Scrolling Tuxedo Shirts
The button down variation you didn't know you needed
On a recent hunt through my mom’s closet, I came across a vintage Brooks Brothers cuff-link button-down shirt. This discovery sparked my latest fashion obsession: tuxedo shirts.
To me, a “tuxedo shirt” is any button-down shirt designed to be worn with cuff-links. There are two variations: French cuffs and extended cuffs.
The French Cuff: The Classic Look
The French cuff is the quintessential tuxedo shirt design. It’s formal, and requires cuff-links.
The Extended Cuff: The Perfect Twist
But let’s talk about the extended cuff. To me, this style is the perfect balance of classic and unexpected. It’s a more modern take on the traditional tuxedo shirt—just enough of a twist to make it interesting, without straying too far from the timeless appeal of a well-tailored shirt. It’s also the ideal day-to-night piece, which is essential in your late 20s wardrobe.
Hot Take: Wear It Without Cuff links
Here’s my hot take: style the extended cuff without cuff-links. I think this variation looks so much cooler when left open. The exposed wrists add a relaxed touch, making the look feel more approachable and leaving space to show off some jewelry. It’s a small detail that makes a basic outfit more interesting.
Day to Night Styling
Here’s how I styled my mom’s vintage tuxedo shirt this past weekend:
It’s the perfect example of day-to-night versatility. During the day, I’d wear it buttoned up with the shirt tucked in for a more polished, professional look. For evening, I’d leave a few buttons undone, for a more fun vibe.
I can also see this shirt pairing well with a silk mini skirt come this spring and summer.
My Picks
After scrolling through some options, here are my favorites for anyone looking to add this piece to their wardrobe:
Khaite: This must be a discontinued style but is exactly what I had in mind. It’s on the pricier side for what you’re getting but Khaite can do no wrong.
Mango: I’m really into this one. It’s more budget-friendly and the waist detail is nice touch. No cuff-link option but that doesn’t matter since we’re not using them anyway.
Another Tomorrow: This brand is new to my shopping radar (I believe they recently opened a store in Soho).
Chava- Not a brand I’m super familiar with but this shirt is great. I love the detail of wearing the collar popped. How Chava styled it is exactly how I envision it. Bonus points for being able to get it monogrammed.
American Eagle- A fantastic, budget friendly pick. While it lacks the cuff-link option, leaving the cuff buttons undone gives a similar effect.
Chanel- Found this vintage option on Poshmark, its pricey for what you’re getting but its Chanel so…
Another Tomorrow: Another offering from Another Tomorrow—this one is a bit more unconventional and not entirely aligned with what we’re looking for, but the embellishment on the sleeve caught my eye.
Vintage Brooks Brothers: This is essentially the shirt I stole from my mom’s closet. If you search for “Brooks Brothers long sleeve extended cuff tuxedo shirt,” you’ll find lots of variations in different colors. Don’t be afraid to go for a men’s version for a more boxy fit!
Exception to the Rule
I came across this photo while scrolling Pinterest and I think it might just be the exception to the rule for the french cuff variation. This bow detail is unexpected and unique.