Runway's half-tucked shirt trend is a sartorial game-changer, and it's surprisingly easy to pull off

Designers are redefining the classic dress shirt, and the result is a stylish, laid-back look that's anything but boring.

Bottega veneta and jil sander lead the charge with asymmetrical button-downs.

At the Fall 2026 shows, the traditional button-down shirt got a modern spin. Half-tucked collars, with one side peeking out from under a sweater or jacket, were a ubiquitous sight on runways from Bottega Veneta to Balenciaga. This unexpected breakout trend offers an easy styling hack to add a touch of sprezzatura to your wardrobe.

I decided to give it a try, inspired by the looks at Celine. Pairing a crisp yellow dress shirt with a brown blazer, I tucked one side of the collar beneath my lapel. The result was a tailored outfit that felt less stuffy, more fun and irreverent.

Next, I tried layering a blue dress shirt under a pink cable-knit sweater, again tucking one side of the collar. This look felt positively quirky, a far cry from the preppy-chic aesthetic of a fully buttoned-up shirt.

The beauty of this trend lies in its simplicity. Unlike many runway styles that require a complete wardrobe overhaul, the half-tucked collar is easy to execute with pieces you likely already own. It's a subtle yet impactful way to update your wardrobe and signal a laid-back, Fashion-forward attitude.

So the next time you reach for that classic dress shirt, don't be afraid to get a little weird with it. And if anyone questions your styling choice, just tell them it's runway-approved.