Five Womens Button Up Shirts

Five Womens Button Up Shirts

A womens button up shirt is a closet staple. It’s the subtle nod to menswear that you can throw on with jeans for a 3 a.m. bodega run or dress up with a linen one for a summery beach cover-up.

But a good white button-down requires careful selection. The best ones are both structured and relaxed, with can’t-miss details.

Everlane The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt

The silky feel of this shirt fuses put-together polish with lived-in comfort—in a roomy, oversized fit that’s flattering without ballooning out indiscriminately when tucked in. “It’s the kind of button-down I always wanted to find,” says strategy writer Erin Schwartz, who wears hers unbuttoned over lingerie and high-waisted jeans and has two in rotation.

Similarly, blogger Hailey Rizzo appreciates that the boxy silhouette doesn’t drown her petite frame (although she suggests going a size up womens button up shirts for an even more oversized look). The light-weight fabric is airy and feels crisp enough to be worn out of the house, but it holds up nicely through washings.

Smart also lauds the shirt for its affordability, noting that it’s on par with more expensive shirts she owns from Everlane and Banana Republic. Plus, the soft crinkled cotton looks just as polished when wrinkled as when it’s freshly ironed.

J.Crew The Cropped Button-Down Shirt

The white button-down is a sartorial staple that can go high-brow (like your 3 a.m. bodega run) or low-brow (like your formal finance interview). TFG readers love this particular light blue linen shirt for its classic lines, travel-friendly construction and versatility. It goes up to size 40 and has a unique design that prevents buttons from gaping, which can be a real problem with certain other styles. It also comes in petite and tall sizes to accommodate different body shapes.

For a more casual take on the trend, check out this linen tie cuff shirt by Charter Club. A TFG reader calls this top “perfect for the beach,” but it would work fab at the office as well. It’s breathable, lightweight and comes in multiple colors. Plus, the ties at the cuffs can be tied loosely for that perfectly slouchy look. It’s also wrinkle-resistant, which makes it easy to pack for a vacation or a business trip.

Cubavera The Oxford Button-Down Shirt

One of the most versatile pieces in a woman’s closet, the classic button-down shirt has a subtle nod to menswear that keeps it feeling polished even when worn with jeans. “It looks great under a blazer, with jeans and sneakers on the weekend, or thrown over your swimsuit for a vacation vibe,” says Strategist writer Erin Schwartz.

The slim cut is flattering on all body types, but a brushed cotton fabric and back yoke detail make this shirt look more expensive than it is (though Uniqlo has been implicated in forced labor in Xinjiang). The only downside is that the shirt tends to wrinkle easily, so you may have to iron it.

This Gitman Vintage Oxford shirt, made in the USA (unfortunately, the company closed its 88-year-old factory and is now making everything in China), is an upgrade from your average boxy button-up. A slightly roomier fit makes it appropriate to wear tucked or untucked, and the mid weight Oxford cloth will hold up well in the wash.

Mango The Jane Birkin Button-Down Shirt

The French icon Jane Birkin left an indelible mark on fashion, becoming a muse for many designers and inspiring the laid-back style that defines her legacy. In her honor, we’re sharing five wardrobe essentials that capture her essence.

Shirts like this one from Mango are a staple in Birkin’s closet and are perfect for channeling her effortless French girl style. With womens button up shirts a classic button-down silhouette, this relaxed cotton top is perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans and flowing maxi skirts. Alternatively, you can layer it over form-fitting knitted jumpers.

Wide-leg pants were a favorite style choice of Birkin’s and remain a stylish fashion choice today. Opt for a pair of high-waisted, neutral-colored linen trousers with a white T-shirt or plain cotton blouse. For a chic finish, try wearing a chunky belt around the waist to cinch in your silhouette and add definition to your waistline.

Something Navy The Relaxed Button-Down Shirt

When you need to dress up but aren’t quite ready for a suit or tie, a silk button down is the way to go. Unlike many other options, this one is machine washable and doesn’t require a trip to the dry cleaner. It’s the kind of shirt that would look chic with a pair of wide-leg jeans for a casual lunch date or a day out on the boat.

If you’re in the mood for something more playful, UNTUCKit offers this blouse in an array of pastel colors. Made with a breezy blend of linen and cotton, it’s the kind of piece that works perfectly with your summer dresses but can just as easily be worn untucked over a camisole or bodysuit. The fabric is sustainably sourced from Europe and the curved hem hits at mid-thigh so it’s easy to wear either cuffed or uncuffed.

White Linen Button-Down Shirt

When it comes to womens linen shirts, there are endless options. You can dress them up with a cute skirt and comfy heels, or you can keep it more casual with jean shorts and sneakers. Some shirts even work as cover-ups at the beach!

When you’re on the hunt for a white linen shirt, look for one with cuffs that hit past the wrist. That’s the style that Style Coach Kim Hancher prefers, and this Gracie linen button-down from Michael Stars fits the bill. She says that it’s “not too cropped and not too long,” plus the front pocket gives it a cool modern vibe.

TFG readers also love this LL Bean washable striped linen shirt because it’s a great travel option and comes in sizes XXS-XL as well as a variety of colors. It’s the perfect piece to throw on for a tropical getaway paired with a sun hat, flip flops, and flowy white pants or a maxi dress.