Oxford Shirts

Hardworking, unapologetic, and timelessly fashionable: like us

Have you ever seen the jeans and a going out top memes that poke fun at the way we used to get dressed for a night out? Despite the fact that they make the early aughts me feel personally attacked, I admit that a flouncy patterned top used to love to see me coming.

While I’ve long outgrown the belief that a going out top is the key to a fab outfit, it’s taken until now to get excited about oxford shirts. Instead of embracing classic button downs, I perceived them as boring. The anti going out top, if you will. But I’ve come to understand that the going out top mentality is what was holding me back from understanding the beauty and unrivaled versatility of a great oxford shirt.

Listen, I still think oxford shirts have the potential to fall into a styleless no man’s land, but not because they are inherently without flair. It’s just all in the styling.

(Along with cost per wear, it’s all in the styling is a key lesson for those of us eager to express ourselves through fashion, but I digress…)

What I used to perceive as the oxford’s lack of flair, I now understand as the key to its chameleonic genius. It’s the shirt’s simplicity that makes it work just as well for a streetwear look as for a quiet luxury one. It’s the simplicity that makes it the perfect foundation for a strong statement of personal style. And since I want us to feel strong right now, I’ve put together some of my favorite oxford (and oxford-inspired) shirts.

Here are a few highlights:

Ralph Lauren oxford shirts will forever be my favorite classic. I wear mine constantly. Their stretch slim fit striped is pictured here, but I also love the relaxed fit version and the oversized too.

The Frankie Shop has a ton of fantastic options if you’re looking for color and style variation. This is not the spot for a classic oxford, but start here for options that offer a fun twist like their sheer crepe button down (left; and, yes, I realize I’m defining oxford shirt very loosely here) and fab pinstripe with white cuffs (right).

I love Essentiel Antwerp. Even when their pieces aren’t right for me, their use of color, pattern, and embellishment bring me joy — and they do not disappoint with their button down shirts. The one in the video below has been in heavy rotation for me, but seems to be sold out. Thankfully, the blue gemmed shirt (above) from the same season is still available. If you want something that feels more springy, check out the version that just dropped for their embroidered lace capsule.

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Cropped shirts aren’t for everyone, but they work well for my proportions, so I’ve included several cropped options for my fellow shorties. I love the thick stripe (and inexpensive price tag!) on this one from Daze.

Hop on over to my full list of oxford shirt picks to see the front of this one, pictured, from SIMONMILLER. The tie gives it just the right amount of waist cinch, but it’s this back detail that I love most. The shirt comes in white, too, but since this one isn’t for layering, I’m partial to the stripes.

Butter yellow is about to be everywhere and, while I don’t usually encourage chasing trends, it is gorgeous for spring. You currently have to ask to be notified to get the highly rated Deep End shirt from Ayr in French Butter, but if you click through, you can check it out in other colors too.

Of course my picks include a few classic white options for playing and layering. This one, pictured, is a highly rated option from LL Bean. I’ve got my eye on it since it’s wrinkle-free. Love that!

Check out all of my picks here. And feel free to share with the other strong ladies in your life. 💪

Stacie, xo