Get Back to Basics With a White Button-Up Shirt (2024)

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There is nothing like a perfectly crisp, white button-up shirt. Similar to a great pair of jeans, a classic sneaker, or a basic tee, the humble white shirt is a wardrobe essential every closet should have. The best ones are timeless foundation pieces that see a lot of wear, which makes investing in one you love all the more important. You can sport them during any time of year, and they can bring an effortlessly pulled together feel to any look. And now with spring drops starting to hit stores, it’s the perfect time to start filling those closets with fresh updates for the season ahead.

No longer are white button-ups reserved for just the board room. If the spring/summer 2024 runaways taught us anything, the beauty is in their versatility—as is the variety of silhouettes that can be found. Maria Grazia Chiuri filled the Christian Dior ready-to-wear runway with loads of inspiration—from long, oversized button-downs styled over full maxi skirts to relaxed styles tucked into high-waisted skirts or layered underneath jumpsuits and parkas. Dior’s one-shouldered, asymmetric silhouettes are a clever styling tip as well for eveningwear. We also saw the return of the collarless, grand-dad shirt thanks to Altuzarra, Stella McCartney, and Victoria Beckham, who all had variations featured for the upcoming season.

Vogue’s Favorite White Button-Ups

• The Essential Button-Up: Theory fitted shirt, $195
• The Silk Button-Up: Vince slim silk blouse, $325
• The Oversized Shirt: The Frankie Shop Lui organic poplin shirt, $185
• The Classic Button-Up: Polo Ralph Lauren classic fit oxford shirt, $128
• The Relaxed Fit: Everlane relaxed oxford shirt, $88
• The Boxy Cropped: Hommegirls boxy cropped shirt, $195
• The Embroidered Blouse: Dôen Elayne blouse, $188

Since there is an overwhelming assortment of options—where fit, fabric, silhouette, and price are all considerations to bear in mind—consider this our holy grail of options. Here, we’ve selected the best white button-up shirts at every price and style. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe or simply in the market for a new white shirt (you can never have too many!), get back to basics with these 36 best white button-up shirts.

Crisp Classics

Slim-fit, Oxford shirts are a no-fuss, style staple. These are the ones that are easy to tuck into trousers, jeans, and layer under everything. They hug closer to the body, making for a more tailored appearance. If you are going to splurge a little, The Row’s Sadie cotton shirt is a great investment, but J.Crew, H&M, and Polo Ralph Lauren also have more affordable options, always in their repertoire. Bonus points: many of these are machine-washer friendly for weekly wear.

Borrowed From the Boys

The runways were peppered with oversized shirting silhouettes, demonstrating plenty of realistic ways to wear these loose, relaxed styles. Layer it under a chunky knit throughout fall and winter, over a slim-cut trouser, or wear it open over a swimsuit on that next beach vacation or as a summertime cover-up. With its laid-back look, the styling opportunities are endless. We are grabbing a few, from The Frankie Shop’s organic cotton to the exaggerated collared version from COS.

All in the Details

The essential, white button-up shirt gets a stylish update thanks to the addition of ruffled elements, broderie trims, and more adventurous adornments. California-cool brand Dôen always experiments with vintage-inspired trims and detailing, Ganni’s Scandi-chic, oversized collared take never disappoints, while Saint Laurent’s ruffled shirt brings the glam rock vibes to jeans or suiting. Whether dressed up or down, these are sure to add a whimsical touch into your wardrobe.

With the Band

No collar? No problem. Consider one of these grandad-collar blouses for a minimal take on the white shirting style. The clean, crisp neckline can be paired with everything from high-waisted jeans to wide-leg trousers, and makes a great backdrop to play with statement bijoux. We are lusting after the modern, utilitarian take from Jil Sander, but we found this menswear-inspired staple also at COS, Zara, and Alex Mill.

Corporate Tops Go Cropped

For those who might scoff at the idea of cropped shirting, hear us out. These shirts have all the same benefits and styling qualities as your typical button-up, but with a little less fabric, making tucking in or showing skin all the easier. Petite body types also will find solace. A few of our favorites include the boxy top by Hommegirls and Loewe’s take, complete with an elastic logo band, to keep things in place.

The Poplin Alternative

Looking for an alternative to the classic, cotton shirt? Your search is over. We’re stocking up on silky blouses from Vince and Frame for year-round wear and taking Loro Piana’s perfect, linen button down for a spin during warmer weather days. There are even eco-friendly fabrics such as Lyocell and FSC-certified, sustainable viscose to round out the mix, from minimalist favorites such as Toteme and Mango.