Office Obsession: The Perfect Shirt

Since launching her eponymous line in 2006, for those in the know, Nili Lotan has become synonymous with the perfect, fits-like-a-glove, wear-anywhere, button-downs. Her shirts—along with her suite of luxe, easy, staples—have become a mainstay of the W office wardrobe. And while it’s tricky to explain the magic of a Nili Lotan top, she credits its best-selling status to a few important factors: “I have the pattern makers, cutters, and sewers right next to me. So every pattern is being fit by me 10 times before it’s approved,” she says. “I use extra softeners to make it very soft, and develop most of the fabric myself. It’s very thin, beautiful, feminine.” [#image: /photos/5853c61257dfc3b0230f94a0]||||||From left: Nili Lotan’s button-down shirt, $225, nililotan.com; Nili Lotan’s gingham shirt, $245, nililotan.com

But her line is about much more than just shirts, though the focus is always on closet essentials. She actually refers to her collection as, “my wardrobe” because it answers all of her, and by extension, most women’s needs: something for day, night, travel, or just taking the kids to school. Though she’s quick to point out that the classic cashmere sweaters, wool coats, and silk slip dresses aren’t for the woman who is looking for the “latest trend in fashion.” “Who I am dressing is a classic, chic woman who understands herself and her style,” she says. We’re sold.