Shirts Are a Vital Part of Any Wardrobe—Here Are the Best for Every Budget

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As ideal as it would be, there isn't a capsule wardrobe that can suit all, but there is something universally useful and appealing about a well-cut button-down shirt. The fact is shirts slot into almost every personal style profile. If you're into minimalism, shirts will be key. If you like layering, a great button-down is a vital tool. If you are a holiday buff, you'll know just how practical it is to pack one in your travel-on suitcase. Beach cover-up, knotted party top, airport staple—a humble shirt does it all. If you're in the world of corporate work, a shirt is a non-negotiable. If you like vintage style, there are shirts to suit your needs. If you like menswear-inspired tailoring, your kit wouldn't be complete without one… I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

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(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER; @bellathomas; COS; @smythsisters)

The best shirts for women do not come in just one size, cut, colour or finish, which is why this bumper gallery of shopping options showcases the best in every category, from linen to striped, colour-block to patterned. The reason there are so many options today is that shirts, although classic, have become a trendier option in the past few years. Thanks to the influx of oversized bright shirts filtering onto Instagram via The Frankie Shop, the button-down started to gain traction in a way that it never had before. Then came the cult-favourite Matteau style. Rendered in silk, printed with fig-leaf motifs and with short sleeves, it looks set to be a hit for the third summer in a row. Whether worn with jeans or loose and unbuttoned over a crop top and slip skirt, a decent shirt will serve you very well.

Keep scrolling to shop our edit of the best button-down shirts of every key style and price point.

1. BEST STRIPED SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: When it comes to striped shirts in 2023, it's all about a looser fit and thicker stripes.

SHOP STRIPED SHIRTS:

2. BEST COLOUR-BLOCK SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

Style Notes: From pale pastels through to punchy primary colours, any hue will do!

SHOP COLOUR BLOCK SHIRTS:

3. BEST LINEN SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

Style Notes: A linen shirt, jeans and Mary Janes = our unofficial uniform of spring 2023.

SHOP LINEN SHIRTS:

4. BEST PATTERNED SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @bellathomas)

Style Notes: Graphic prints and muted colours feel a little more elevated than anything too cute like a ditsy floral. Look out for short sleeves and you'll tap into the bowling-shirt trend too.

SHOP PATTERNED SHIRTS:

5. BEST DENIM SHIRTS

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(Image credit: @lindseyholland_)

Style Notes: A denim shirt can always double up as a jacket, but it will look equally current worn tucked into jeans.

SHOP DENIM SHIRTS:

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Hannah Almassi
Hannah Almassi
Managing Director, Women's UK

Hannah Almassi is the MD for Women’s UK at Future PLC. Following a decade-long tenure as Who What Wear UK’s first Editor-in-Chief, she now oversees Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. As an expert at the intersection of content, commerce, building brands and monetising digital platforms, she now combines her editorial experience alongside business acumen to help guide digital titles into the future.