There is a reason why the late, great, Peter Lindbergh repeatedly returned to photographing women in a look that became synonymous with his work: the white shirt. Nothing spells timeless chic quite like a crisp button down – nor an artfully crumpled version, come to think of it. Calm, considered, concise, a white shirt is a wardrobe staple packed with quiet charm. In sartorial terms, it represents a certain, “you got this” air of confidence. What other item could equip you for a job interview, a glamorous party, a weekend coffee and a trip to the beach?
How do you pick a good white shirt?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying the perfect white shirt and everyone will have their own specifications. With surfeit of options out there, it’s all about working out what look you’re after: do you want a more relaxed, silken style? A borrowed-from-the-boys silhouette? Or just a classic cotton number?
Here at Vogue, we are big fans of the boxier, more androgynous style – one that fits loosely over the mid-section and skims over the hips (fitted shirts can feel outdated while oversized cuts can look too casual). British brand With Nothing Underneath has some great options in this department.
Which brands are best for women’s shirts?
The first thing to say about buying the perfect white shirt is: don’t be confined to the women’s department. In our experience, men’s shirts can offer a more crisp, elevated look, thanks to their focus on classic silhouettes. On the high street, Uniqlo, Arket and Cos all have great options in both the men’s and women’s sections. At the upper end of the price spectrum are brands such as Frankie Shop (a go-to for looser fits), Sebline (great for a grandad collar), and Totême (silkier styles are the brand’s forte). In summary, there’s something for every style and budget.
How do you style a white shirt for 2024?
When chosen correctly, a white shirt can be one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe – the beauty of it is that it can be easily dressed down or elevated.
For a casual spin, try an untucked, loose-fitting white shirt with a pair of ripped jeans and sneakers, or for work, a black skirt (mini, midi, or maxi) and loafers. For the evening, a crisp white shirt will look truly decadent with black cigarette trousers and “look at me” jewellery, while a loosely-buttoned shirt worn with a full-length satin skirt is peak elegance.
Scroll on to see and shop the best white shirts the Vogue team wear for work and play.
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