How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe With 9 Key Pieces
Capsule wardrobes are made up of pieces that transcend trendiness: a straight-leg jean, a khaki trench coat, a staple sweater.
a pant
Every blazer needs <anchor>a pant</anchor> to go with it. A roomy trouser is the perfect match—and can solve almost any wardrobe dilemma. "Classic trousers are always the right answer to, 'what the hell am I going to wear?!'" agrees Shanna Goldstone, founder of plus-size brand Pari Passu.
14 Oversized Button-Down Shirts for Women to Wear Now and Always
# 14 Oversized Button-Down Shirts to Wear Now and Always

It's the staple to end all staples.

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a woman at barcelona fashion week wears an oversize button down shirt in a roundup of the best oversize button down shirts of 2022

Matthew Sperzel//Getty Images

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

When the BAZAAR.com fashion team has a virtual meeting, one thing is more certain than mics getting left on mute: At least one editor logs on wearing the best oversized button-down shirt. Back at the office, oversized button-down shirts are also frequently spotted. This writer's roomy button-down collection alternates between sky blue and white; others dip into yellow stripes and plain black in varying degrees of oversized. In one recent virtual pitch session, every tile on the screen featured an oversized button-down. No exaggeration.

Our coordinating work uniforms are more than team style osmosis; they're a sign that oversized button-downs are a true wardrobe essential. Whether your vibe is dressing up biker shorts or dressing down in a matching set, oversized button-down shirts are equal parts relaxed and chic. What other piece is so effortless it appears everywhere from the Nancy Meyers repertoire to haute couture street style? (We'll wait.)

The appeal is in their elegant, unruffled versatility. As Frankie Shop founder Gaelle Drevet previously told BAZAAR.com, "We see shoppers are leaning more understated, yet chic at the same time."

Pick up one of the best oversized button-downs from Alex Mill, Pari Passu, and Frankie Shop now, and you'll have a closet staple for years. Unintentional coordination with BAZAAR's editors included.

### Best All-Around Shirt

### Best Shirt on Amazon

### Best Shirt Under $100

Best All-Around Shirt

## Summersalt The Perfect Boyfriend Shirt

Credit: Summersalt

Summersalt recently expanded from swimwear to everything-wear, but its deep expertise in fabrics make its apparel a must-have. With Summersalt's wrinkle-resistant fabric, this shirt will always look as crisp as the day it was delivered.

Sizes: XS–2X

Best Shirt on Amazon

## AYR The Deep End Women's Button Down Shirt

Credit: Amazon

AYR is one of BAZAAR editors' favorite basics brands, and its Deep End button-down is our favorite style in its lineup. It also made Oprah's Favorite Things last year. It's not so oversized as to overwhelm your outfit, but it comes with a lived-in fit and a roomy front pocket. On Amazon, you can find it in several bright shades for layering over a swimsuit or denim shorts. (And for even more detail, we have a detailed AYR shirt review dedicated to how this style lives up to the hype.)

Sizes: XS–XL

Best Shirt Under $100

## J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Crisp Cotton Poplin Shirt

Credit: J.Crew

In periwinkle blue, navy stripes, or stark white, J.Crew's oversized button-down is a true classic. It's made from a crisp cotton first used in J.Crew's menswear assortment, and claims the title of the most oversized shirt J.Crew has on offer this year. A custom label and carefully stitched seams make this shirt a polished choice from every angle.

Reviewers add that the oversized fit holds steady through every size. As one shopper raves,"Girls above a size 18 will be happy with the shirt—it’s extremely oversized [and] feels extremely comfortable and luxurious. I’m so happy and the color is beautiful."

Sizes: 00–24

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Best Updated Design Shirt

## Alex Mill Double Button Back Shirt in Wide Stripe

Credit: Alex Mill

Alex Mill has always cut its women's button-down shirts to men's size gradings—meaning you'll get a perfectly slouchy fit. In this button-down, available in crisp stripes and classic solids, you'll also find buttons along the back vent that open for an even more relaxed fit (and a hint of extra ventilation on the warmest days).

Early reviewers say this shirt is a must-have. According to one shopper, "Alex Mill really gets the oversized tunic type shirts down perfectly. I'm always looking for a blouse that is unfussy and looks cool the moment you put it on. This is that too. Simile to some of their earlier tunics, it's long and drapes just right."

