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Affordable Men's Style

Classics: How To Wear It – The Bold Check Dress Shirt

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In Person: Calibrate Trim Fit Non Iron – $59.50

Originally Published 7/28/2011

Nordstrom knows how to make a shirt.  This particular model is a neck and sleeve dress shirt from their more fitted house brand Calibrateicon.  So despite the pattern, you won’t be wearing this untucked.  The fabric is a smooth 96% cotton with 4% lastol for stretch.  The collar is crisp, substantial, and honestly a real good example of what you want all of your dress shirt collars to look and feel like.

The “trim fit” from Calibrate fits close and is only slightly larger through the body than an Express 1MX Fitted.  Thanks to the hard to miss check yet smooth finish, you can wear this shirt with almost anything.  For example:
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1. With a grey suit & wool tie: Suit by Indochino, Shoes by A.E., Watch by D&G, Vintage Tie
Still respectful, but far from blending in.

Just because your Dad had a bulky flannel checked shirt doesn’t mean you can’t wear this cleaned up version with a sharp suit.  Keep the tie simple but go with a texture like wool or cotton.  Since it’s a large pattern, your watch and shoes can bring some beef  while still looking balanced.  Try wingtips or brogues.  Maybe a chronograph with some contrasting red accents.

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2. With denim:  Jeans by Levis, Tie by CR for Clubroom, Shoes by Calvin Klein
Dressed down, but not out.

“Jeans Fridays” leaving you with no answers?  Make sure the shirt is tailored precisely to your torso, put on a knit tie with some color, and grab your favorite pair of not quite dress shoes but not sneakers either.  Feel free to roll up those sleeves too.  As previously stated, you’ll be tucking it in.

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3. With white chinos:  Blazer & Chinos by B.R., shoes by Sebago, watch by Swiss Army
Carrying the load.

The bold pattern is a perfect addition to the poor man’s version of the summer suit.  Almost white chinos and a pale blue blazer make for a versatile setup with colors that are both light but just different enough.  A navy cotton blazer would work here to.  The shirt anchors the outfit and the watch equipped with a cheap American Eagle Strap adds some more color.  If you don’t like the idea of a black check shirt & brown shoes, black suede would look good here too.

Comments

  1. GREAT look… wish I could wear that at work… but the general rule is white or pale blue. Thank goodness for the weekends!

  2. Blaine is the rule really white or pale blue or is it that everyone wears that and no one steps out of the “norm?”

    Joe, nice piece. The styling makes the check shirt very approachable. The second look is my favorite. 

  3. Well done Joe. Def feeling all the looks. So did you get a pair of Strands as well?

  5. The shirt makes it easy.  Real impressed with this one from Calibrate.  Just wish they had more available online for purchase.  For the shoes: those are actually the Weybridge.  Love em’.  Got them for $160 during the anniversary sale.

  7. Big fan! I wear a navy medium size gingham shirt with knit tie and grey suit occasionally.

    Love the third look! I have the suede Mike Konos, but I would love some nice slim suede loafers

  8. Nice pattern coordination between the tie and shirt in the second outfit. That’s something that most (including myself) have trouble with.

  10. I like everything for the most part but I would change the brown shoes in the last one and I’m not sold on the tie with no jacket look. I know it’s a knit tie but still. you’re wearing jeans and in the hypothetical scenario presented in the article it’s also ok to roll up your sleeves. I think a tie would look like you’re trying too hard and forced.

  11. So I see they don’t have these in my size at Nordstrom.  Anyone have experience with Land’s End Tailored fit?  I’ve been looking for some medium gingham shirts for awhile now and was considering these http://www.landsend.com/pp/TailoredFitPaintbrushDressShirt~195523_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::YME&CM_MERCH=IDX_Men-_-DressShirtsTies-_-TailoredFit A 1MX XL is perfect on me if that helps for reference…

  12. I hope this is the start of a new feature.  It’s always nice to see certain things pair differently to keep the creativity flowing.

  13. I’m not sure how much I can really help here, but I love Lands’ End stuff. I’m 6’2″ and a little over 200, with a good bit on top. Their medium clothes fit me well. I’d say size down if you’re gonna give it a try.

  14. It’s the rule… I work in TV… we’re not allowed to have fun with our dress shirts haha.

  15. It’s the rule… I work in TV… we’re not allowed to have fun with our dress shirts haha.

  16. I’d agree. I used to do the jeans and tie thing, but I was never 100% comfortable about it, and gave it up.  I think it has a air of trying to hard.

  18. What’s the shade of Levi’s in the second picture? I have been trying to find a go-to pair of jeans which aren’t too dark but most of the ones in-store have this garish faded pattern or some other stinking design feature.

  20. very timely repost as i just picked up a navy and black checked shirt very similar to this and i wasn’t sure what to pair it with. thanks!

  21. All those looks are suave – i’m especially fond of those calvin klein shoes but the link ain’t working for me …

  23. Yep, I am likin’ the color of those Levis as well. Second time in the past week I have seen a bluer denim featured. Nice change from the dark, dark navy. Hope the blue is here to stay.

  25. These types of features are some of the best on Dappered, keep up the awesome work and keep doing more of these!