The placket is the strip of fabric down the centre of your shirt that your buttons are sewn onto. On dress shirts, your placket will either conceal your buttons or host stud buttons.
For concealed buttons, there’s an extra layer of material to hide them. It creates a clean finish. Stud buttons are mini disks, usually in black, that look really neat and tidy. Plus, they create a subtle match with your black bow tie, trousers, accessories – the list goes on.
Ruffles give a retro feel now if that’s what you’re after – but for the most part, today’s more about streamlined looks. Some dress shirts have pleats down the front. It’s just a styling thing and very much optional for more formal occasions.