Shirt Occasion Guide
The best shirt for the day depends on how smart the setting is and what you will layer with it. This hub matches shirt styles to occasions, so you can dress right with less thought. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Smart settings
Office & Business
A smart shirt for professional wear.
How to style it
Choose a poplin or twill shirt with a spread collar in white or blue, worn with tailoring and, when needed, a tie.
What to pick
Pick a slim or tailored fit in a versatile colour. Browse BOSS shirts (/collections/mens-boss-black-shirts).
Formal Events
A dress shirt for weddings and black-tie.
How to style it
Choose a crisp white shirt with a concealed placket or French cuffs, worn with a suit or dinner jacket.
What to pick
Pick a clean, formal fabric and a smart collar. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Everyday settings
Smart-Casual
A versatile shirt for a relaxed dress code.
How to style it
Choose an Oxford or fine cotton shirt worn open at the neck with chinos or dark jeans.
What to pick
Pick an Oxford shirt for maximum flexibility. Browse Paul Smith shirts (/collections/mens-paul-smith-shirts).
Weekend & Casual
An easy shirt for days off.
How to style it
Choose a chambray, flannel or casual check worn untucked with jeans and trainers or boots.
What to pick
Pick a regular or relaxed fit for comfort. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Warm-weather and layering
Holiday & Summer
A breathable shirt for warm weather.
How to style it
Choose a linen or Cuban-collar shirt worn open with shorts or lightweight trousers.
What to pick
Pick linen or a light cotton in a summer colour.
Layering
A shirt worn over or under other pieces.
How to style it
Choose an overshirt to layer over a tee, or a fine shirt to wear under a jumper with the collar out.
What to pick
Pick an overshirt for spring and autumn. Browse Belstaff overshirts (/collections/belstaff-overshirts).
Smart settings
Evening & Going Out
A sharp shirt for a night out.
How to style it
Choose a dark, fitted shirt in fine cotton worn open or with a jacket for an evening look.
What to pick
Pick a slim fit in a rich, dark colour. Browse men's shirts (/collections/mens-shirts).
Everyday settings
Travel
A shirt that packs and wears well on the move.
How to style it
Choose a twill or blended shirt that resists creasing so it looks smart straight from a bag.
What to pick
Pick a crease-resistant twill in a versatile colour.
Frequently asked questions
What shirt should I wear to the office?
A poplin or twill shirt with a spread collar in white or light blue is the safest office choice, worn with tailored trousers or a suit. A slim or tailored fit keeps it neat, and you can add a tie for more formal days or leave the collar open for a smart-casual office.
What is a good smart-casual shirt?
An Oxford shirt is the ideal smart-casual choice because it works open at the neck with chinos or dark jeans yet still looks tidy. A fine cotton or textured shirt in a versatile colour is a good alternative when you want something a step smarter.
What shirt is best for hot weather?
A linen shirt is best for hot weather because the flax fibres breathe and keep you cool, and an open Cuban or camp collar adds to the airflow. If you dislike linen's natural creasing, a lightweight cotton or chambray gives a smoother look while still staying breathable.