I've Been Searching for the Perfect Shirt Forever—I Think I've Finally Found It

There are certain wardrobe classics you can spend a lifetime searching for—the perfect pair of jeans, for instance, or the perfect trench coat. For me, it’s the perfect cotton button-down shirt. I’ve tried them all, mostly from the high street, I admit, and brought home a few really good ones to add to my collection. MangoH&M and Arket all have great affordable options, but none have quite met my high standards of absolute perfection. They’re either too long, too oversized, too see-through or too stretchy, not to mention the ones that are lost to their creases after the first wash and never regain that original crispness. 

I’d almost given up on my search, but recently, thanks to a late-night Net-a-Porter sale order, I think I may have stumbled across the holy grail—and, of course, I needed to share it with you. 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

I'm wearing the yellow Lui shirt in size XS.

The Frankie Shop, as you probably know, has been making a name for itself in the industry over the past few years for creating timeless wardrobe staples with an elevated finish, such as that quilted jacket you’ve seen everywhere or its perfect influencer-approved tailored trousers. So I probably shouldn’t have been surprised when I tried on its Lui shirt only to discover its greatness. I’ve since worn it tucked into wide-leg trousers, buttoned over jeans and under a blazer, and unbuttoned over leggings and even swimsuits on a recent holiday. It’s crisp but comfortable and not too thick but not transparent (so you can still wear a bra with it). 

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(Image credit: @emilyjdawes)

I'm wearing the yellow Lui shirt in size XS.

Luckily, the Lui shirt comes in lots of colours, ranging from classic white and blue to bright orange and pink, as well as a few chic shades of beige. It even comes with matching shorts for summer! It’s already become such a key piece in so many of my outfits, and I have a feeling the yellow won’t be the last one I add to my collection. 

So if, like me, you've been on the hunt for the perfect button-down shirt for a while now, I’ve added links to the Lui below as well as a few other classic Frankie Shop shirts. Keep scrolling to see. 

Shop The Frankie Shop's Lui Shirt

Shop More Shirts From The Frankie Shop

Up Next: I'm a Stylist, and I'm Straight-Up Obsessed With The Frankie Shop's Comfy But Smart Trousers

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.