The Hunt: Fake Collars for Layered Work Outfits (aka Dickies)

Discover how faux collars bring style and practicality to your work wardrobe—without the extra bulk.

By Medha deb

Created on Jul 6, 2025

Discover how faux collars bring style and practicality to your work wardrobe—without the extra bulk.

The Rise of Fake Collars for Layered Work Outfits

Layering has always been a staple technique for achieving a polished, sophisticated look in any work wardrobe. However, many professionals struggle with the practical downsides of traditional layering—bulky shirts, static cling, and discomfort under fitted sweaters. Enter fake collars, also known as dickies: an ingenious accessory that adds that crisp, layered look without excess fabric or fuss. In this guide, we’ll delve into the resurgence of dickies, the best places to find them, and how to style them for today’s office environments.

What Are Dickies? Understanding the Versatile Fake Collar

If you’re discovering dickies for the first time, you might wonder: what exactly are these faux collars? Unlike a simple clip-on collar but also not a full shirt, dickies are partial garments that typically consist of a collar and a modest amount of fabric that drapes over your shoulders, often secured with elastic or adjustable straps. The result? All the style of a button-down or turtleneck, without the bunching, sweating, or bulk beneath your top layer.

Structure: Most dickies include a section that sits on your chest and sometimes extends to your back, kept in place discreetly under sweaters, dresses, or blazers.
Securing Features: Many have elastic or fabric loops that go under your arms or around your shoulders, ensuring the dickie stays put.
Types: Options range from crisp classic collars to ornate Victorian-inspired designs, as well as faux turtlenecks and even bib-like styles with extra features such as lace or jeweled embellishments.

Why Choose a Fake Collar? Practical Advantages for Work Outfits

The classic workwear aesthetic—a crisp shirt layered beneath a sweater, blazer, or dress—can elevate even the simplest outfits. However, wearing multiple layers can create real-world problems:

Bulk: Traditional shirts add extra fabric at the sleeves, back, and torso, risking an unflattering silhouette under fitted knits or jackets.
Static Cling: Layering often generates static electricity, leading to clinging shirts and visible lumps.
Overheating: Extra layers increase warmth, which can be unwelcome in modern, climate-controlled offices.
Discomfort: Tight fits around the arms or neck can result in restricted movement and a day-long sense of annoyance.

Fake collars solve these issues, letting you achieve a tailored, layered appearance—whether with sweaters, dresses, or blazers—without sacrificing comfort or silhouette.

Types of Dickies and Where to Find Them

The market for dickies and fake collars has expanded rapidly as fashion brands respond to growing demand for innovative, easy-to-style solutions. Here’s a look at the most popular sources and styles available today.

1. The Super Affordable, Crisp Fake Collar: Amazon

Amazon is perhaps the most convenient marketplace for those seeking variety on a budget. Users can browse multiple sellers offering dickies in an array of options:

Classic Colors: Whites and pastels for a traditional look.
Fashion Statements: Plaid patterns, faux-jeweled accents, and dramatic designs.
Faux Turtlenecks: For those seeking warmth and a higher neckline, faux turtlenecks can be swapped in for seasonal style shifts.

Many of these options are available in multi-packs for under $20, with flexible sizing and free or fast shipping. The simplicity makes them ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with layering without a big commitment.

2. Feminine and Unique Fake Collars: The Power of Etsy

One of the best marketplaces for artisanal, handmade, and customized dickies is Etsy. Shoppers can find designs that can’t be easily sourced in mainstream stores:

Embellished collars with lace, pearls, embroidery, or unique textures.
Matching cuffs for a coordinated, elegant approach (some sellers, like bloominglace, offer sets or à la carte cuffs).
Sleeved dickies available for extra coverage, providing a show-stopping look beneath sleeveless dresses or open blazers.
Quirky or artistic designs that express individual style, often at accessible price points (most under $20).

3. Faux Collars for the Creative Office: Anthropologie

If you like your accessories with a creative flair, Anthropologie offers “collar bibs”—think fashion-forward statement pieces designed for the creative or less traditional office. Their range may include:

Minimalist black and white bibs
Textured or patterned options
Occasional sales that make these designer pieces more affordable (often around $30)

These bib-style collars are sometimes styled over shirts in promotional images, but can easily be layered under a sweater or dress for a more classic, polished effect.

