Womens Button Up Shirts For Every Occasion

Womens Button Up Shirts For Every Occasion

If you are a woman, you have a lot of options for womens button up shirts. Whether you prefer a soft flannel or a tailored poplin, there’s a top for every occasion.

We asked wardrobe experts to share their favorite picks. Here are their can’t-live-without staples.

Icon Shirt by Ann Mashburn

The Icon shirt is the shape that started it all: a classic, scaled-down point collar womens button up shirts in a slim silhouette. It’s dead-simple, dead chic and made in the brand’s go-to silk: a luxe 40momme fabric that feels weighty yet seasonless on the skin. It’s also a member of Better Cotton, which helps support the cotton communities that grow it.

Founder Ann Mashburn, a former fashion editor with a verve for repurposing, has an eye for a great white button down that never dates. This version, in oversized women’s fit and Italian chambray, fits the bill: the shirt looks polished when worn with trousers and loafers, and its cuffs and collar get even more stylish with every wash.

Husband-and-wife team Ann and Sid Mashburn run a network of specialty stores that sell their line of women’s and men’s apparel, along with accessories and home goods. Their flagship in Atlanta is a style destination, with a curated collection of dress and casual pieces, as well as a full-service spa. The couple has also launched Kid Mashburn, a collection of children’s clothes in sizes 2Y to 8Y.

Quinn Straight-Fit Button-Up by Cubavera

If you need a versatile shirt for workouts and more formal occasions, this option from Cubavera is a winner. It combines structural silhouettes with flowing movement in a stretchy cotton-polyester blend. Additional sleeve tabs keep the sleeves from rolling up too much and an underarm gusset adds more space for movement. It’s a top pick among insiders we spoke to, including Los Angeles-based personal stylist Rayne Parvis. She notes that it enhances a man’s muscles “if he’s in good shape” and still looks tailored and professional even if he isn’t.

It has a tropical floral print for eye-catching style, but it’s also designed with comfort in mind. A tight plain weave provides durability, and the shirt is made from moisture-wicking fabric with sun protection. It has a back yoke detail to give the illusion of broader shoulders, and its slim fit is flattering with jeans or slacks. Plus, it’s machine washable, saving you trips to the dry cleaner.

Striped Button-Up Shirt by Kule

No closet is complete without a classic stripe button-up. This one by KULE is perfect for summer; it can be worn as a playfully campy beach cover-up over a swimsuit or womens button up shirts left untucked with slim jeans and sneakers to transition your look post-swim. It’s made in Portugal from 100% cotton, and designer Nikki Kule recommends sizing up for a more oversized fit (and to add a little Kate Moss-inspired femininity).

KULE, founded by designer Nikki Kule, is an eponymous label that started out making luxe kids clothes back in 2001; it has since expanded into women’s clothing, including striped long-sleeve and short-sleeve tees and blouses. The collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman, and Kule’s love of iconic, quirky American style with a French-inspired flair has garnered a cult following from celebrities, influencers, and fashion insiders alike.

When it comes to stripes, nothing looks quite as quintessential with denim—from vintage-wash jeans to cut-offs—as blue and white ones on a clean-cut shirt. The KULE version is a timeless silhouette, and the brand’s embroidered logo and red accents make it even more unique.

Oversize Button-Up Shirt by Madewell

A wardrobe essential for anyone who has a thing for button-downs, this cotton modal shirt is lightweight and easy to tuck in or wear out. It’s the type of blouse that works for both formal occasions and 3 a.m. bodega trips, thanks to its versatile fit and neutral color. As a bonus, the brand’s shirts are ethically made and designed to last (read more about them here). It was recommended in our button-downs for bigger busts story by lifestyle blogger Lurie Greene, who says it fits just right for her and has convenient buttons at the cuffs that hit closer to the center of the palm.

For a laid-back look, consider this oversized linen shirt, which stylist Jessica Cadmus calls a “masterpiece.” Its slouchy silhouette and chic Puritan collar give off strolling-in-the-park vibes, but the sleeves still have enough volume to roll them up for a dressed-up feel. It’s also the type of button-up that’ll work year-round, as you can pair it with a chunky knit come winter or a swimsuit over jeans in summer.

Short-Sleeve Button-Up Shirt by Madewell

This wrinkle-resistant shirt has a classic collar, 3/4 sleeves, and is made from a mix of cotton and polyester—perfect for business trips. It’s also a TFG reader favorite and editor-in-chief Alex’s go-to travel top.

Originally founded as a men’s workwear brand, Madewell (the youthful sister brand of J.Crew) has a knack for making wardrobe essentials that’ll never look dated. One of their most popular pieces is this wrinkle resistant womens button down shirt, which features a front button closure, a relaxed fit, and comes in several colors and sizes.

It’s crafted from a soft, lightweight cotton modal blend and has a wide scoop neck that’s “super flattering.” The breathable fabric won’t wrinkle when you pack it and the silhouette is super feminine.

Strategist reader Kristina Zias says this womens button down blouse is a great option for larger busts because it fits close to the body and doesn’t gap at the back. She recommends pairing it with a fitted blazer for the office or with jeans when traveling.