These Women's Button-Down Shirts Are Your New Closet Favorites
- 1/26
These Women's Button-Down Shirts Are Your New Closet Favorites
Is there anything quite as classic as a crisp button-down shirt? The style comes in nearly every color, pattern, fabric, and cut—from slouchy, oversize versions to cozy flannel plaids and polished oxford-style striped ones. Plus, button-down shirts can be worn with a ton of different outfits and in a ton of different ways. You can go simple by tucking one into a pair of jeans (light-wash relaxed ones and dark-tailored cuts work equally as well). For an edgy look, pair an oversize button-down with a leather miniskirt and some stunning statement jewelry. Or go layered—pop one under a cozy sweater, on top of a graphic T-shirt, or under a structured blazer. However you wear a button-down shirt, it’s bound to look stylish.
Because there are a gazillion options out there, we’ve rounded up 20+ of the best button-down shirts around. The list includes everything—cotton poplin shirts, sustainable linen, cozy knit, warm corduroy, and even washable silk. There are a range of fits, too, from tight to fitted to oversize. And some different cuts, like cropped shirts, short sleeves, and even one vest.
Read on for our favorite button-down shirts for women.
Hearst Owned - 2/26
1) The Deep End Women’s Button Down Shirt
AYR
amazon.com
$125.00
This 2021 Oprah’s Favorite Things pick is an all-around excellent button-down shirt. According to the brand, the shirt “was a banker on Wall Street until she cashed out and started a new career as a florist on Nantucket.” The fit is exactly that—just the right combination of structured and oversize. Wear it to the office, drinks with friends, on weekend errands, or as a beach cover-up.
Gregor Halenda - 3/26
2) The Relaxed Oxford Shirt
Everlane
everlane.com
$88.00
The high-quality, 100 percent cotton makeup of this shirt is a play on Everlane’s men’s oxfords—meaning it has that classically crisp work shirt look but with an effortlessly relaxed spin. The best review? It’s an “I’m cool but also serious” kind of shirt.
Everlane - 4/26
3) The Signature Poplin Oversize Shirt
Madewell
madewell.com
$85.00
If you want the classic work shirt style without feeling trapped in something too fitted, try this oversize poplin version. The 100 percent cotton body still has that structured feeling—but the relaxed, I’m-wearing-my-dad’s-shirt fit is ultra cool.
Madewell - 5/26
4) Washable Stretch-Silk Notch Collar Blouse
Quince
onequince.com
$69.90
Silk is typically much more expensive, but this version is much cheaper than standard retail, machine-washable, and available in nine beautiful colors. It’s also blended with the tiniest bit of spandex for a comfortable stretch. And with more than 1,000 positive reviews—saying it fits true to size, feels luxe and airy, and looks flattering—you’re guaranteed to love it.
Quince - 6/26
5) Women’s Classic-Fit Long-Sleeved Button-Down Poplin Shirt
Amazon Essentials
amazon.com
$24.90
If you’re looking for a super basic, absolutely no frills, need-it-in-a-day button-down top, this is the one. The 100 percent cotton comes in around 20 colors and patterns and is incredibly budget-friendly—and reviewers say it’s decent quality for the price.
Amazon - 7/26
6) 100% European Linen Short-Sleeved Shirt
Quince
onequince.com
$34.90
You need this top for the summer. Made from extremely breathable linen—in seven gorgeous shades—and with a flattering, camp-style cut, it’s perfect for lounging poolside and too-hot nights. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of other linen tops. (Try the long-sleeved version, too.)
Quince - 8/26
7) The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt
Summersalt
summersalt.com
$75.00
Do you want to look like you threw your boyfriend’s shirt on over yesterday’s pants? This button-down is a subtle nod to that grab-and-go style (but in an oversize fit that’ll actually flatter you, not drown your body). The slightly dropped shoulders keep it feeling relaxed, and the high/low hem adds a cute touch.
Summersalt - 9/26
8) The Way-Short Shirt
Everlane
everlane.com
$88.00
Cropped button-down tops are the perfect solution to struggles with tucking in long shirttails. This one features a 100 percent cotton twill weave—meaning it’s got a slightly textured look but still hangs in that balance between structured and soft. Reviewers say the cut feels unique and unexpected.
Everlane - 10/26
9) The Best Button-Down
Spanx
spanx.com
$128.00
Many button-down shirts feature a button right in between the chest, causing that dreaded peekaboo moment. This one is different: The front has a stitched-down placket to stop the gape. Beyond that, it’s a perfect white poplin button-down for work or play.
Spanx - 11/26
10) Women’s Comfort Corduroy Relaxed Shirt
L.L.Bean
$59.95
A corduroy button-down shirt is a cold weather must-have. You can wear it on its own (for warm and cozy vibes) or layer it over a tee for a casually cool effect. This one from L.L.Bean is a classic for a reason: It comes in every color, is made from super-soft cotton, and has the perfect relaxed fit.
