The Versatile Staple: Perfecting the Art of the Women's Shirt

The humble women’s shirt is a timeless staple in any woman's wardrobe. Whether you're dressing up for a professional setting or down for a casual day out, a well-styled shirt can elevate any outfit. At Academy Brand, our collection of women's shirts includes both short and long-sleeve options made from high-quality cotton, linen, and blends. This guide explores different ways to style these timeless pieces and what to look out for in your shirts.

Fit First: Finding Your Perfect Silhouette

Fit is paramount when it comes to nailing the shirt look. Academy Brand's shirts are primarily loose-fitting, offering a relaxed and comfortable feel. This creates a flattering drape that works on a variety of body shapes. However, you can play with slightly different fits depending on your desired look. A relaxed fit is perfect for a casual vibe, while a more tailored silhouette would be better suited to business wear and formal occasions.

Material Matters

The beauty of the shirt lies in its adaptability across seasons. There are a few staple fabrics you’ll see time and again with shirts, each with their own unique properties:

  • Cotton: A breathable and versatile fabric, perfect for year-round wear. Cotton shirts are ideal for layering in cooler weather and staying cool in warmer temperatures.
  • Linen: A natural fibre known for its breathability and lightweight feel. Linen shirts are a must-have for summer, offering effortless style and keeping you cool on hot days.
  • Tencel: Lightweight and versatile, tencel has grown in popularity over the past few yesrs. It’s a semi-synthetic fibre that is biodegradable too.
  • Blends: Combining the best of both worlds, cotton blends offer the comfort of cotton with the added benefits of other fibres, such as wrinkle resistance or increased durability. Cotton and tencel, and cotton and linen are two of our favourite blends for women’s shirts.

Styling Inspiration

The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to styling women's shirts. Here are some key looks to inspire your wardrobe:

Sets: Coordinated sets are effortlessly stylish and will have you ready for weekend brunches, casual days at the office and beach trips alike. Pair a loose-fitting linen shirt with matching linen pants or shorts for a timeless look.

    Prints: Printed shirts add a touch of personality and vibrancy to your outfit. Pair a bold printed shirt with neutral-coloured bottoms for a balanced look. Tucking in the shirt accentuates you r waistline and creates a flattering silhouette. 

    Jeans Pairing: The classic combination of a shirt and jeans is a timeless favourite. Tucking your shirt into high-waisted jeans creates a polished and flattering silhouette. For a more relaxed vibe, leave your shirt untucked and pair it with a relaxed-fit denim style. You can experiment with different washes and colours to personalise your look. 

      Shirt Dresses: The shirt dress is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. For a casual look, pair it with sneakers or sandals or polish it up with a belt at the waist and add a pair of heels. Shirt dresses our famously comfortable, particularly a relaxed fit shirt as shown below.
      Layering with Knitwear: A chunky knit over a crisp shirt adds warmth and texture to your outfit. A knitted vest offers a preppy touch, while a crew neck knitted jumper has a stylish yet snug look and feel about it.

        Unlocking Your Style

        With a bit of creativity, the women's shirt can become the foundation of countless stylish looks. Explore Academy Brand's collection of women's long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts, featuring a variety of fits, materials, and styles to find your perfect match. Whether you prefer classic prints, effortless layering, or the elegance of a shirt dress, Academy Brand has the shirt to help you create a look that reflects your unique style.

        Check out Academy Brand's women's shirt collection and discover your new favourite wardrobe staple!