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Like a lot of people, I happen to really like the look of a crisp white button-down or striped oxford shirt. I have a few from Theory, Banana Republic, and J.Crew that I really like, but my biggest beef has always been how bulky it can feel (and look) to stuff the bottom half of the shirt into anything slim-fitting.
I’ve known for a while that the solution is probably one of those weird button-downs that’s actually a bodysuit, but I’ve never seen one that isn’t a) really crappy quality or b) ridiculously expensive. I found the perfect solution the other night when I wasn’t even shopping — I was just returning a kid’s item at J.Crew.
It’s a mandarin-collar button-down that’s not just a bodysuit, but my ideal bodysuit (with a non-string thong and crotch snaps). I bought one in white and one with white and blue stripes at $58.50 each (marked down from $78), which is a price I’m more than willing to pay for something I can wear both with a pencil skirt to a business meeting or with ripped jeans on the weekend.
I realized later that there are a bunch more online, including this cute ribbed turtleneck on sale for $39.99 (was $59.50), a long-sleeved wrap bodysuit ($49.50), and a few different cashmere options. I also noticed that the ones I bought come in regular, tall, and petite.
But note: One of its smartest features is also one of its downfalls. The crotch snaps have two sizing options, so you can make the bodice longer or shorter depending on your torso. (Have you ever worn a too-short bodysuit? Hello, crotch wedgie.) If you go for the longer option, just make sure it’s, um, positioned so that your thighs don’t rub against the other snaps.