Modern guys go collared yet casual in crisp, detailed shirts

Washington Post

You can quibble over the merits of pleated khakis vs. flat-fronts, dither over the difference between a two-button blazer and its three-button counterpart. But let it be said: For guys, style starts with the shirt. A crisp collared shirt, to be specific — the sine qua non of any professional look.

Of course, this suit-y staple can go casual, too. Roll up the sleeves, let your shirttail roam free and it can sub for a tee on most occasions. The trick is to pair your shirt with pieces that have a laid-back feel but still maintain a sense of tailoring, such as dark-rinse denim jeans, and a vest, not a Nats hoodie or a Members Only jacket.

Which brings us back to the shirt. You want a button-down that doesn’t feel too buttoned up; start by picking one with details to distinguish you from the workaday rank and file. Seek out a style that really fits at the shoulder; most men, be they optimistic or just plain myopic, buy their shirts at least one size too large. Look for a finely textured cotton, with a print that’s interesting (a subtly variegated pinstripe) but not too interesting (purple, paisley or — egad — both). And just say no to French cuffs, monograms and other fussy bits of fashion frippery: Each dollop and swirl may be dashing in its own right, but save it for the days when you truly mean business.