L.L.Bean - 12/26
11) Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt
L.L.Bean
$59.95
A soft, cozy flannel never goes out of style, and L.L.Bean’s is one of the best around (find our other favorite flannels here.) It comes in a variety of plaids and sizes, is made from ultra-soft cotton flannel, and looks great layered or on its own.
L.L.Bean - 13/26
12) Playa Linen Shirt
Athleta
athleta.gap.com
$99.00
A basic white linen shirt can take you from hot summer nights (layered over a tank or swimsuit) to chilly winter days (worn underneath a sweater). This one has a modern, oversize feel, doesn’t wrinkle too much, and is long enough to cover your butt.
Athleta - 14/26
13) Oversize Vegan Leather Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch
abercrombie.com
$90.00
Ditch your leather coat for this vegan shirt jacket, which is just oversize enough to be worn either way. The mint green is beautiful for spring (dare we suggest layering it over one of these dresses?) and feels extra refreshing.
Abercrombie - 15/26
14) Classic-Fit Soft Gauze Shirt
J.Crew
$69.50
If you’re craving that relaxed, I’m-just-throwing-this-over-my-swimsuit look, this is the button-down for you. Made from soft 100 percent cotton in a lightweight gauze (that’s meant to mimic linen), it’s beautifully comfortable dressed both up and down.
J.Crew - 16/26
15) Will Oversize Sheer Shirt
Reformation
$128.00
Sometimes you have a pretty bra that you just want to show off—when you do, add this sheer button-down on top. The oversize cut keeps things from looking too raunchy, and the sky blue and white shades feel a little more PG, too.
Reformation - 17/26
16) Lucky Shirtee
Free People
freepeople.com
$68.00
Apparently late ’90s/early ’00s style is back—and that means more tops like this one. The subtle floral pattern and ruching, plus the cute collar, will look adorable tucked into a pair of high-waisted trousers or with a polished skirt. And the V-neck cut will look flattering on everyone.
Free People - 18/26
17) Legend Sweater Shirt
Faherty
$168.00
Reviewers of this cozy flannel-inspired top say that it’s so nice, they’d wear it every day if they could. It can be worn open over a tee or buttoned up on its own. The fabric is a soft, stretchy knit that feels like your fave sweater but looks polished and put-together. Oh, and it’s the brand’s number-one bestselling item.
Faherty - 19/26
18) The Boxy Oxford
Everlane
everlane.com
$88.00
One reviewer called this shirt “the best piece of clothing Everlane makes”—are you sold yet? The purposely boxy button-down comes in several muted shades and stripes and is made from 100 percent organic cotton, too. The shoulders are dropped, meaning it’ll look slightly more relaxed.
Everlane - 20/26
19) Grid Fleece Hiking Overshirt
Lululemon
lululemon.com
$148.00
If you want a shirt that’s more like a light shirt jacket (aka a shacket), try this breathable, oversize style. It’s designed for hiking, but we won’t tell if you wear it for errands, walking the dog, or pretty much all the time.
Lululemon - 21/26
20) Printed Button-Down
Eloquii
eloquii.com
$84.95
This button-down is 100 percent unique and looks high-fashion whether worn with the matching pants or a simple pair of jeans. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of plus-size options.
Eloquii - 22/26
21) The Hutton Oversize Shirt
Kule
kule.com
$228.00
Oprah-favorite brand Kule’s take on the button-down shirt is this classic, oversize cut. It’s 100 percent cotton and borrows its style from menswear shirts, meaning it’ll have a polished, crisp feel with a slouchy, relaxed fit. Best of both worlds, if you ask us.
Kule - 23/26
22) Oversize Poplin Button-Up Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch
abercrombie.com
$60.00
The cool-girl style of this button-down will definitely have people asking you where you bought it. With an oversize fit and an unexpected patchwork design, it’ll look amazing paired with slouchy jeans, a leather miniskirt, or tailored pants.
Abercrombie - 24/26
23) Striped Easy-Care Cotton Shirt
Ralph Lauren
ralphlauren.com
$89.50
Go all into the classic preppy look with this striped shirt. Made with easy-care cotton, this shirt would look equally good with khaki pants as well as a more casual denim skirt and sneakers.
Ralph Lauren - 25/26
24) Cutout Yoke Long-Sleeved Button-Up Cover-Up Shirt
nordstromrack.com
$29.97
A fresh white shirt is always a good idea. With pretty broderie anglaise cutout details to the front and back, this shirt would be an easy breezy option for hot days.
Nordstrom Rack - 26/26
25) Classic Button-Front Denim Shirt
Lane Bryant
lanebryant.com
$79.95
A chambray shirt is a closet staple, and this lightweight version is the perfect one. It’s just long enough to cover your butt (but can still be tucked in), and has hidden buttons to prevent the dreaded gaping.
Lane Bryant