It's a classic fashion formula we all - including Meghan Markle, Princess Kate, Nicole Kidman and Victoria Beckham - fall back on; slim cut jeans, ballet flats and a timeless white shirt. Minimalist yet elegant with a hint of old-money about it, one would say.
There's few wardrobe staples that work as hard as a classic white shirt, it's endlessly versatile and the piece you will want to reach for when polished yet not prim is your style.
- The classic white shirt: M&S White Cotton Shirt, £17.50 / $34.99
- The Oxford shirt: H&M White Shirt, £19.99 / $24.99
- The relaxed cotton shirt: Cos Relaxed Shirt, £75 / $129
- The boyfriend fit: With Nothing Underneath Boyfriend Shirt, £100 / $155
- The linen shirt: Uniqlo Linen Shirt, £39.99
From crisp tailoring to relaxed, oversized fits, today's white shirts are anything but boring. If you don’t have a white shirt in your wardrobe, make hangar space because it’s a piece you’ll re-wear, time and time again. When I’m stuck for what to wear, and want to look smart yet casual, a white shirt never disappoints.
How to wear a white shirt now
When it comes to styling a white shirt, there’s no hard and fast rules. It’s a wardrobe staple, and can be worn with anything. Worn oversized and loose with classic 90s jeans, layered over a lightweight turtleneck and paired with smart trousers, or as a layering piece under your winter knits. Versatility is its middle name.
© GettyFor this season, it's all about borrowing from the boys and wearing one loose, oversized and with denim. Another way is under knitwear - it polishes a simple grey knit up easily.
Since tailoring is all over the high street too, the cool girl's are wearing their white shirts buttoned up with a suit or blazer.
The most important thing when choosing your own white shirt is to focus on fit; whether you prefer a classic slim fit, something more oversized or a white shirt with detailing like puff sleeves or a little embroidery.
© GettyYou want zero gaping, one that won’t be weathered by repeat-washing and something easy to clean – i.e can be machine washed, rather than dry cleaned. Some linen-cotton mixes are machine washable, as are some silks, but always check the label. If in doubt, a white cotton poplin or pure cotton shirt always stand the test of time.
© GettyYou might also want to consider if the shirt is made from a see-through, or slightly transparent material. I prefer one that isn’t (unless its for the beach) so always check it under a light when trying one on.
Celebrities wearing white shirts
From Gigi Hadid to Princess Diana, the white shirt is always having a moment and like Meghan in her now sold-out Anine Bing Mika Cotton Poplin shirt, a go-to for women of all ages.
Or like Nicole Kidman, keep it simple with an untucked oversized white shirt, light wash jeans and heels.
© GettyVictoria Beckham is a repeat-wearer of the white shirt, smartening it up under suits, with tailored trousers or a satin midi skirt, while Princess Diana's look, of a white shirt and slim jeans, has stood the test of time as a classic combo; you could easily recreate her outfit now, even down to the tan loafers.
How I chose the best white shirts for women
- Tried & Tested: I’ve polled the HELLO! team for their favourite white shirts, the ones they’d recommend to friends and the white shirts they consider some of the best.
- Verified reviews: If the HELLO! team haven’t personally tried a brand or product, I’ve studied the reviews on sites to only include the white shirts that shoppers swear by.
- Fit: Since we all love different fits, I’ve included a variety of fits – classic, slim, oversized and boyfriend.
- Price: Our findings show that a white shirt can be an affordable buy, and you’ll find price points across the range in this edit.
Shop the best white shirts for women
1/7
M&S White Shirt
© M&SEditor's note:
There's a reason shoppers go back to M&S for their shirts, and this white cotton shirt is a prime example of one that is perfect for trying this look. The price is amazing, and the quality always amazing - M&S shirts wash super well and don't crease too much in the washing machine.
Size up for an oversized fit, but if you want a classic slim fit then take your normal size.
2/7
H&M Oxford Shirt
© H&MEditor's note:
A classic, plain shirt for mixing and matching, or layering, this shirt has a neat collared neck and long sleeves.
3/7
Cos Relaxed White Shirt
© CosEditor's note:
This is the quintessential white shirt; slightly fitted, cotton poplin and thick enough to not be see-through.
4/7
WNU The Boyfriend Shirt
© WNUEditor's note:
This is the shirt you'll see over Instagram, loved for its thicker, cotton material and oversized - but not slouchy - fit.
5/7
Uniqlo 100% Premium Linen Shirt
© UniqloEditor's note:
A linen shirt is a spring/summer staple, and I'd recommend buying now as they tend to sell out come the sunnier months. For now, use it as a layering tool under your knits, or over a thin turtleneck.
6/7
Arket Volume-Sleeve White Shirt
© ArketEditor's note:
With white sleeves and a wider silhouette, Arket's take on the classic white shirt looks great tucked into high waist jeans.
7/7
Boden Sara Silk Shirt
© BodenEditor's note:
A white silk shirt is the epitome of understated luxury; Boden's has a semi-fitted shape and is 100% silk.
