I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23

best-white-shirts-for-women-288282-1692846207626-main

(Image credit: @gracejoshua13)

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.

best-white-shirts-for-women-281749-1565688873807-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

best-white-shirts-for-women-281749-1565688956512-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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

best-white-shirts-for-women-288282-1595284248029-main

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Style Notes: You seriously can't go wrong with a white shirt tucked into blue jeans. Pair with all-black accessories. 

best-white-shirts-for-women-281749-1565626878162-image

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

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. 

best-white-shirts-for-women-281749-1565626918131-image

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

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. 

best-white-shirts-for-women-281749-1565627178701-image

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Up the sass factor by wearing your loose white shirt tucked into a miniskirt with metallic heels.

Shop the Best White Shirts

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Elinor Block