulders or take a plunge from the collar bone to the chest.

In the coming months, collars, which are very transeasonal considering that you can button them down for summer and button them up when gusts of wind bring about an uncanny chill will be big not just on the runway but on the streets, as well.

With the ber months about to make a come back, the collar trend will be worn buttoned all the way up. The trend’s general look will rely heavily on its being crisp, minimalist, and put together. Worn either with or without any sleeves, one can go two ways in the style spectrum: add a spike of fun and being flirtatious by pairing the buttoned up collared shirt with a flouncy mini or crisp, plain colored shorts; or go heavily on the prim and proper vibe by throwing on a pair of high-waisted pants. Go extra femme by putting on a collared shirtdress and a pair of platform heels and you’re set to go.

Before experimenting with this trend, it pays to brush up on some Collars 101. After all, it pays to take a crash course on the vast array of collars to choose from to help in the selection process.

1. Tuxedo collars: tuxedo collars were made to glam up the evening, albeit unconventionally for women. Keep it crisp and clean, pairing it up not just with confidence but with the kind of etiquette and social graces that evening events require.

2. Regent collars: this is perhaps the most common type of collar, making it a safe bet if it’s a first time for you to try out this trend. You can hardly go wrong with this type of collar.  You will hardly turn any heads either. The regent collar is definitely not a conversation piece.

3. Peter Pan collar: For an incredibly retro take on this trend, the Peter Pan collar is your best bet. Small and rounded, this is best with shorter sleeve types and pastel colors reminiscent of cupcakes and tea parties.

4. Button down collars: This collar type can sometimes be rather too 2D so it pays to accessorize it to make it pop a bit. Button collars are pointed with tiny buttons at the tip to keep them down. Wear with a small tie in a contrasting color or risk not having it noticed at all.

5. Club collars: Popularized way back in the 20th century, these rounded collars were originally part of men’s fashion. Instead of a collar pin, fasten the club collar down with an interesting brooch.

6. Cutaway collar: Cutaway collars are for the bold and experimental. This type of collar spreads wide and cuts away until it is nearly parallel to the shoulders. Snag this look in the boardroom or the workplace and talk about dressing up beyond the box.

7. Contrast collar: the contrast collar simply pertains to a collar that comes in a different color from the rest of the shirt. This is meant more for casual occasions and if you are in the mood for a quirky twist to an otherwise corporate look. Rock at your own risk.

Although the tie can be an automatic complimentary accessory to the buttoned-up collar trend, suffice to say that one should go easy on it as this trend will focus more on the collar, free and uninhibited. However, if accessorizing is really your cup of tea, layer on a few necklaces of varying sizes and textures from chains to statement pieces to classic single-strand pearls.

Brooches and pins will also be a great idea. Tie a simple ribbon or bow in a knot for a simple and polished look.

Go edgy by mixing this trend with leather or knee-high boots but always make sure to let the put together look dominate.

The succeeding season will be all about redefining “sexy” in the context of simplicity where less is more, and put together is fab.