Upturned Collar

This magazine ad caught my attention the other day. I know it’s the shoes we are supposed to look at but the man’s shirt really stood out. His dress shirt collar is prominently “popped”. For those of you who don’t know the term, it simply means the collar of the shirt is flipped up, also known as the “upturned” collar. This look nowadays is mostly sported on polos but has unfortunately made its way back to dress shirts.

Over the years it has gained a reputation of being the “prep boy look”, anyone sporting this look has been deemed as “trying too hard”. Many argue that the upturned collar can work for all collared shirts and jackets. Many also justify this as a way to keep the neck warm. But it just doesn’t work with dress shirts, no matter how cold the weather may be. We have scarves for a reason. Your dress shirts are there to keep you looking sharp, confident, important, and not a fashion mistake.

The man’s attire in this ad is very tailored with a touch of rock and roll. His pocket squares and crisp navy suit keeps him looking sharp while his popped collar gives him a touch of personal style. However this edgy and daring style should really just remain on print. Men can accomplish this look without having to flip one’s collar. Look at Brad Pitt and Tom Ford, they pull off their kemp yet scruffy look all the time by simply unbuttoning a few buttons and keeping their collars standing.