The first person that comes to mind when I think of a button-up shirt is Claire Dunphy. She has rocked the quintessential mom uniform of a button-up shirt and jeans for eleven seasons of the ABC hit show Modern Family. Her style is juxtaposed with the overtly sexy style of Gloria.
For most of those eleven seasons, I wondered why she always had to be in such “boring” clothes. I mean Julie Bowen has a figure TDF. Why not show it off? But recently, I have been feeling all the feels for button-up shirts. I attribute my new found fondness to the shirt company Grayson. I realized Claire is on to something.
Grayson was founded by a woman with a strong belief in the power of a personal uniform – Hello! Claire! She completely remade the button-up for women and how we live now.
Button-Up vs. Button Down
Is it button-up or button-down? Is that like glass being half-full or half-empty? According to He Spoke Style, a button-up is any shirt that buttons up to the front. A button-down shirt refers to a collar on a button-up shirt that fastens with buttons. So technically, it is button-up! Honestly, I have been calling it a button-down for years. Learn something new every day, or at least I hope I do.
Why Grayson Shirts?
So now that we know, it is called a button-up; what makes the Grayson shirt so great? Grayson shirts have beautiful construction, signature details like a cape-like pleat on the back, portrait collar, and impeccably draped hem. The fit is ridiculously flattering, and they use ultra-premium fabric that gets even better over time. Grayson offers one fabulous silhouette, the Hero, which they designed after working with 30 fit models to flatter a women’s body and help them feel strong and feminine.
I picked up my first Grayson shirt at Anthropologie. I love the soft fabric that drapes perfectly. One of my major complaints about button-up shirts is the stiff fabric that isn’t flattering, especially for large-busted women. Grayson’s shirts come in a variety of fabrics, but all offer the drape that is so flattering on all women.
Button-Up Shirt Styling
The spring runways were full of button-up shirts. They are definitely on trend for spring & summer. Honestly, they are perfect for seasons where the weather is fluctuating. A good button-up shirt can be layered easily when the weather is cooler, and a lightweight button-up shirt is ideal for summer – whether you want to roll the sleeves up or not. The runways highlighted extreme collars like back in the ’70s but for everyday fashion that will translate to any collared shirts.
A quick note on sizing: Grayson shirts come in sizes 1-5. They coincide with your standard XS thru XL. I am wearing a size 4 or large. I went back and forth between the three and the four. The three fit better overall, but I thought it was tight through the bust. I can’t stand it when a shirt pulls. So I opted to size up for a little extra room. For reference, I am a 34DD for now. More on that another time.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running. If you would like to know more, visit my disclosure policy page.
Outfit Inspiration
1.Grayson Hero + Jeans + Slides
Grayson Hero // The black floral motif first caught my eye. The pattern is irreverent and plain awesome! The floral shirt is made from liquid lyocell, which is an eco-friendly fabric. The fibers are processed using organic chemicals and are 100% recycled.
AG Jeans (similar) // My wash is sold out, but this one is similar. I love a good boyfriend jean and AG makes some of the best.
Gucci Mules // I had no idea how comfortable these slides would be. They are a splurge but worth it.
2. Grayson Hero + Denim Jacket + Faux Leather Leggings + Sneakers
Grayson Hero // The black floral motif first caught my eye. The pattern is irreverent and just plain awesome! The floral shirt is made from liquid lyocell, which is an eco-friendly fabric. The fibers are processed using organic chemicals and are 100% recycled.
Denim Jacket // Oversized denim jacket from Madewell. A denim jacket is a must-have for spring & summer. The oversized version is another great addition to your wardrobe. It’s perfect with leggings because it covers your bum.
Leggings // The Spanx Faux Leather Leggings are fabulous! I get compliments & questions every time I wear them. They aren’t warm enough for winter but are perfect for spring & fall. These leggings have just the right amount of suck you in and smooth you out, so you don’t feel like a sausage.
Sneakers (similar) // My Air Force One’s are from ONEtwelve. They re-imagine Nike’s popular shoe with designer fabric & art. I have the plain white too. Nike makes them in so many fabulous combinations. They are a cult favorite because not only are they stylish but comfortable.
3. Grayson Hero + Cashmere Sweater + Boyfriend Jeans + Trainers
Grayson Hero // The black floral motif first caught my eye. The pattern is irreverent and plain awesome! The floral shirt is made from liquid lyocell, which is an eco-friendly fabric. The fibers are processed using organic chemicals and are 100% recycled.
