All Our Editors Rate This £59 Button-Down as the Best Shirt Ever Created

We don't like to brag, but with years of experience hunting down wish list-worthy buys on the high street behind them, our editors have gotten pretty good at it. And when something really special comes along, it's only fair to shout about it, right? 

There are certain criteria an item has to meet to earn the Who What Wear editor-recommended stamp. Generally, the Who What Wear team favours classic pieces, versatile pieces that you can wear year after year and in multiple ways. They should be high quality and fit well, but most importantly they should bring you joy. Think thick wool knitwear, hardwearing denim and real leather (or premium vegan leather) accessories.

This time around, it's a simple button-down shirt that's made it onto the list. You probably already own one, but you probably don't own one as flawless as the Arket poplin shirt. The high street brand has a few to choose from, in different colours and slightly different cuts, but all have one thing in common: that not-too-loose, not-too-tight, perfectly relaxed fit. Plus, the cotton used is a nice weight that washes well and holds its structure. The best bit? It's only £59, and some iterations are even less.

Don't just take it from us—influencers love this staple, too. Scroll down to discover more...

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(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Marisa opts for a classic combination, pairing her Arket button-down with high-waisted blue jeans.

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(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Francesca Saffari wears her blue button-down open over a tube top.

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(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

Style your striped Arket shirt with knee-high boots and dark-wash jeans, like Sarah Louise.

In case you need further proof that this staple is infinitely versatile and easy to insert into pretty much any wardrobe, we've created three looks around it. Whether you're refreshing your everyday wares or seeking an elegant going-out ensemble, Arket's poplin shirt will do the bulk of the work for you (and we've done the rest).

Look #1: Electric Evening

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: This rich blue shirt is so impactful, little effort is needed for the rest of the outfit. But that matching buckle-detail bag and those dreamy slingback kitten heels will make it look its absolute best.

Shop the look:

Look #2: Preppy Parisian

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Arket is a popular choice among minimalists, and it's easy to see why. Can't you envision this cool monochrome look being sported on the streets of Paris?

Shop the look:

Look #3: Effortless Everyday

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: On those tired mornings when you want to chuck something comfortable on and look instantly put-together, this poplin shirt will be your best friend. Just add well-worn jeans and your favourite kicks.

Shop the look:

Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.