Where to shop the best women's shirts, according to a fashion writer

It’s a universal fact that a good, crisp shirt is a must-have in anyone’s wardrobe. Gone are the days of only wearing shirts to work; the right white button-down paired with some jeans is the easiest formula to achieve that off-duty look.

But with most brands stocking their own style of shirts, how do we know where sells the best ones?

There are three things to consider when buying a shirt: the material, fit, and whether it’s a wardrobe basic or a statement piece.

Cotton, silk and linen are the holy trinity of shirt materials. If you’re after a high-quality everyday shirt, cotton will serve you well. While a blend is fine, if possible, getting a shirt that is 100 per cent cotton guarantees longevity and quality, both in feel and look. Silk and linen shirts cover opposite ends of the spectrum. Silk is great for an evening look, while linen favours beach days and acts as a throw on while running errands.

Still unsure where to look? These are six best places to look when shopping for your next shirt, from With Nothing Underneath to Never Fully Dressed and Cos.

With Nothing Underneath

With Nothing Underneath

Where better to start than with the brand that began with one simple mission: to make perfect shirts for women. Inspired by men’s tailoring, WNU designs every piece to be timeless and is the go-to brand for those who have Carolyn Bessette all over their Pinterest boards. Their best-seller The Boyfriend (£110, Withnothingunderneath.com) is the perfect white shirt. Made from 100 per cent cotton, this is a piece for your capsule wardrobe. What also caught my eye was their recently released check shirts in the Classic cut (£150, Withnothingunderneath.com). With flannels creeping into fashion this autumn, WNU would be a great place to look if you’re after a smart-feeling flannel.

Never Fully Dressed

Never Fully Dressed

If you’re after something with a feminine touch, Never Fully Dressed nails the elegant but cool shirt perfectly. Their current collection features bows around the neck, ruffles along the buttons or delicate lace trim down the sleeves. The Burgundy and Pink Lace Marley Shirt (£89, Neverfullydressed.com) has a classic silhouette however has been elevated through the unique lace detailing.

Cos

Cos

For those who like structurally strong or interesting shirts, Cos is your go-to. With shirts in all types of fabrics from cotton to linen to silk, Cos has a piece for any wardrobe. Their cutaway-collar striped cotton-blend shirt (£85, Cos.com), which comes in both blue and white/purple striped, has tuxedo-inspired details. However, the cutaway collar, French cuffs and a concealed placket keep the shirt feeling modern and fresh.

& Other Stories

& Other Stories

& Other Stories is currently championing all things frilly, tied and colourful when it comes to shirts. Their oversized cotton shirt (£77, Stories.com), in the colour of the season, purple, is a colourful play on a classic shirt and a great addition to your wardrobe if you're looking to try out a bit of purple in your wardrobe this autumn. They’ve also recently released tie waist shirts, something for those who want their looks a little more fitted.

Damson Madder

Damson Madder

If you’re after something a little more fun, Damson Madder has some of my favourite shirts for those who want a little whimsy. The London based brand has a more untraditional approach to shirts, adding interesting details through the fabric, asymmetry or attachments like bows. The Talia Ruched Shirt (£70, Damsonmadder.com) in Blue Check features a functional ruched placket, button-down front, and a relaxed fit for effortless everyday styling.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Something Uniqlo always gets right is their shirts. And how have they achieved this? By collaborating with JW Anderson of course. Keeping design and aesthetics simple, they’ve created a range of ideal every day shirts. The Oxford’s boxy fit and slightly cropped shirt (£14.90, Uniqlo.com) is a great layering piece. Under a jumper it doesn't feel like you have too much fabric going on, something common when styling a knit over an oversized shirt.