I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23
The term "effortlessly chic" gets thrown around a lot in fashion. In reality, these two words are rarely applicable. But when it comes to the white shirt? Absolutely. No matter what sort of budget you have or what kind of sense of style, the white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. Is there anything so simple yet so chic? It's so easy to wear on the weekend and to the office. It's perfect for a night out but also a night in watching Netflix. It's the ultimate classic to have in one's arsenal, and whether it's oversize or fitted, linen or poplin, there are endless ways this classic piece appeals and can be rendered.
The white shirt even has its own icons. Old Hollywood stars such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly wore them loose with capri pants or tucked into pencil skirts. Another recognizable look comes from Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, in which she wore a white shirt tied at the waist and a miniskirt.
Modern-day white-shirt muses, however, include the likes of Jenna Lyons, former creative director of J.Crew. After all, she reconfigured how we view this humble item. Perhaps our favorite go-to celebrity for white-shirt styling inspiration is Victoria Beckham, whose insouciant way of rolling up her sleeves has us wanting to do the same.
Whatever your preference, one thing's for certain: Finding the one that fits you is like finding the fashion holy grail. It needs to fit just right and not gape at the chest or be excessively oversize. It needs to weather a coffee spill, and it needs to be long-lasting because, when you find the ultimate one, you'll never get rid of it.
To get the definitive guide to the best white shirts for women, I put the question to our 2000-member Facebook group, So... Should I Should Buy This?, asking them where they've found their best-ever white shirts. I also asked all the editors at Who What Wear which brands they rated. I had plenty of responses, and some labels clearly stood out. What was evident was that people were willing to pay more if a genuinely perfect fit was on offer, no matter the price.
Of all the brands that came out on top, there were two winners: COS was the most popular, with Gap following closely. But there were so many more that were recommended—from Madewell's relaxed-fitting silhouettes to Theory's high-quality fabrics that will last you a lifetime. Ready to discover your favorite white shirt? Keep scrolling to see our edit and how to style yours.
How to Style Yours
Style Notes: You seriously can't go wrong with a white shirt tucked into blue jeans. Pair with all-black accessories.
Style Notes: If you're a skirt person or just want to wear something a bit more oversize, take a tip from Brittany Bathgate and wear yours loose with an A-line skirt.
Style Notes: Here's another jeans-and–white shirt combination, this time with white heels. It's a small difference, but it really makes an impact.
Style Notes: Up the sass factor by wearing your loose white shirt tucked into a miniskirt with metallic heels.
Shop the Best White Shirts
H&M wasn't mentioned in the group discussion, but I've had a white shirt from the brand for about five years, and it hasn't let me down. It's great for a cover-up on the beach but also smart enough for work.
This brand was cited a couple of times as a great place to find timeless and quality shirts.
Market editor Judith Jones loves button-down shirts from Madewell. They're great fitting, easy-to-wear, and good quality.
Citizens of Humanity is known for its great pairs of jeans, but the brand also makes great white shirts.
Another brand that was mentioned a few times was Gap. Not only are the shirts apparently easy to iron, but they also last a long time.
Hatch is one of the more affordable brands you can shop at Saks. While this shirt may be on the less expensive side, it definitely doesn't lack quality.
For a versatile button-down that will last you a lifetime, look no further than Nili Lotan's relaxed-fitting tops.
Good American is known for great basics, and this shirt definitely falls under that category.
French brand Sézane does a great line in shirts, but you'll have to be quick, as they sell out very quickly.
I have this one in blue, and it's so good that I'm buying it in white.
This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.
-
6 Effortless Outfit Formulas I Swear By When I'm in a Major Style Rut
Easy and chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024
Denim devotees, unite.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RN
From cowboy hats to fringe accents.
By Grace O'Connell Joshua
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right Now
Take note.
By Courtney Falsey
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit Formula
Easy as un, deux, trois.
By Drew Elovitz
-
I Went to France and Saw Everyone Wearing These 5 Basics on the Streets of Paris
Effortless and chic.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
French Girls Laugh Every Time Americans Wear These 3 Things
Intrigued?
By Lauren Eggertsen
-
Amal Clooney Wore Controversial Boots to the Airport That'd Make TSA Squirm
They're not exactly travel friendly, but they are incredibly chic.
By Erin Fitzpatrick