36 Best White Button-Up Shirts of 2024 for Every Style, at Every Price
All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may earn affiliate revenue on this article and commission when you buy something.
When it comes to wardrobe staples, a white, button-up shirt is about as classic as they come. The crisp, poplin top has been a mainstay throughout fashion history, a favorite of style icons including Katherine Hepburn and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Today, the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Katie Holmes are regularly seen in a button-down of their choice for effortless ease. Suffice it to say, every closet needs one (or more than one, in our opinion) and fall is the perfect time to stock up on them. Although most of us are not heading back to school, the white shirt certainly conjures thoughts of new wardrobe items that are necessary for the season ahead. However, don’t think that white button-ups are just prep school apropos; rather, treat them as a hero item that can serve with both fashion and function, no matter your silhouette or style preference.
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 Everyday Classic: J.Crew Garçon classic shirt in cotton poplin, $98
- The Chic & Collarless: The Row Ridla oversized cotton-poplin shirt, $1,290
- The Boxy Cropped: Hommegirls boxy cropped shirt, $195
- The Classic with a Twist: Simon Miller Loch poplin button down shirt, $215
- The Investment Buy: Loro Piana Andre button down silk blouse, $1,250
Our definitive guide of best white button-up shirts includes all the best hits —and then some. You’ll find tried-and-true classics, of course, but if you are in search of variety, we’ve got that too. Looking for something minimalist meets cool? Grab an oversized, borrowed-from-the-boys take that is worn-in to perfection. Got uniform dressing on the brain? A collarless, grandad blouse will be your sure ticket to success. Any fashionista knows, designer remixes on the white button down means you might get anything from cool crop tops to fashion-forward trims aplenty, quite literally freshening up any wardrobe blues of the moment. And don’t think that these button-downs have to be only made from cotton; silk, lyocell, and other fluid fabrics are wonderfully versatile options, too.
Since there is an overwhelming assortment of styles—where fit, fabric, silhouette, and price are all considerations to bear in mind—consider this our holy grail of options. Below, 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 skirts—essentially able to be paired with everything. They hug closer to the body, making for a more tailored appearance. Think of them as the perfect base to wear under blazers, knitwear, and more. The Row is always a sure investment, while newcomers like Sébline have captured our editors’ attention, but you can’t go wrong with mainstays from Theory and J.Crew.
Borrowed From the Boys
On the street, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz can’t get enough of them, and neither can we. We’re talking about oversized shirting, the loose and relaxed counterpart of the great, white button down. Whether you keep things baggy and pair them with low-slung jeans and Vans, or prefer a tailored pant and ballet flat, this laid-back silhouette has endless styling possibilities. Grab a few to keep in rotation, 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 some serious updates thanks to some of Vogue’s best loved, contemporary designers of the moment. Look closely to find glass buttons lining Another Tomorrow’s shirt sleeves or Rohe’s double cuffed version, complete with dainty metal cufflinks. Kallmeyer’s Renée shirt plays with an exaggerated collar, while a seemingly basic style from Simon Miller, reveals a sexy surprise in the back. It’s subtle yet impact details like these that will keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
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 takes from The Row, Khaite, and Proenza Schouler, but Cos always has a great variation on this menswear-inspired staple.
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 mainstay, boxy version by Hommegirls and a studio-to-street friendly style from Alo Yoga. If you are looking for something with a little designer cachè, Loewe, Prada and Marc Jacobs offer variations on this idea, as well, all in their signature cotton fabrications.
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 Everlane for year-round wear and taking Loro Piana’s perfect, cream button down for a spin at the office, no matter the time of year. There are even eco-friendly fabrics, such as Mango’s fluid, lyocell version, to round out the mix, which doesn’t require dry cleaning—simply wash and hang dry.
link