Women's Shirts Buying Guide

You need quite a few women's shirts in your wardrobe, including women's casual shirts, women's dress shirts and women's long-sleeve shirts. Where do you start? This women's shirts buying guide is here to help you figure out how to buy the women's shirts that are right for your body type and lifestyle.

Women's Casual Shirts:

1. T-shirts. Once a casual mainstay, women's T-shirts are now made in nicer fabrics and with better fits so you can wear them more often than just when you're relaxing. With a variety of necklines and sleeves, there's sure to be a few women's T-shirts that will look great on you.

2. Tank tops, tube tops and halter tops. Perfect for layering or for wearing when it's hot outside, these sleeveless women's shirts come in many different styles and fabrics. Choose casual women's tank tops to wear at the gym and sequined halter tops fit for a party.

3. Long-sleeve T-shirts. For colder weather, you'll want some long-sleeved T-shirts. Choose women's long-sleeve shirts with similar necklines as women's short-sleeve shirts so you'll still feel great when you're bundled up.

4. Henley shirts. With a button placket of two to five buttons at the neck, a henley shirt lets you adjust the neckline to flatter your face and your chest. Henley shirts are casual and often have long sleeves.

5. Polo shirts. As with henley shirts, the button placket of women's polo shirts lets you adjust your neckline. The addition of a collar lets you choose a polo shirt that flatters your face. Women's polo shirts usually come as women's short-sleeve shirts.

6. Tunic tops. Tunic tops are longer than other shirts, and this longer length makes them perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. Available with several different necklines and sleeve styles, tunic tops are flattering for many women, but women who want to conceal a tummy or add height will appreciate tunics most.

Women's Dress Shirts:

1. Women's blouses. The basic women's blouse is influenced by a traditional men's shirt, but women's blouses range from career shirts to elegant, special blouses.

2. Camp shirts. With a button-down front and a collar, the camp shirt is the most casual of all women's blouses and is often available with fun prints.

3. Wrap tops. The wrap-around design and the tie-waist of wrap tops makes them more dressy than women's casual shirts, and a nice fabric can make a wrap top even more special.

4. Kimono-style tops. Inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos, kimono tops share the distinct sleeve design and often have a banded or tied waist. A blouse with kimono influences usually looks very dressy.

5. Fancy tops. Beaded tank tops, sequined tunics or sheer blouses: the fanciest of all women's dress shirts has to be the party top. Choose fancy women's tank tops and other sleeveless women's shirts that highlight your best assets -- toned arms, defined collarbones or a feminine bust -- and you'll be the center of attention wherever you go.

Choosing Flattering Women's Shirts:

1. Complement a big bust. Make sure the shirts you choose have bust darts to accommodate your chest. A loose flutter sleeve can also flatter your bust. Avoid double-breasted shirts and horizontal details. Let your neckline accentuate your bust without putting too much out there.

2. Flatter a small bust. A fitted shirt will be the most flattering. You can also benefit from a shirt with an empire waist. Choose shirts in colors that are brighter than your pants or skirts.

3. Camouflage your love handles or tummy. Shirts made of soft fabrics that don't cling to your body will be the most flattering. A wrap shirt that ends past the widest part of your body will look great, too.

4. Conceal heavy arms. Avoid tiny sleeves, like cap sleeves. Long sleeves that taper at the wrist will help slim down your heavy arms. If your upper arms are the issue, try wearing women's T-shirts with 3/4-length sleeves; they'll show off only the narrowest part of your arms.

5. Lengthen a short waist. Match the color of your shirts to your pants or skirts to elongate your body. Avoid shirts that are fitted at the waist.

6. Elongate a round face. Avoid round collars. Look for a collar shape that's the opposite of your face.

7. Hide narrow shoulders. Wide collars, horizontal stripes and wrap tops will all add a little more substance to your stature. Try to avoid raglan sleeves or kimono-style shirts, which may slide off your shoulders.

8. Minimize broad shoulders. Deep V-necks or raglan sleeves will offset your broad shoulders. Avoid shirts with wide collars, wide necklines and shiny fabrics, which draw attention to that area.