Women's Shirts & Blouses

HOW TO STYLE BLOUSES FOR FORMAL EVENTS OR DAYWEAR
Blouses are a perfect wardrobe staple that can be worn for any occasion. These loose-style tops are not only comfortable but are also feminine and flattering. The right women’s blouse can add pzazz to a casual outfit, can work easily as part of a work ensemble, and won’t look out of place at an evening event. Having a collection of blouses in your wardrobe for different occasions will surely serve you well!

Let’s look at what constitutes a blouse, what styles you commonly come across, and how to style blouses for different occasions.
WHAT IS A BLOUSE?
Blouses began as utilitarian tops worn by both working men and women, but over time, have become best known as a popular women’s top that generally has sleeves, collar, and sometimes buttons as well. Less fitted than a shirt, a blouse has a loose, flowy shape around the chest, with some tapering in at the waist to create more of a silhouette. Others hang loose, allowing you to tuck them into pants or a skirt.

In terms of sleeves, women’s blouses tend to allow for plenty of freedom of movement in the arms, which is one of their enticing characteristics. You’ll encounter blouses with balloon sleeves with buttoned or elasticised cuffs at the wrist, ¾ length sleeves with cuffs at the elbows, roll-up sleeves that button at the elbow, flared sleeves, flute sleeves, frilled sleeves and more. Some blouses have no sleeves at all!

The neckline on blouses can vary, so there’s an option for everyone’s preference. Some have V-shaped, U-shaped, or round necklines. Others may have a high neckline, or a collared neckline, similar to a shirt. Others may have a mandarin collar, or a pussybow collar with tie detail.

In regards to fabrics, modern women’s blouses tend to come in lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, satin, polyester and viscose. Some blouses may include a mixture of fabrics, such as a solid fabric on the body, and a sheer fabric on the sleeves. Plenty of blouses have additional embellishments, like frills, embroidery, sequins and more.

As you can see, there’s plenty of variation when it comes to blouses, so you’re sure to find numerous blouses that will suit your style.

TIPS FOR STYLING BLOUSES FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS
When looking for blouses for your wardrobe, consider where you intend to wear them. Some blouses are definitively formal, while others can be dressed up or down so that they work for different occasions.

Your choice of blouse also depends on whether you want your blouse to take centre stage or not. For example, in winter, a blouse worn beneath a quality jumper, cardi or blazer can look understated yet sophisticated, despite it not being the main player in your outfit. Whereas if you want your blouse to stand out, you might opt for a bold and bright print.

Here are some tips for styling blouses for different occasions. As we just said, one blouse may work for numerous outings.
DAYWEAR
Bottoms:
For a casual-yet-stylish day look, a flowy blouse can look gorgeous with a pair of blue jeans or slim fit pants, or tucked into a short or midi-length skirt. Blouses can also be styled with wide leg pants. If you’re going down this path, it’s a good idea to create some shape by tucking your blouse into your pants, and perhaps adding a statement belt.

Prints:
To add oomph to your look, you can go for a printed blouse in a floral or abstract print. When working with prints, consider how to balance it with the rest of your outfit. So, if you opt for a print blouse, then solid-coloured bottoms work best. And vice versa—with patterned skirts and pants, a solid-coloured blouse will often look better.

You can also play with mixing textures. For instance, try a soft, billowy blouse with a leather or corduroy skirt or pants to create textural contrast.

Tucking and tying:
If your blouse has a button-up front, you can undo the lower buttons and tie the blouse at the front to create a whole different look, and create shape at the waist.

You can also do the ‘French tuck’ with your blouse, where you tuck just the front into your denim jeans, and leave the rest loose.

Footwear:
In summer, a blouse always looks nice with strappy sandals or heels, and in the cooler months, consider ankle boots.

If your blouse is light and floaty, avoid footwear that is heavy and chunky, as it generally will look too weighty for your blouse, although it can depend on your particular style, so you do you.

