Emma Willis needs little introduction among sartorial purists. Founded in 1999, this London-based shirtmaker established its reputation on Jermyn Street, crafting both bespoke and ready-to-wear shirts for a clientele that expects nothing but the finest. Renowned for combining traditional English shirt-making techniques with luxury fabrics, Swiss cottons, rare Sea Island fibers, West Indian sea island cotton, and local craftsmen, Emma Willis has long balanced old-world style with modern refinement.
For Autumn/Winter 25, Emma Willis deepens this brand DNA: rich colours, textural weaving (especially wool-cotton blends), brushed cottons that promise warmth, and checks and herringbones that nod to countryside palettes without sacrificing urban polish. We’ve selected five standout shirts from the AW25 ready-to-wear collection that capture the mood, the craftsmanship, and the versatility.
Top 5 Picks from Emma Willis AW25
Here are our must-have shirts for the season, each one marrying form, function, and that signature Emma Willis elegance.
Rust & Blue Gingham Brushed Cotton Ready-to-Wear Shirt
This shirt brings warmth to the fore. The rust tone plays beautifully against the striking blue in a classic gingham pattern. The brushed cotton finish gives it softness and texture, ideal for layering under a tweed blazer or wearing solo when the coat comes off. A perfect pick for those who want both comfort and character without becoming overly formal.
Charcoal Blue Check Wool-Cotton Blend Ready-to-Wear Shirt
Turning toward the cooler side of the palette, this shirt balances charcoal and blue in a refined check. The wool-cotton blend gives structure and warmth, great for colder days. This is one of those pieces that works well with sharp trousers as part of a semi-formal outfit, or dressed down under a cable knit or overcoat.
Blue Ochre Check Wool-Cotton Blend Ready-to-Wear Shirt
This is one of our favourite statements from the collection. The ochre introduces a golden, autumnal note against moody blues, evoking changing leaves and fading light. The same wool-cotton blend adds durability and comfort—excellent when you want something with texture but still breathable. Pair it with dark denim, or use the ochre accent to brighten up neutrals like charcoal or olive.
Khaki Herringbone Wool-Cotton Blend Ready-to-Wear Shirt
Here’s a shirt with a strong autumn identity. The herringbone weave gives subtle visual interest while the khaki shade feels grounded and earthy. This makes it an excellent staple piece: works well under leather jackets, with corduroy, or as part of a layered ensemble. It sits at the intersection of rugged and refined, just what you want for unpredictable weather.
Sky Navy Green Tartan Brushed Cotton Ready-to-Wear Shirt
Rounding out the selection is an expressive tartan. With sky blue, navy, and green intersecting, this shirt is bold without being loud. The brushed cotton finish makes it seasonally appropriate, softening the edges of each check and giving it cozy appeal. Wear it under a charcoal wool coat or let it peek out from a zip cardigan, this is one that injects personality.
Why These Shirts Matter
While fabric and pattern are obvious draws in AW25, what sets Emma Willis apart (and what these picks showcase) is attention to detail: collar shapes, cut, weight, finishing, and fit. The wool-cotton blends bring substance, a nod to traditional winter shirtings, while the brushed cottons offer a softness that transition well from autumn into early winter.
Also noteworthy is the collection’s palette. Browns, greens, ochres, and charcoal nod to heritage workwear and traditional British outerwear, but they’re balanced with sky blue and navy to avoid feeling too rustic. That balance is key. It’s the difference between dressing for the woods and dressing for the city.
Styling Suggestions
- Layer brushed cotton shirts under heavyweight knits or vests to bring contrast between texture and pattern.
- Use the khaki herringbone and charcoal blue check as anchor pieces for muted suits or coats—these will ground your look.
- Let patterns like tartan and checks be the focal point; keep accessories simple, think muted scarves, understated belts.
- Roll up sleeves on the rust gingham when indoors to show off craftsmanship on the cuffs, or use that detail to break up bulk under outerwear.
Editors Thoughts:
Emma Willis’s AW25 ready-to-wear is a reminder that true style doesn’t need to shout; it needs to last. The cut, the fabrics, the palette, they’ve all been chosen with longevity, versatility, and a dash of heritage flair. Whether you’re curating work-wear, weekend layers, or those quiet style moments, this collection offers pieces that deliver. These five shirts aren’t just new additions to the wardrobe—they’re seasonal weapons in the pursuit of impeccably considered style.
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