Sizes: XS–XL

Best Tested Shirt

## Frankie Shop Melody Oversized Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Credit: Net-a-Porter

Sometimes, influencer-beloved items aren't worth the hype. Purchasing Frankie Shop's oversized button-down shirt isn't one of those times. The brand's cotton poplin is lighter than air, while its voluminous cut is made for wearing open over a swimsuit or buttoned up with jeans. Just don't forget the matching boxer shorts.

This style is also one of the few frequently spotted at our offices: BAZAAR editors own Frankie Shop button-downs in magenta, blue, green, and white.

Sizes: XS–L

Best Plus-Size Shirt

## Pari Passu Oxford Button-Front Shirt

Credit: Nordstrom

Oversized button-downs for extended sizes require a few extra considerations, like buttons that won't gape with a large bust. Pari Passu's Oxford shirt achieves this exact effect, in one hundred percent cotton fit to wear year-round.

Sizes: 14–22

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Best Linen Shirt

## Reformation Will Oversized Linen Shirt

Credit: Reformation

Rising temps call for cooling fabrics like linen. On the warmest days, this oversized button-down has the same ease as the others on our list with a fabrication that's extra-breathable.

Sizes: XS–XL

Best Insider Favorite

## Marie Marot Janet

Credit: Marie Marot

The most in-the-know shoppers go to Marie Marot for their oversized button-downs. "If you're looking for that perfect shirt, I feel like it comes from her," J.Crew women's director Olympia Gayot says of Marie Marot's button-downs. "Her shirts are made out of beautiful British milliner fabric. Every detail on the shirt is perfect. It's based off traditional menswear, so the collar is very crisp and heavy."

Shop them in solid colors, gingham prints, and stripes of various widths and colors.

Sizes: XS–XL

Best Shirt Under $50

## H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt

Now 39% Off

Credit: H&M

A oversized fit so nice, we fully support buying it twice. H&M's cotton poplin shirt comes in seven shades, each with a rounded hem that's slightly longer in the back (the better to tuck into the front of your jeans).

Reviewers agree this shirt offers great value and endless summer styling opportunities. "This is my favorite blouse that I've purchased from H&M. I don't know why, it's just SO GOOD," one shopper says. "It can be worn so many different ways from office wear to a more grunge look—it's just perfect. The material was not wrinkled when it came out of the box, too so that was a huge plus for me."

Sizes: XXS–XL

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Best Packable Shirt

## ADAY Something Borrowed Shirt

Now 15% Off

Credit: ADAY

If you consider a carry-on suitcase your everyday bag, you need ADAY's twist on the oversized button-up shirt. It's made with a technical silk that's machine washable and wrinkle resistant, the better for incorporating into your travel capsule wardrobe kit.

Reviewers say the versatility in the product description isn't an over-exaggeration. "I travel 5 days a week for work and these are a staple in my wardrobe," one shopper says. "So professional and comfortable. I also love that they don't wrinkle so you can go straight off the plane to a meeting."

Sizes: XS–XL

Best Eco-Conscious Shirt

## For Days Classic Button Down

Credit: For Days

It's hard to imagine getting tired of this effortless, slightly boxy button-down. But when you're ready to try a new color or another matching set, this zero waste button-down can be returned to For Days to be recycled.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Best Patterned Shirt

## Parisienne et alors The Tricolor Lipmann Shirt

Credit: Parisienne et alors

Some of the more adventurous oversized button-downs on the market mix prints and patterns all over the shirt. One of our favorites come from Parisienne et Alors. This pattern is perfect for both a beach-prep or more polished look.

Sizes: XS–XL

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Best Denim Shirt

## Nili Lotan Travis Denim Shirt

Now 50% Off

Credit: Net-a-Porter

Take your shirting collection out west with an oversized denim iteration. This version by Nili Lotan is relaxed but not overly loose—giving you the texture and cool of denim without the heft of an actual jacket.

Sizes: XS–L

Best Short-Sleeve Shirt

## Everlane The Drapey Square Shirt

Now 14% Off

Credit: Everlane

For an oversized button-down that's also vacation-ready, look no further than this short-sleeve shirt. It's made from an eco-conscious Tencel fabric that's gentle on your skin and washes easily—the better for wearing over and over.

"This is the perfect boxy shirt," one reviewer says. "It drapes nicely and the Tencel is so soft."

Sizes: XXS–XL

Lettermark

Fashion Commerce Editor

Halie LeSavage is the fashion commerce editor at Harper's BAZAAR. Her style reporting covers everything from reviewing the best designer products to profiling emerging brands and designers. Previously, she was the founding retail writer at Morning Brew and a fashion associate at Glamour.

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## The Edit: Fashion

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