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Is there anything quite as classic as a crisp button-down shirt for women? The style comes in nearly every color, pattern, fabric, and cut—from slouchy, oversize versions to crisp white shirts and breezy linen button downs. Plus, button-down shirts can be worn with a ton of different outfits and in a ton of different ways. You can't go wrong by tucking one into a pair of jeans or tailored trousers. Button-downs are fantastic as layering pieces in the summer. Throw one over your bathing suit when you're pool or beachside, or tie it over your shoulders to have as an added layer for strong AC. However you wear a button-down shirt, it’s bound to look stylish.
Our Top Picks:
1
Best Striped Button-Down Shirt
AYR The Deep End Women’s Button Down Shirt
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2
Best Button-Down Shirt for Large Chests
Spanx The Best Button-Down Shirt
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3
Best Oversize Button-Down Shirt
Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversize Shirt
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4
Best Fitted Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Relaxed Oxford Shirt
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5
Best Silk Button-Down Shirt
Quince Washable Stretch-Silk Notch Collar Blouse
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6
7
Best Long-Sleeved Linen Button-Down Shirt
Athleta Playa Linen Button-Down Shirt
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8
9
Best Boyfriend-Style Button-Down Shirt
Summersalt The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt
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Because there are countless options out there, we’ve selected 20+ of the best button-down shirts around. The list includes everything—cotton poplin shirts, sustainable linen, and even washable silk. There are a range of fits, too, from tight to fitted to oversize. And some different cuts, like cropped shirts, and short sleeves button down tops.
Read on for our favorite button-down shirts for women to wear this summer and beyond.
1
Best Striped Button-Down Shirt
AYR The Deep End Women’s Button Down Shirt
1
Best Striped Button-Down Shirt
AYR The Deep End Women’s Button Down Shirt
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.
Many button-down tops 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.
3
Best Oversize Button-Down Shirt
Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversize Shirt
3
Best Oversize Button-Down Shirt
Madewell The Signature Poplin Oversize Shirt
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.
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4
Best Fitted Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Relaxed Oxford Shirt
4
Best Fitted Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Relaxed Oxford Shirt
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.
5
Best Silk Button-Down Shirt
Quince Washable Stretch-Silk Notch Collar Blouse
5
Best Silk Button-Down Shirt
Quince Washable Stretch-Silk Notch Collar Blouse
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.
Uniqlo's linen long-sleeve button-downs are made from premium cotton without breaking the bank. They come in a ton of different summery hues (white, orange, pink, blue, and lavender) as well as sizes XXS - XXL.
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7
Best Long-Sleeved Linen Button-Down Shirt
Athleta Playa Linen Button-Down Shirt
7
Best Long-Sleeved Linen Button-Down Shirt
Athleta Playa Linen Button-Down Shirt
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.
Uniqlo's affordable, versatile, and quality satin button-down should be one of your wardrobe staples. It's easy to dress up or down and makes you look put together without even thinking. Available in five colors and sizes XXS - XXL.
9
Best Boyfriend-Style Button-Down Shirt
Summersalt The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt
9
Best Boyfriend-Style Button-Down Shirt
Summersalt The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt
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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.
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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.
Faherty's premium linen button down-shirt comes in white, blue and white stripe, and summery shades like hibiscus and yellow. It has a relaxed, oversized fit that's perfect for lounging or layering.
This button-down is 100 percent unique and looks stylish whether worn with the matching pants or a simple pair of jeans. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of plus-size options.
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We saw someone wearing this top on the street and had to stop them to ask where it was from! Known for their premium fabrics and modern designs, COS is an ideal place for all of your summer essentials – including this short-sleeved button-down top.
15
Best Button-Down Shirt from H&M
H&M Premium Selection 100 Percent Linen Shirt
15
Best Button-Down Shirt from H&M
H&M Premium Selection 100 Percent Linen Shirt
H&M's premium selection 100 percent linen shirts are soft and breezy unlike other cotton blends. You can get this classic piece in a range of shades like black, white, blue, and green.
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This classic and feminine silhouette features a removable neck-tie for three ways of styling, and an adjustable cuff to ensure the sleeve length works for everyone. Made with Numi's stain-resistant Sustainable Silk™ fabric, this blouse is a wear-to-work essential or perfect for a family outing like Easter Dinner
17
Best Boxy Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Boxy Oxford
17
Best Boxy Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Boxy Oxford
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.
18
Best Short-Sleeved Linen Button-Down Shirt
Quince 100 Percent European Linen Short-Sleeved Shirt
18
Best Short-Sleeved Linen Button-Down Shirt
Quince 100 Percent European Linen Short-Sleeved Shirt
This is the ideal 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.)
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19
Best Cropped Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Way Short Cropped Button-Down Shirt
19
Best Cropped Button-Down Shirt
Everlane The Way Short Cropped Button-Down Shirt
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.
20
Best Button-Down Linen Shirt
Lane Bryant Relaxed Button-Down Linen Shirt
20
Best Button-Down Linen Shirt
Lane Bryant Relaxed Button-Down Linen Shirt
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A striped shirt is a closet staple, and this lightweight linen version is the perfect one. It’s tunic length – just long enough to cover your butt but also can be worn open or tucked in.
Cassie Hurwitz
Associate Editor
Cassie Hurwitz (she/her) is an associate editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers everything from culture to entertainment to lifestyle. She can typically be found in the middle of multiple books and TV shows all at once. Previously, Cassie worked at Parents, Rachael Ray In Season, and Reveal. Her love language is pizza (New York slices, Chicago deep dish, and otherwise).
Sara Klausing
Sara Klausing covers all things fashion and style for Oprah Daily. Follow her on Instagram.