A good white blouse is a workwear essential, but pintuck or granny? Crisp white or ruffled? It’s hard to decide on a style to settle on. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the top nine from Whistles, Zara and more that are easy to style.
I have spent an ungodly amount of time scrolling through the ‘workwear’ sections of various brand websites. I add items to my basket but don’t ever seem to press on the checkout button. How do I lose so much time to online shopping, you ask? I’m searching for the perfect white blouse for the office.
Aside from a shirt, they are the most versatile staple in your work wardrobe. And unlike a shirt, which requires some form of styling – a French tuck here or the strategically placed belt there – a blouse carries an outfit. They do everything a shirt does, but they’re visually more interesting and work harder.
While the weather still allows, I’m looking for cap-sleeve tops that I can pair with a printed skirt for the office – clean and crisp. But as we head into cooler temperatures, I’m looking for long-sleeved tops that add a slight layer of warmth – a tie blouse or a pussy bow blouse – something that just feels elevated for the months when I have to rely on more practical, plain trousers.
They can be worn throughout the year, and they’ll look great with a trench thrown over the top or stripped back with a pair of jeans. Here, we’ve found the top picks across the autumn collections from Whistles to Me+Em.
& Other Stories pussy bow blouse
A pussy bow blouse is timeless and trendy, and this gathered look adds even more movement and interest. In this off-white colour, styling requires little to no effort – it’s all in the blouse.
Nobody’s Child broderie anglaise blouse
As part of the Louise Thompson edit, this broderie anglaise top can be buttoned to the top. It’s a granny blouse, so contrast it with contemporary bottoms, wide-leg jeans or a pair of balloons.
Me+Em summer trim blouse
This is the perfect blouse for autumn. The lightweight material can be thrown on underneath a jacket, and the cheesecloth adds more depth and movement, while the cap sleeves provide structure.
Zara flowing blouse with tie detail
This high-neck piece from Zara is a must – the built-in scarf can be worn in many chic ways. Check is back, and I can see this working beautifully with a pair of patterned pants.
Nobody’s Child pintuck valley top
Simple and refined, pintucks are the shirts of the year. Gorgeous with a pair of capris – or dare I say skinny jeans – and a pair of riding boots.
Cos ruffle-collar seersucker blouse
This ruffle-collar blouse from Cos has vertical stripes and a statement collar. Boyish charm that somehow feels playful yet refined.
Karen Millen jersey tie-neck bodysuit
Bodysuits are a versatile wardrobe staple but are often forgotten as they can compromise style for comfort. But this jersey tie neck offers both. Simply style with a classic pant and leave the sleeves for show. And if that doesn’t have you sold, it’s on sale.
Whistles ivory cowl neck blouse
Plain and simple is not always a bad thing, and this ivory cowl-neck blouse is the perfect professional staple. Pair with colourful leather trousers or some high-waisted straight-leg pants and a statement black belt to cinch you in.
John Lewis ruffle-collar blouse
While I often end up rolling up my sleeves with a shirt, these ruffle sleeves are crisp and simple, and the collar is unfussy – it’s an effortless transitional hero.
Images: courtesy of brands
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