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? The term absolutely applies. No matter what sort of budget you have or your sense of style, the white shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. Is there anything else so simple yet so chic? It's so easy to wear on the weekend, to the office and while working from home. 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 oversized 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 trousers or tucked into pencil skirts. Another recognisable look comes from Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, in which she wore a white shirt tied at the waist with 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. But perhaps our favourite 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.
What to Look for When Considering a White Shirt:
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. 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.
Which Brands Create the Best White Shirts?:
To get the definitive guide to the best white shirts for women, we posed 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. But what was evident was that no matter the price, people were willing to pay for more if a genuinely perfect fit was on offer.
Of all the brands that came out on top, there were two winners: COS and H&M were the most popular, in general. But there were so many more that were recommended. Marks & Spencer is ideal for those with bigger chests, as it offers an ingenious solution of hidden buttons on the inside to reduce the risk of gaping. Ready to discover your favourite white shirt? Keep scrolling to see how to style yours, and then check out our edit.
Shop the Best White Shirts:
1. H&M Oxford Shirt, £19
2. COS Oversized Tailored Shirt, £65
3. Theory Menswear Shirt in Good Cotton, £200
4. Marks & Spencer Cotton Oversized Shirt, £25
5. The Frankie Shop Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt, £175
6. Arket Poplin Shirt, £77
7. Sézane Tomboy Shirt, £85
8. Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Shirt, £29.90
9. Ghost Asya Satin Shirt, £89
10. Whistles Boxy Cotton Shirt, £79
11. Rails Arlo Shirt, £188
12. With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Shirt, £95
13. Weekday Buttoned Poplin Shirt, £44
14. Citizens Of Humanity Kayla Cotton Shirt, £280
15. & Other Stories Over sized Shirt, £77
16. John Lewis ANYDAY Long Sleeve Shirt, £35
17. Toteme Oversized Tuxedo Shirt, £310
1. H&M Oxford Shirt
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 is also smart enough for work.
2. COS Oversized Tailored Shirt
Plenty of members of the Who What Wear Facebook group love COS, mainly because it offers white shirts with modern twists, like the oversized style above.
3. Theory Menswear Shirt in Good Cotton
For a real investment piece, you can't go wrong with Theory's classic white shirts, which have everlasting appeal.
4. Marks & Spencer Cotton Oversized Shirt
A steal with an oversized fit, classic collared neckline and a longer length that opens up multiple styling opportunities.
5. The Frankie Shop Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Cut from organic cotton-poplin, the Lui shirt and has a rounded hem that's longer at the back and a relaxed fit, making it the perfect everyday throw-on.
6. Arket Poplin Shirt
Arket is one of our favourite places to go for basics that look expensive but are very affordable. Case in point? This white shirt.
7. Sézane Tomboy Shirt
French brand Sézane does a great line in shirts, but you'll have to be quick, as they tend to sell out very quickly.
8. Uniqlo Extra Fine Cotton Shirt
Another great place to find basics is Uniqlo.
9. Ghost Asya Satin Shirt
If you're interested in satin styles, you can't go wrong with Ghost.
10. Whistles Boxy Cotton Shirt
Whistles has a way of taking classic pieces and adding a modern touch, like this chic boxy fit.
11. Rails Arlo Shirt
Rails is always a go-to for editors when it comes to easy basics that stand the test of time. Layer it as is, or wear open over a tank.
12. With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Shirt
Another brand that was mentioned a few times was WNU. Not only are its shirts apparently easy to iron, but they also last a long time.
13. Weekday Buttoned Poplin Shirt
Weekday was another recommendation from the Who What Wear team. This one is perfect in name, perfect in nature.
14. Citizens Of Humanity Kayla Cotton Shirt
Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi recommends white CoH shirts in an oversized style, as these are good for those with a bigger bust.
15.& Other Stories Oversized Shirt
Another recommendation from our Facebook group was & Other Stories. I own a striped shirt from the brand and can attest that these wear well and look great on.
16. John Lewis Anyday Long Sleeve Shirt
Made of 100% cotton, we love the flattering curved hem and relaxed fit of this white shirt from John Lewis' ANYDAY collection.
17. Toteme Oversized Tuxedo Shirt
The French cuffs only add to the classic appeal.
How to Style a White Shirt:
Style Notes: I love a white shirt with white jeans. Sure, you might find yourself avoiding the red wine, but it looks so chic, so it's probably worth it.
Style Notes: Here's another combination of jeans and a white shirt—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.
Style Notes: I particularly like how Abi Marvel has knotted hers at the waist, wearing a punchy bra top underneath.
Style Notes: Co-ords make for an easy outfit solution time and time over, especially when you add a white shirt into the equation like video content producer Remi Afolabi has done here.
Style Notes: A white shirt will elevate any outfit, this we know, but I love how acting affiliate editor Florrie Alexander has given hers a very current spin with slouchy jeans and colourful trainers.
Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers, loafers and a white shirt really is a faultless combination you can rely on when you want to feel smart, as proven by junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain.
Style Notes: Give your crisp white shirt the fun factor by pairing with a ruffled tulle skirt and sneakers.
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