Five ways to wear: button-down shirts

Introduced in the US more than a century ago by Mr John Brooks, of Brooks Brothers, the button-down took its inspiration from the sports shirts worn by British polo players. They needed the extra fastenings to prevent their collars flapping around during play.

It became a true style statement, however, when Mr Gianni Agnelli, the famous Italian industrialist who ruled Fiat for three decades from the mid-Sixties, chose to wear button-down collars but with the buttons left undone. This gave his structured looks an appealing twist of nonchalance - or, as the Italians call it, sprezzatura.

If you prefer yours buttoned-up, then do so - especially as this will help keep both your collar and tie firmly in place. Sometimes a rebellious collar point or two need putting firmly in their place.