The Not-So-Basic White Blouse

A white blouse is a versatile, classic piece to have in your closet. Choose a crisp cotton one for a polished look or a delicate silk one for a softer one. Wear it with tailored pants for work or with jeans on weekends. If bright white doesn’t work for your skin tone, look for an ivory or cream one. I always have one plain white button-down shirt in my closet, but every year I also look for that not-so-basic white blouse. Here are some options that have some beautiful, creative details…

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White Blouse With Puff Sleeves

Puff sleeves continue to be a strong trend, and you’ll find everything from a subtle gathering at the shoulder to voluminous bubble sleeves (hello, Snow White!) I prefer the subtle version which will stay in style longer and can be worn under a jacket (and won’t make me feel like a Disney princess).

I think this Embroidered Puff Sleeve Blouse has the perfect amount of volume and would look cute with wide-leg jeans like Everlane’s Way High Jeans. Even if you cover up the sleeves with a jacket, the ruffle collar and embroidery make this blouse a not-so-basic piece.

If you’re looking for a summer blouse, try this linen Short Sleeve Blouse.

Lace-Trimmed Blouse

Lace adds a romantic, sweet touch to a blouse. I bought this ivory and black Dobby Lace Trim Ruffle Blouse from LOFT a few weeks ago to wear under my spring jackets and cardigans. I love that it can be tucked in for a more polished look and left untucked for a more casual one. The fabric is heavy enough to not be sheer and the lace panel is very modest. If you prefer a pure white color, take a look at the Clip Lace Trim Ruffle Blouse or the Lace Trim Blouse. All three of these LOFT blouses are affordable and versatile. Wear them with jeans, a fitted skirt, Bermuda shorts, or tailored pants.

If you are looking for an all-over lace blouse, this WAYF Erika Puff Sleeve Top is very pretty and comes in flattering ivory.

For a short sleeve option, take a look at Treasure & Bond’s Lace Inset Puff Sleeve Blouse.

White Blouse With Pintuck Details

Pintucks are little folds in fabric and can make a plain white blouse look so much more special. Mine is an Ann Taylor blouse that I bought about six years ago, but I still wear it all the time with tailored pants or jeans.

This Banana Republic Pintuck Swing Top has similar intricate pintuck details (though it has a very different shape). If you wear this blouse untucked, choose fitted bottoms like straight-leg jeans or pants. If you tuck it in, you can wear more volume on the bottom, like wide-leg pants or a midi skirt.

For a classic blouse with pintuck details, take a look at this Silk Crepe Tuxedo Top. I would wear this top with High-Rise Wool Pants in the spring and fall, and a simple skirt for spring.

This Scalloped Blouse is a little more fashion-forward with a scalloped collar, pintucks, and ruffled sleeves.

Eyelet (Broderie Anglaise) Blouse

I love the fresh, romantic look of eyelet in the spring and summer, and this year there are some gorgeous eyelet blouses to choose from. Mine is the Embroidered Eyelet Blouse from & Other Stories. I love the ruffled v-neck, the cropped length, and of course, the eyelet details.

If you’re looking for a more casual, all-over eyelet blouse, take a look at Everlane’s Eyelet Lantern Top.

Need something a little warmer? Technically this is a sweatshirt, but the eyelet placement is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but include it: take a look at Paige’s Vivi Cotton Eyelet Inset Sweatshirt.

What To Wear With Your White Blouse

Here is a checklist of what you’ll want to wear with your not-so-basic white blouse. Check your closet first, and then add what you’re missing to your shopping list.

A Camisole

White blouses are often sheer so consider wearing a nude camisole underneath. I like that Banana Republic is offering their Convertible V-Neck Camisole in eleven shades. You’ll want a camisole that matches your skin tone so that it “disappears” under your white blouse.

Classic Pants Or Jeans

Most of these blouses lean towards either a tailored look or a casual look. For a tailored look, wear your white blouse with classic wide-leg pants like Banana Republic’s Italian Wool Blend Pants or J.Crew’s Kate Straight-Leg Pant. For a casual look try J.Crew’s Full-Length Demi Boot jeans.

Classic Shoes

If you want your blouse to be the main feature, choose simple shoes like nude booties, plain mules, or simple sandals. These are a few new arrivals that have caught my eye:

Banana Republic’s clean and classic Suede Chelsea Boots.

Coach’s Vea Slingback Skimmer Flats – I love the subtle stud details on these!

The Naima Featherweight Sandal by Andre Assous.

J.Crew’s Masie Ankle-Strap Pumps.

Colorful Accessories

A white blouse is a perfect backdrop for colorful accessories, especially if you’re wearing it with jeans or neutral bottoms. Add some Floral Hoop Earrings or a sky blue handbag. Take a look at my 2022 Accessory Trends post for more options!

Leave a comment to let me know your favorite style of white blouse…