1 Piece, 3 Ways: Polka Dot Button Up

It’s Wednesday, so Intern Gabi is here to make us all feel old show guys how to get her attention, style-wise.

Take it away Gabi!

 

Recently, I’ve fallen madly, deeply, head over 4-inch-heels in love with polka dot button ups. I love patterns, and probably wear at least one heavily patterned item a day. It’s been a while since I’ve rocked polka dot, because no matter what article of clothing it is it feels like a 1940′s pin-up costume. Polka dots seems so fresh and unexpected on a guy’s shirt.

I always see guys wearing plaid, stripes, tie-dye and other assorted patterns, so why not polka dot?

More of this PLEASE {ASOS shirt, $44}

I’m SO yearning for guys to rock this look. That’s why I put together three outfits so you don’t even have to think about whether or not you can “pull it off.”

This look really is for every guy, ever.

Look 1: The “If you go grocery shopping in this you won’t have to avoid people you know” Look

Hoodie: Old Navy, $27

Cords: J.Crew, $65

Sneaks: Nike, $63

 

I automatically associate button up shirts with nice; going out to eat, giving a presentation, or any instance where you can’t wear a t-shirt.

But I KNOW that they aren’t limited to that. They can easily be dressed down but give you the nice put-together look that you can’t achieve with 90% of t-shirts. With a polo, this outfit says “I shop at Baby Gap with Evan from Superbad” but when you replace the polo with a full button up shirt with a fun pattern to boot it says, “I’m an adult and have things to do on the weekend besides stream cancelled television shows from my parents’ Netflix account.”

 Look 2: The “Brooding bad boy that is probably smarter than he lets on” Look

Leather Jacket: Nudie, $613

Pants: Old Navy, $25

Boots: Red Wing Heritage, $290

 

I’ve recently finished watching Freaks and Geeks and started watching My So-Called Life, so I’m kind of having my “wanting the bad boy in high school moment” all over again. And I’m sure I’m not the only one; I’ve been thinking about the bad boy in high school since first laying eyes on Danny Zuko in Grease in 4th grade. 

Girls love a bad boy; but what you don’t know is we only like them from afar or for a very fleeting moment; we really just like how they look in our head.

Which is why replicating their look with this polka dot swap in will make you the most perfect guy ever.

Look 3: The “Your mom is in love with me and wants to raid my wardrobe” Look

Sweatshirt: Old Navy, $23

Khakis: Gant, $165

Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider, $80

 

If you still aren’t totally convinced that you need to go out and get yourself a polka dot button up because it is THE BEST POSSIBLE WARDROBE ADDITION YOU COULD MAKE, think about starting small. If you aren’t totally on board with something, but want to try it out (You should! Possibilities!!) just do it in doses. Put the shirt on, layer a sweater over it, and if you’re feeling daring you can share your new find with your pals. Who knows, you might be the next big menswear blogger

Tell Me:

How would YOU style the Polka Dot Button Up?