Sweater (similar) // I’ve linked the J.Crew V-Neck Boyfriend sweater in Everyday Cashmere. I think it is the best quality cashmere for the price. I have it in several colors. The one I am wearing is the Nordstrom Signature brand several years ago. When wearing a sweater over a button-up shirt, I like to let the hem of the shirt hang out under the sweater; that way, you get to see a bit more of the fun fabric of the shirt.
Trainer // The Balenciaga Speed Trainers, are an investment piece. They are still popular after all these years and perfect for running around town.
4. Grayson Hero + Blazer + Straight Leg Jeans + High Tops
Grayson Hero // I loved the black with white flowers so much, I picked up the reverse. I figured there are so many ways to wear both that it was worth having two. The white background has more of a traditional vibe that works just as well as the black. The floral shirt is made from liquid lyocell, which is an eco-friendly fabric. The fibers are processed using organic chemicals and are 100% recycled.
Blazer // The Everlane Oversized Blazer is one of my favorite purchases from 2019. The fit is slightly oversized but not frumpy. You can wear this bad boy for work or play. I find myself reaching for it time and time again.
Jeans // I am obsessed with finding the perfect pair of straight-leg jeans. My goal is to find a pair that isn’t too high waisted, long enough, and has some room in the leg. You think it wouldn’t be hard, but it is proving harder than I thought. Straight leg jeans are sure to be the “it” jean for 2020. My problem is I have a short waist, and an 11″ rise is too extreme. I like these AGOLDE pair but still feel they are too high waisted for me.
Sneakers // My new shoe LOVE! These Paul Green Bronte High Top Sneakers are beyond comfortable. I’ve jealously watched all the fashion girls strut in high top Converse knowing darn well that they aren’t comfortable for my feet. I considered a pair of Golden Goose, which you all know I love, but I wanted something cleaner, more streamlined. Then I walked into Nordstrom and the spotlight shown down on these fantastic shoes. They have an internal wedge just like the GG, so they are beyond comfortable. The leather is like butter, and I honestly want to wear them every damn day! Seriously, these are great shoes! They come in black too.
5. Grayson Hero + Bootcut Denim + Booties
Grayson Hero // I loved the black with white flowers so much, I picked up the reverse. I figured there are so many ways to wear both that it was worth having two. The white background has more of a traditional vibe that works just as well as the black. Try a half-tuck for a new and different take.
Bootcut Jeans // My exact wash isn’t available right now, but the AG Angel Bootcut jeans are uber-popular jeans come in several different washes. I’ve linked one super similar just without the distressing, which makes them better for a casual day at the office.
Boots (Similar) // Mine are old, old Via Spiga. I like the Sam Edelman I linked as an update for 2020 and a more comfortable, walkable heel.
6. Grayson Hero + Grandpa Sweater + Jeans + High Tops
Grayson Hero // This plaid shirt is made in cozy cotton with the same details of the other shirt, including the cape-like pleat in back. Grayson offers your traditional plaids and many creative new versions like this lilac with navy and white. This one feels 100% Clair, but it is oh! So! Awesome!
Sweater (similar) // My grandpa sweater is from Nordstrom last year, but these oversized knits are rising in popularity now. It may be a nod to Mr. Rogers, or maybe it is just a good idea. These chunky knit sweaters keep you warm during chilly spring days.
Sneakers // Did I mention how much I love these Paul Green sneakers? Yes, I think I did. Will you get sick of seeing them in my posts because I am constantly wearing them? Yes, you might.
7. Grayson Hero + Suede Jacket + White Jeans + Slip-On Sneakers
Grayson Hero // This plaid shirt is made in cozy cotton with the same details of the other shirt, including the cape-like pleat in back. Grayson offers your traditional plaids and many creative new versions like this lilac with navy and white. This one feels 100% Claire, but it is oh! So! Awesome!
Suede Jacket // Maybe Mr. Roger’s sweater isn’t for you. How about adding a BlankNYC suede jacket? These suede jackets are Insta-famous but for a good reason. They are well constructed, stylish, reasonably priced, and add a bit of edge to any outfit.
White Denim // These are my first pair of Current/Elliott, which is weird because I am a massive fan of these women as designers. They are the genius behind the Emily & Merritt line and The Great.
Sneakers (similar) // My sneakers are from M.Gemi. They don’t make this pair anymore, but I’ve linked a similar pair. I get compliments all the time on these shoes. I also have several pairs of M.Gemi Cerchio slip-on sneakers, which I live in during the summer.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is for fashion-minded women in the prime of their life. We delight in the beauty of every day, and we hope you will join us on our journey. Happy Shopping Dahlias. xoxo
