Tailor made: The best women’s shirts for every occasion
A style staple and hardworking essential, shop the shirts you’ll turn to time and time again
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You’re running late for work, staring into the depths of your closet trying to figure out what to wear. More often than not, the easiest answer is a crisp button down. Timeless, versatile and effortlessly chic, the best shirts for women are hardworking wardrobe staples that make getting dressed a breeze.
A key style basic, women’s shirts come in an array of silhouettes that can be worn to work, date night, brunch and even with athleisure for a laidback weekend look. From boxy androgynous fits and oversized iterations to relaxed silk and cotton variations, there’s a women’s shirt for every style, mood and occasion.
Of course, we don’t need to tell you that one of the best things about a great shirt is its versatile styling options. A loose untucked shirt with blue jeans and trainers is great for a casual day out while a luxurious silk shirt with trousers or a midi skirt makes for elegant office wear and boxy shirts are great for layering over T-shirts and tank tops.
Whether you like borrowed-from-the-boys styles or delicate feminine options, we’ve found the best shirts for women for every taste.
The best white shirts for women
From Diane Keaton’s tailored white shirt and waistcoat combos in Annie Hall to Julia Roberts’ effortlessly sexy oversized shirt in Pretty Woman, white shirts have long been a firm favourite of well-dressed women, on screen and off. A crisp white shirt works well with tailoring while relaxed styles paired with jeans or shorts make for an effortless casual option. From the office to date night or even the beach, a white shirt is the sartorial best friend every woman should have.
Build your white shirt roster with trusted classics – The Row’s Sisilia shirt and Polo Ralph Lauren’s Oxford shirt are great starting points. For those who like their fashion homegrown, British brand With Nothing Underneath’s organic cotton shirt is a great timeless option while Sandro's boxy cropped shirt pairs perfectly with summer denim.
The best work shirts for women
Whether you’re going into the office or rocking the business-from-the-waist-up Zoom call look, you need shirts that work as hard as you do. We’re talking elevated basics that look polished at your desk but can be creatively styled for post-work drinks. Note: while relaxed office dress codes mean more freedom, avoiding sheer, cropped or cut-out styles is still a prudent choice.
For chic wear-with-anything options, choose a relaxed fit shirt such as Toteme’s crisp cotton iteration or With Nothing Underneath’s striped design. You can also opt for fun details while sticking to the classics. Róhe's stripy shirt has an asymmetrical button closure and ties at the waist for an adjustable fit, while Claudie Pierlot cuts a feminine silhouette with its pussy-bow collar, cinched hem and sweet vanilla hue.
The best silk shirts for women
One of the most luxurious wardrobe staples, a silk shirt is elegant, comfortable and truly long-lasting if taken care of. For SS26, brands including Dries Van Noten, Max Mara and Dolce & Gabbana offered up the quiet luxury classic in a myriad of ways – paired with flowing skirts, worn unbuttoned over T-shirts and paired with immaculately tailored trousers and blazers.
Gucci's jacquard-style silk shirt is great for a formal event. We recommend pairing it with sleek trousers and kitten heels for a sharp wedding guest outfit. Elsewhere, Burberry’s take adorned with the brand's iconic Equestrian Knight design in a chekerboard pattern is sure to be a summer favourite, worn with matching silky trousers or a maxi skirt. For a subtle pop of colour, try Dôen’s elegant polka dot silk shirt or Zimmermann’s vintage-inspired floral print shirt. Invest in the matching trousers for an easy co ord to wear on holiday.
The best statement shirts for women
While minimalist staples are great for an easy-to-wear wardrobe, having a few bold pieces infused with heaps of personality is just as essential when it comes to mastering individual style. Go bold with colours, textures and embellishments or experiment with silhouettes – whatever you do, make sure to have fun with your shirts this summer.
Fashion label Faithfull has gone all out with its vibrant mix of prints and colours while Giuliva Heritage's Carmen shirt adopts just one – a very striking glossy silver satin for that 'wow' effect. Elsewhere, Maje and Sandro offer short-sleeved silhouettes, perfect for warm-weather dressing. The former features an all-over postcard-perfect print, ideal for pairing with shorts by the beach; the latter a cropped, boxy fit trimmed with beads, designed to be shown off in the balmy evenings.
The best oversized shirts for layering
It is a truth universally acknowledged that British weather is temperamental. The answer to surviving a summer that follows a heatwave with a thunderstorm? A breezy overshirt. Lightweight enough to add some flair to your summer outfits and cosy enough to keep you warm when the temperature drops, an overshirt is an easy way to upgrade your style.
While denim overshirts are commonly favoured, seek out contemporary updates, such as Ami Paris' fresh cream button-up, complete with the houses' signature Ami de Coeur embroidered at the chest. Or go for a timeless check, like Guest In Residence's super soft cashmere, which looks great with light-wash jeans. For the ultimate summertime classic, which never disappoints, opr for linen. Toteme's sky blue version is lightweight and breezy and looks great draped over floaty bottoms or tucked in. Dries Van Noten chooses a more vibrant pop of pink, in 100 per cent silk, for an elegant and refined feel, perfect for layering over a cami, or wearing solo. Finish with silver jewellery to dress up for a night out.
Read more: The ultimate linen style guide
