
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 Petra 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 brushed cotton and cashmere blend is a great timeless option while Me+Em’s boxy cargo crop 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 Whistles’ linen iteration or With Nothing Underneath’s striped design. You can also opt for fun details while sticking to the classics. Max Mara’s satin shirt comes with elongated neck ties which can be knotted for a pussy bow finish while Marant Étoile cuts a delicate, feminine silhouette with its ruffled shirt.
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 SS24, brands including Etro, Zimmermann and Ralph Lauren 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.
Tom Ford’s tuxedo-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. Meanwhile, Burberry’s take with exaggerated epaulettes and double cuffs worn with a maxi skirt is sure to be a summer favourite. For a pop of colour, try Dries Van Noten’s sage green shirt printed with abstract cranes or Zimmermann’s floral-print shirt. Invest in the matching trousers for an easy co ord set 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.
Draw inspiration from stylish men, including Andrew Garfield and Paul Mescal, and look to British menswear brand Percival for the ultimate cool piece: a crocheted Cuban shirt featuring all-over retro floral motifs. Elsewhere, Prada and Self-Portrait play with classic shirt silhouettes by offering cropped and embellished styles. For the truly bold, Bode’s Western-themed sequined satin shirt is great for tapping into cowboy fashion.
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 Arket’s beige button-up. Elsewhere, master of material manipulation Bottega Veneta’s denim overshirt is printed with an enlarged weave for a textured look. Pair with the matching skirt for a cool-girl twist on your grandma’s favourite skirt suits. Statement overshirts can also add a fun element to basic outfits – YMC’s boxy pyjama-style shirt is embellished with intricate bird embroidery on its patch pockets while Iro’s silver leather design paired with jeans, sky-high heels and matching silver jewellery is great for a night out.
Read more: The ultimate linen style guide