A good shirt feels honest. It is sharp, precise, unfussed in its ways. Needlework is key here, and the devil is in the details. Perhaps it’s the tactile possibilities that come with some crisp poplin; the curve of the hemline that rests easy on your hips; the way a hidden button placket politely shrouds its means of unbecoming; the pop of the collar that tells your table mate what sort of business you mean today.
For all the same reasons, it is surprisingly deceiving. The best ones are beguiling, so well-made that it belies the quiet, masterful tailoring that goes into them.
After all, who doesn’t love a good shirt? Matthieu Blazy surely does. For his spring/summer 2026 debut at Chanel, the creative director worked with shirtmasters Charvet for a seductive selection of them. There were iterations in blush pink and pristine white; and cropped options in pinstripe; but all were marked by a tasteful ‘Chanel’ done in the signature Charvet script.
And with each new ambassador that the French maison has been bringing on board since Blazy’s tenure—from Nicole Kidman to A$AP Rocky—they’ve all been wearing one of these astute, boxy pieces that feel irreverent of its price tag, simply left to sit breezy over feathered skirts and things. There’s Sarah Burton putting out amazing tailoring work at Givenchy too—leaving us with some gorgeous button-downs subsumed with incredible details.
In sum, the runway has been speaking to the essence of a good shirt; one you simply put on rotation to instantly feel a little better about yourself. And there’s one for everyone. A switch in material, perhaps some softer linens, would feel a little more casual, tapered-back, relaxed. Others simmer with perfection, and are measured, tailored, cinched in at all the right spots. Akin to something Cate Blanchett’s Lydia Tár might put on under her equally exacting blazer—a visual enactment of the maestro’s controlling tendencies.
The trick, then, is in knowing the time and place for each one. And there’s no better time to mix up your own rotation—as the wonderful allure of a great shirt comes into focus again. Below, a study into the ingenious ways of wearing the wardrobe hero, and making it your own.
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Cosmo combo
Sometimes, a classic pairing of your cotton button-down, some flared denim and a daring little pump is the only way you’ll want to take on the big city.
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Dries Van Noten satin-crepe shirt, $1,082
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Something sultry
You’re one statement accessory away from a sensual turn to the tailored classic. With Givenchy’s designs especially, Sarah Burton offers a masterclass in emphasising the décolletage, with a chunky necklace or two.
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Lorette Colé Duprat Chromo necklace,$1,273
Available at Lorette Colé Duprat.
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Emporio Armani oversized shirt with kimono sleeves, $420
Available at Armani.
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Prep princess
Caught on set of The Devil Wears Prada 2: Simone Ashley switching things up in prep girl style with a shift dress layered over a slimmer shirt. Not to be forgotten, her high socks and heel combo.
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Self-Portrait appliquéd denim mini dress, $638
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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A cropped statement
Whoever said shorts can’t be chic on the red carpet? Sadie Sink is a vision of youthful radiance in her cropped shirt number, paired to some tailored shorts.
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Sacai striped cotton-blend poplin shirt, $811
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Chloé pleated cotton-canvas shorts, $1,611
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Up to her neck
Cate Blanchett’s entire wardrobe as Lydia Tár in Tár incited menswear envy everywhere, but we’re taking notes from her sharp, puncturing look when she means business: a formal shirt with crisp collar details, and a statement blazer thrown over.
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Loro Piana embellished cotton shirt, $1,681
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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Charvet cotton-poplin and piqué shirt, $745
Available at Net-a-Porter.
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With aplomb
A leather bomber with ballooning sleeves leaves plenty of room for a shirt layer underneath. As for the overall vibe? Think cool girl alternative to the usual ‘smart casual’.
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Devil's in the details
Oh, how we dream of Chanel’s Carvet shirts. That signature script, wing collar detail, pique bib allure…need we say more? But everyone’s got an eye for something, be it your collar shape or a little feminine detail on your sleeves.
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Bottega Veneta wool skirt trousers, $2,420
Available at Bottega Veneta.
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For your slow hours
The ultimate casual chic hack? Throwing a linen or relaxed cotton shirt over a baby tee. Faye Peraya’s even got her colour combination down to a tee.
