This cropped shirt takes its cues from classic safari and utility shirts — a pointed collar, full button placket, and two flap pockets at the chest — but shortens the body to hit right at the waist. Short sleeves keep it easy to wear, with a straight hem that sits nicely tucked or worn loose over high-waisted bottoms.
Made up here in a lightweight woven with a bit of structure, so the collar and pockets hold their shape. It'd also work well in poplin, chambray, or a light twill.
The button-front closure and boxy fit make this a solid confident-beginner project — the main techniques to practice are the collar and the two flap pockets, both worth a test run on scrap fabric before cutting into your fashion fabric.
Recommended fabrics:
Poplin, cotton lawn, chambray, light twill, broadcloth, tencel
Look for something with a bit of body and crispness so the collar and flap pockets hold their shape well. Avoid anything too soft or drapey (like rayon challis or silky crepe), since the pockets and collar will lose their structure and look limp instead of crisp.