On the days when we don't feel like being sartorially adventurous and just want an effortless easy outfit option, nothing beats a well-made, eternally elegant, shirt. As the basis for any woman's wardrobe, the power of the shirt is that it is always chic and incredibly versatile. Dress up a simple shirt with a tux or killer suit or tuck into your favourite jeans and wear with sandals or trainers – either way it's the quickest way to look and feel instantly smart.
Crisp and white, oversized and striped, silk or poplin, we've tracked down the best brands that have perfected the classic shirt so you don't have to trawl the stores. Click ahead for our pick of the best shirts to add to your wardrobe now.
With Nothing Underneath
Noticing a gap in the market for reasonably priced, high quality shirts, former Tatler jewellery editor, Pip Durell and friend Lucy Kingsman launched With Nothing Underneath just a few months ago. Designed in London, inspired by men's tailoring and beautifully modelled by Louise Follain (anything she wears, we want), stock up on WNU's luxurious shirts while the brand is still relatively under the radar. Hurry, as they've already caught the attention of the fashion cognoscenti, including Pandora Sykes, and their classic shirts are perfect for anyone who adores the style of Jane Birkin, Charlotte Rampling and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
With Nothing Underneath White poplin shirt, £80, available at With Nothing Underneath
H&M
Fit and quality are crucial when buying a shirt, especially if it will become a core part of your work wardrobe. Thankfully, H&M has a great range of shirts, available in plain white or blue, as well as various coloured stripes, each for less than £15. This blue striped shirt is a wardrobe staple; just look how good it looks with light wash denim!
H&M Cotton shirt, £8.49, available at H&M
Joseph
The styling options are almost endless with this tailored staple from Joseph's Pre-SS18 collection. Cut from crisp cotton poplin, it has a lightweight handle, providing a timeless and tomboyish piece. We love it worn untucked with a leather skirt.
Joseph Poplin new garçon blouse, £245, available at Joseph
Off-White
Off-White’s take on the classic shirt is as effortlessly cool as we might expect from the cult streetwear brand. This striped shirt is made from lightweight Oxford cotton for a loose, nonchalant fit with a point collar and long sleeves, and is printed with black typography at the yoke. Iridescent blue buttons add a delicate, feminine touch.
Off-White Point collar striped Oxford cotton shirt, £357, available at Matches Fashion
Margaret Howell
A master of minimalism, we can always rely on Margaret Howell for timeless, well-crafted shirts. For endless options, from silk and sheer cotton to chambray and cashmere gauze, head to the beloved British brand to find the perfect shirt for you.
Margaret Howell Single pocket cotton poplin shirt, £125, available at Margaret Howell
Equipment
While Margaret Howell is one of our favourite British brands when it comes to shirts, Equipment reigns supreme in France. This cream silk signature shirt with a menswear-inspired silhouette is a modern classic. Wear with pinstripe trousers and a statement bag or tucked into a colourful midi-skirt.
Equipment Signature washed-silk shirt, £220, available at Matches Fashion
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