Accessories:
Depending on the collar of your blouse, jewellery can be included. For instance, if you have a V-neck or rounded collar, a minimalist necklace can suit the overall ensemble. If you have a high collar or pussybow collar, you probably want to avoid necklaces, as there’s enough going on already around the neck area.

Regarding what you carry, a crossbody bag, tote or purse with shoulder strap might be your best choice to wear with a blouse. If you’re going to a nice lunch, the right clutch purse can also look great.

WORK ATTIRE
For work, blouses offer a neat and professional look, without appearing overly formal.

Bottoms:
You can wear a blouse with a pencil skirt, or with tailored pants. If your workplace has a particularly casual dress code, a blouse with jeans also looks exceedingly stylish.

Outerlayers:
When wearing a blouse as work attire, consider whether or not you plan to wear an outer garment like a cardigan, jumper or suit blazer. The collar on your blouse needs to work with the outer garment, as do the sleeves. So, for example, a pussybow blouse with a large tie at the collar, might not work with high neck jumpers. Similarly, a blazer with slim arms most likely won’t work with a blouse with wide, billowy balloon sleeves. Your best move is to try your layers on before you head out the door to make sure it all works harmoniously.

Prints and accessories:
When considering a blouse for work attire, it’s generally best to hold back a little
on bold accessories. This means that you might hold off on the statement jewellery, and opt instead for understated jewellery like a chain necklace or small earrings. And in regards to blouse print, if you are going bold, try to keep the other parts of your outfit fairly neutral by choosing solid colours for your bottoms and outer layers.

Tucking:
Remember for work, the overall effect you want is a tidy look, so unless your blouse already tapers in, or has a distinctive hem that simply must be on display, then your top will probably look best tucked into your skirt or trousers.


FOR A NIGHT OUT
Blouses can be an easy option for a night out, as they look more fancy, and can easily be dressed up.

Fabric and style:
If you’re heading out on an evening date or out for fun with some friends, choose a blouse with a hint of mystique, such as one with sheer or lace sleeves, an off-the-shoulder blouse, or a blouse made with a metallic fabric or with sequin embellishments. Basically, you want a blouse that adds a touch of glamour, and has some detail that draws interest.

Prints:
For a night out, you probably want to avoid florals and pastels, as they can look a little too much like daywear. However, there’s no hard and fast rule, and the right type of floral, such as an embroidered flower print, an exotic flower print, or floral lace, can look dazzling.

Bottoms:
Slim-fit pants or even faux leather pants will look great with an evening blouse to create a daring, party look. A mini skirt or A-line skirt will also look great with a blouse for a night out in the city.

Accessories:
Add heels, a dazzling clutch purse or strappy handbag, bright lipstick and drop or hoop earrings, and you have a fun and stylish evening look.

FORMAL EVENTS
Blouses are a comfortable choice for formal events, and offer something different to the standard formal or cocktail dress.

Fabric:
For a formal event, choose a blouse in a sumptuous fabric like lace or satin, or something fine and sheer.

Bottoms:
You can pair your blouse with a full-length skirt, midi skirt or tailored pants in a fabric that contrasts with your blouse, like a rich velvet or posh polyester.

Prints:
You can absolutely opt for a printed blouse at a formal event, but take the time to find one with a print that is rich in detail and looks sumptuous.

Accessories:
Evening heels, a quality clutch, bold lip colour, updo hairstyle and optional evening jewellery (think pearls or gemstones) will complete your look.

Remember, for a formal event, your clothes should be immaculate. Also make the effort to ensure that the different fabrics in your top, bottoms, and outer layers work well together. Again, it can be a matter of trying things in advance of the event to make sure it all works together.

TO WRAP IT UP…
Blouses are a versatile and essential staple in any woman's wardrobe, offering endless possibilities for creating unique looks for various occasions. By following the above tips, you'll be equipped to create head-turning outfits no matter where you are headed. So experiment with different combinations, and let your personal style shine through with the perfect blouse ensemble for every setting!

Don’t forget to check out our wide range of women’s blouses for all occasions! You can be sure to find a range of great options in your size!