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Architectural/interesting white shirts?

28 replies

Nenya · 05/03/2026 09:13

I'm having a love affair with the structurally striking pieces in my wardrobe at the moment - dramatic pleats and hems; balloon trousers; that sort of thing - and I'm looking for a way to bring that energy to the top half of my outfits. I love a white shirt so that seemed like a good place to start - a "wow" take on something that is often a basic, if you get me?

Anyway, Google isn't helping me, or maybe I'm not using the right search terms. I'm getting lots of bows and ruffles, which are more girly than the vibe I'm after.

A bit about me - age 36, 5'5, size 14, hourglass shape. Tiny waist (vs the rest of me!), 36E bust, slim lower arms and calves but chunkier upper arms and thighs.

Go-to brands - a lot of COS, Poetry and Jigsaw, a bit of ME+EM, supplemented with basics from H&M/Uniqlo, the occasional vintage find, and sales bargains from my Net-a-Porter wishlist where I can (Joseph is a weakness).

Style - I wouldn't say I'm minimalist, but I prefer outfits with a mostly neutral colour palette (black, white, charcoal, icy blue and maroon feature heavily in my wardrobe) and for the cut, styling and accessorising to do the talking. I never quite outgrew my grunge/metal years so denim, black leather and Doc Martens feature heavily! That said, I do also love a ballet flat as long as they're not too twee...

Would plan to wear the shirts both semi-casually (out and about in the city/drinks with friends) and to the office. Cotton preferred for durability and washability.

Budget - I was thinking about £300 for a couple of shirts, but I could spring for one investment piece, if I really loved it and it wasn't going to be painfully high-maintenance.

So - suggestions and ideas (both brands and specific garments) welcome, or even better search terms for Google!!

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Nenya · 05/03/2026 13:00

I hadn't come across this website - some great options, thank you!

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Nenya · 05/03/2026 13:00

WinWhenTheyreSinging · 05/03/2026 09:43

I know this doesn’t hit the cotton bit, but the fabric is nice and the detail is lovely …

https://www.baukjen.com/products/annika-blouse-with-tencel-pure-white?variant=39699387482193

Edited

Love the cuffs on that one! Thank you!

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SpiralSister · 05/03/2026 14:15

I like my Taro shirt from Toast. Comes up really long at the back (longer than it looks on the model) which is interesting. With a waistcoat over and some narrow trousers, it looks great. Also hourglass and your height, although a 12.Toast Taro

Taro Cotton Oxford Long Shirt | White

Taro Cotton Oxford Long Shirt | White

Organic cotton straight shape collarless shirt with curved hem. Available in White.

https://www.toa.st/products/taro-cotton-oxford-long-shirt-white

grannysbay · 05/03/2026 14:19

Yacco Maricard have lots of white shirts. Very expensive, but frequent sales. Also at Ceci Paolo. Check the measurements as some are very oversized.

Nenya · 05/03/2026 14:56

Oooh, fabulous suggestions, all! Love the Anne Fontaine pieces but those might have to wait until I can get myself to Bicester, if they still have an outlet there. Also drooling over this one:

https://www.cecipaolo.com/p/4864/YaccoMaricard-Cotton-Lawn-Shirt-1021836-1023991-White

Would be beautiful for both office and casual wear...

YaccoMaricard Cotton Lawn Shirt 1021836/1023991 White

An exciting emporium offering the very best in food, fashion, kitchen and homewares in its Ledbury store and online

https://www.cecipaolo.com/p/4864/YaccoMaricard-Cotton-Lawn-Shirt-1021836-1023991-White

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HappyFace2025 · 05/03/2026 15:03

Nenya · 05/03/2026 14:56

Oooh, fabulous suggestions, all! Love the Anne Fontaine pieces but those might have to wait until I can get myself to Bicester, if they still have an outlet there. Also drooling over this one:

https://www.cecipaolo.com/p/4864/YaccoMaricard-Cotton-Lawn-Shirt-1021836-1023991-White

Would be beautiful for both office and casual wear...

Also a great shirt!

RockGirl · 05/03/2026 15:28

I love a crisp white shirt but I avoid them as I always seem to get makeup on them. Any tips on how to avoid that please (apart from not wearing any).

Comtesse · 05/03/2026 16:17

Defiantlynot41 · 05/03/2026 14:10

Brace yourself for the price point but this company has fabulous white shirts https://www.annefontaine.com/en_gb/the-white-shirt

they used to have an outlet at Bicester Designer Village - maybe worth checking?

Yes Anne Fontaine immediately came to mind. I had a 2nd hand one and wore it loads, now DD has pinched it. It must be at least 20 years old and still in good nick.

Doggymummar · 05/03/2026 16:22

RockGirl · 05/03/2026 15:28

I love a crisp white shirt but I avoid them as I always seem to get makeup on them. Any tips on how to avoid that please (apart from not wearing any).

Put a silk scarf over your head and face when you put them on, or don't put them over your head at all, use the button's

Allseeingallknowing · 05/03/2026 16:46

Architectural shirt?

Nenya · 05/03/2026 20:16

Allseeingallknowing · 05/03/2026 16:46

Architectural shirt?

Structurally striking. More of a showpiece than your typical basic white button down. Possibly an unhelpful word choice from me; I hadn't had my coffee yet.

Still, I've had lots of great suggestions - thank you, everyone! I am going to sleep on it before I pull the trigger but I'm still very drawn to the Yacco Maricard one I linked...

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TealReader · 05/03/2026 20:35

www.net-a-porter.com/product/46376663162946919

https://www.net-a-porter.com/product/46376663162978958

I would love either of these but they are pricey!!

Ilovemyshed · 05/03/2026 20:42

RockGirl · 05/03/2026 15:28

I love a crisp white shirt but I avoid them as I always seem to get makeup on them. Any tips on how to avoid that please (apart from not wearing any).

Make up fixing spray.

HundredMilesAnHour · 05/03/2026 20:53

Nenya · 05/03/2026 14:56

Oooh, fabulous suggestions, all! Love the Anne Fontaine pieces but those might have to wait until I can get myself to Bicester, if they still have an outlet there. Also drooling over this one:

https://www.cecipaolo.com/p/4864/YaccoMaricard-Cotton-Lawn-Shirt-1021836-1023991-White

Would be beautiful for both office and casual wear...

I wore that exact Yacco Maricard white shirt to work today (and am still wearing now as I type from my sofa).

Yacco Maricard make great shirts and most of them don’t need ironing so win-win.

HundredMilesAnHour · 05/03/2026 21:00

@Nenya the Yacco Maricard shirt is currently available at a reduced price (more than 50%!) here:

www.collardmanson.co.uk/products/yacco-maricard-asymmetric-shirt

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