In our biweekly series, editors share "the item they wear to death," whether it be a basic white tee or a super-trendy jumpsuit. Prepare yourself (and your credit card) for some guilt-free shopping.
Let's get one thing out of the way: Yes, this is the white button-down that the Duchess, formerly known as Meghan Markle (well I guess she's still known as Meghan Markle, but at the time it was pre-Royal Wedding), wore on her first official outing with Prince Harry. The two made their debut as a couple at the Invictus Games in September 2017, and for such a momentous occasion, yes one that called for semi-casual attire, Markle wore jeans, flats, and a white Misha Nonoo top called the Husband shirt (a detail that made its way into many a cheeky headline). She looked fab.
Anyway, I did not buy this white button-down because Meghan Markle wore this white button-down. I bought this white button-down because when I saw Meghan Markle wearing it, I immediately realized it is The Perfect White Button-Down.
I'd been on a hunt for the PWBD for several years (truly, at least five), with zero success. There was always something off about every shirt I tried on or bought-and-returned: too sheer, too boxy, too girly. Misha Nonoo's shirt is none of those things.
The Husband shirt has a slightly oversize fit, which lends itself perfectly to a put-together jeans look like Meghan Markle's—this is how I wear it most often since it dresses up denim just enough for the office (at least, Marie Claire's jeans-friendly office!). It also has that effortless I-just-threw-it-on-and-look-great vibe for the weekend. Another standout detail is the buttons. Instead of traditional plastic buttons, there are metal closures that fit through the button holes, which gives the top an extra polished feel. If I had a tiara for every time someone complimented those non-button buttons, I'd have more crown jewels than QE2.
Worn under a blazer or tucked into a pencil skirt, the shirt looks both professional and cool: a tricky combination. The cuffs are extra long, which is a chic detail, but they can also be rolled up in that effortless Jenna Lyons–esque way.
Now that we're friends, I feel I can share another confession with you: I own four of these shirts. Yes, four. I almost bought the blue version once, but panicked and switched back to white before checking out. Why, why, do I own so many of this shirt, you ask? I put one on at least once a week. They're starting to show signs of wear due to, well, lots of wear, plus dry-cleaning, the occasional coffee spot, etc., and I love having a super pristine option for the fancier of occasions. I also own one shirt in a size smaller (an extra-small) than the rest (small), because I realized the size down tucks into skirts better, while my normal size works better with pants.
Finally, did you not read the part where I said this is the perfect white shirt? I'm not kidding, it is PERFECT. Don't believe Misha Nonoo when she says on her site, "Every brand claims to have 'the perfect white shirt.' Not us. We know our crisp cotton poplin shirt is no angel." Sorry Misha, your perfect shirt is my queen.
Get your PWBD and feel like royalty, below:
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Sally is the Editor in Chief of Marie Claire where she oversees coverage of all the things the Marie Claire reader wants to know about, including politics, beauty, fashion, and celebs. Holmes has been with Marie Claire for five years, overseeing all content for the brand’s website and social platforms. She joined Marie Claire from ELLE.com, where she worked for four years, first as Senior Editor running all news content and finally as Executive Editor. Before that, Sally was at NYMag.com's the Cut and graduated with an English major from Boston College.
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