4. Victorian-Inspired Touches: Lele Sadoughi

For those who love a bit of drama, designer Lele Sadoughi produces dickies reminiscent of Victorian or Edwardian accessories. Expect intricate details and feminine embellishments, such as:

Delicate lace trims
Jeweled accents or faux pearls
Ultra-soft, luxe fabrics suitable for special work occasions
Most pieces typically priced under $100, available through department stores or the designer’s website

5. Casually Luxe Dickies: Guest in Residence

Bringing the dickey into the luxury knitwear space, Guest in Residence offers soft, cashmere dickies in playful colorways. Founded and creatively directed by Gigi Hadid, the brand specializes in direct-to-consumer cashmere pieces at a mid-high price point (approx. $95). These designs offer:

Contrasting colors for maximum modern appeal
Premium feel and warmth, perfect for fashion-forward professionals
Unique color-block options like taupe/lime pairings

How to Style Fake Collars for Professional and Creative Looks

Mastering the dickey means knowing how to integrate it into your existing wardrobe for seamless sophistication. Here are some styling guidelines and professional tips:

Under Sweaters: Pair a crisp white or pastel dickey beneath classic ribbed knits, cable sweaters, or fine merino wool cardigans for an academic-inspired look.
With Blazers: Choose a collar or turtleneck dickey for a polished finish under a structured blazer—especially useful when you don’t want the heat or wrinkling of a full shirt.
Layered with Dresses: Feminine, lacy dickies create a romantic contrast under sleeveless or v-neck sheath dresses, making your outfit suitable for cooler weather or more formal settings.
Mixing Textures: Experiment with materials—blend crisp cotton collars with soft knits or try a cashmere dickey beneath a heavier wool sweater for visual and tactile contrast.

Remember: the best fake collars lie flat against your neck and shoulders, keeping the illusion of a real shirt without visible gaps or bunching. If you’re wearing jewelry, coordinate your necklace or brooch to emphasize the neckline created by the dickey.

Table: Quick Comparison of Dickey Styles and Where to Buy

Retailer	Popular Features	Price Range
Amazon	Wide variety, multi-packs, basic to embellished	Under $20/pair
Etsy	Customizable, handmade, unique, lace & cuffs	$10–$30
Anthropologie	Creative bibs, trendy colors, higher-end	$30–$50
Lele Sadoughi	Victorian, pearl/lace details, luxe designs	Up to $100
Guest in Residence	Cashmere, bold colors, modern luxury	About $95

Reader Tips: Where Corporette Readers Find Their Best Fake Collars

Corporette’s readership has helped crowdsource some of the best places to find both classic and offbeat dickies. In addition to the major brands listed above, they recommend:

Etsy sellers like Putney Home Design and bloominglace for craftmanship and matching accessories
Veronica Beard and Quince for specialty blazer insert dickies—zip-in designs made specifically to complement tailored jackets
Department store sales at Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom for high-end styles at a discount

Some readers even suggest experimenting with layered twofer sweaters (sweaters with a built-in fake collar or shirt tails) found at places like Amazon, which streamline the entire process to a single garment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fake Collars and Dickies

Q: What is a dickey or fake collar?

A dickey is a partial shirt or collar insert designed to give the appearance of a layered shirt without the bulk. It typically covers only the collar area and part of the upper chest or shoulders.

Q: Are fake collars comfortable to wear all day?

Yes, most modern dickies are designed to be lightweight and secured with discreet straps or elastic, ensuring comfort and a stay-put fit throughout the day.

Q: Do they stay in place under sweaters or blazers?

High-quality dickies with elastic or adjustable straps remain secure and flat under clothing. Choosing the right size and ensuring the straps lie smoothly will help prevent shifting.

Q: How do I clean a fake collar?

Refer to care instructions on the product label. Most cotton or polyester dickies are machine washable, while embellished or fine-fabric versions may require gentle hand washing or dry cleaning.

Q: Can men wear dickies, or are they only for women?

While dickies are most often marketed to women for layering with sweaters and workwear, men’s versions exist—primarily as mock turtlenecks or collar inserts to wear under vests and suits.

Additional Styling Tips and Layering Advice

Test with Different Necklines: Try your dickey with v-necks, crew necks, and even deep scoop necks to see which silhouette flatters your frame.
Experiment with Statement Jewelry: Embellished collars look beautiful with or without necklaces. Let your dickey be the centerpiece or add subtle sparkle with stud earrings.
Mind Fabric Contrasts: If mixing knits, match the weights and textures where possible to avoid odd bulges or mismatches.
Accessorize with Confidence: The return of faux collars signals a move toward playful accessorizing—don’t be afraid to let your personal style shine.

Conclusion: Why Every Work Wardrobe Needs a Dickey

In summary, dickies and fake collars are more than a passing fad—they are a clever solution to a timeless wardrobe dilemma. From affordable basics on Amazon to artisan-crafted finds on Etsy and designer statements from Lele Sadoughi and Guest in Residence, there is a fake collar for every style, budget, and occasion. Whether you want to streamline your morning routine, try out new trends, or simply stay comfortable while looking crisp and professional, dickies deserve a spot in your workwear rotation.

Have you tried adding a dickey to your outfits? What’s your favorite way to style a fake collar for the office? Share your experiences and discover even more inspiration for building a smart, stylish, and practical work wardrobe.