Ask a Stylist: What Makes a Good Shirt?

I’m obsessed with a good shirt. To the point that I’ve been stealing my husband’s for years. But this one might have finally replaced them. It’s got the oversized, relaxed fit I love in menswear shirts, but with better details. It looks and feels considered. And it works with so much of my summer wardrobe.

 

Here’s what I always look for in a shirt, and how I style it.

You can always tell a great shirt by the fabric. It has to be cotton. Not just because it’s breathable, but because it holds its shape in all the right ways. A hundred percent cotton shirt will feel good in the heat and still look polished. This one is soft, lightweight, and really easy to throw on.

 

Shop breathable summer cotton.

I’m really into a drop shoulder right now. It gives that relaxed, oversized feel I love without looking sloppy. I also think a proper cuff is non-negotiable. It’s one of those small tailoring details that makes the whole thing feel sharper, even when you’re just wearing it over shorts.

 

This shirt doubles as a beach cover up. I wear it over swimwear when I’m on holiday because it’s light and dries quickly in the sun. But I also wear it with wide-leg trousers or layered over a tank. The lilac and olive stripe is subtle enough to go with my basics but still feels interesting.

 

It also happens to be part of a full matching set, which includes the most comfortable cotton shorts and wide-leg trousers. I love that you can mix and match the pieces depending on the day. It makes holiday packing so much easier, and you always end up looking styled without even trying.

 

A good shirt is the easiest styling decision I make in summer. It gives structure, but not stiffness. It feels relaxed, but still put together. I wear it open, tucked in, over swimwear, or tied at the waist. If you find one that fits right and feels right, it’ll earn its place in your wardrobe straight away.

 

Find your go-to summer shirt.