So, Everyone Is Doing This Thing With Their Basic Button-Down Shirts

Many would argue that the 1970s is the decade we derive the most fashion inspiration from ('90s coming in a close second). Denim silhouettes, platform footwear, countless patterns, and one microtrend that seems to be making a comeback 50 years later: the disco collar. Achieving this technique is simply by leaving the collar on your button-down shirt over the lapel of your blazer or jacket, creating a double-layered effect. It has roots earlier than the '70s but this is the time period it really reigned supreme. 

Lately, the fashion editor and influencer crowd have taken a liking to this retro styling trick and the result feels fresh for 2020. Rather than replicating the look precisely as it was done way back when, take a glance at the roundup of throwback and current-day interpretations below to come up with your own winning combination for the months to come.

Throwback Collars

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(Image credit: Syndication International/Getty Images)

Bianca Jagger, The Studio 54 regular, illustrated the effectiveness of a power suit long before any of us.

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(Image credit: Stein/Mediapunch/Shutterstock)

This throwback of Diane Keaton makes us want to run out and buy the first floral button-down shirt we can spot. 

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(Image credit: Stein/Mediapunch/Shutterstock )

Though the '70s were a prominent period for the collar-over-lapel look, Elvis Presley was also an advocate decades before.

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(Image credit: Fairchild Archive/Penske Media/Shutterstock)

Singer Diana Ross spruced up her white suit with a button-down shirt layered on top.

2020 Collars

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Proof that anything with a collar can work for this styling technique, including the of-the-moment half-zip tops and sweaters that are having a moment.

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(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)

Go for something unexpected and try this trick with a sheer button-down shirt.

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(Image credit: @double3xposure)

Oh, joy! The layering tip works with trench coats, too.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Images)

Behold the layered outfit that works perfectly for the office and after-work drinks.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Go for the gold and try a leather vest in place of a blazer.

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(Image credit: Christian Vierig/Getty Image)

The neutral blazer and slacks balance out this statement cropped shirt outfit.

And Now: 9 ways fashion girls love to style button-down shirts.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)