Blouses

The shirt blouse is the feminine counterpart to the men’s shirt and remains a cornerstone of business attire.

Key features of the shirt blouse:

• Length just above the hips
• Waist darts for shaping
• Full-length button placket
• Long sleeves with cuffs
• Business colours: white, blue, pale pink, subtle stripes
• Casual: checks, polka dots, colourful stripes
• Classic Kent collar, occasionally a stand-up collar

Tip: Women with a fuller bust should size up to avoid gaping buttons. Many specialist retailers now offer anti-gaping shirt blouses with extra button placement in the bust area.

The bow blouse (or pussy-bow blouse) replaces the collar with long fabric ties that can be worn as a bow, knot, or scarf. Feminine and elegant, it works just as well in the office as it does for social occasions.

Key features of the bow blouse:

• Long bow instead of collar
• Romantic, playful aesthetic
• Stylish with culottes or midi skirts
• Sophisticated with tailored trousers
• Adds volume to the bust
• Ideal for women with smaller busts

The wrap blouse creates a flattering silhouette by defining the waist and enhancing curves.

Key features of the wrap blouse:

• Waist emphasis with a wrap effect
• Slimming through ruching and draping
• Business-ready with slim trousers
• Casual with jeans or shorts
• One of the biggest blouse trends of recent years

The off-shoulder blouse, also known as the Carmen blouse, has its roots in Andalusian traditional dress and became a global fashion hit in the 1970s.

Key features of the off-shoulder blouse:

• Romantic, playful character
• Shoulder-free cut
• Often features embroidery or lace trims
• Ideal for leisure, less suitable for business
• Also available as cold-shoulder version for bustier women

The ruffle blouse is defined by its lavish use of fabric layers, jabots, and draping – perfect for women who love a bold fashion statement.

Key features of the ruffle blouse:

• Luxurious and decorative
• Embellished with ruffles, jabots, or fabric panels
• Works best with simple basics
• Elegant for cocktail hours or a modern dandy look

The long blouse extends to mid-thigh and is ideal for creating layered outfits.

Key features of the long blouse:

• Length from hip to thigh
• Light and airy to wear
• Great for business trips – worn untucked
• Pairs well with leggings or slim trousers

The blouse top is a sleeveless slip-on blouse without buttons, often made from silk or satin.

Key features of the blouse top:

• No button placket
• Sleeveless design
• Casual, elegant, or trendy versions
• Ideal with suits or pencil skirts

The blouse body combines the elegance of a blouse with the practicality of a body, ensuring it stays perfectly in place.

Key features of the blouse body:

• Snap closure at the crotch
• Prevents fabric from riding up
• Works perfectly with skirts and high-waisted trousers
• Provides a smooth, flattering silhouette