Which blouse works well at the office depends mainly on your dress code, agenda and personal style. A tailored blouse, lavallière, stripe or V-neck can all be business-like enough. The examples below show how you can use different styles without pretending that every working day needs one fixed blouse.
Why the blouse is the heart of your work wardrobe
A blouse is practical because it works both on its own and under a cardigan or blazer. Variety in collar, fit and material gives you several options, but you do not need a fixed number of blouses or trousers for a good work wardrobe.
Blouse types at a glance
| Blouse | Look | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Tailored blouse with princess seams | Polished and fitted | Working days when you want a tailored look |
| Blouse with lavallière collar | More detail around the neck | Presentation, dinner or an ordinary working day |
| Striped slim-fit blouse | Fresh, relaxed business | An ordinary office day |
| Blouse with contrasting collar | Graphic, striking on screen | Video calls, creative days |
| Blouse with V-neck and satin look | Soft, elegant | Drinks, dinner after work |
Monday: meetings and planning
The white Delphine is tailored-fit and has princess seams. With the navy Arabelli, a clear office combination emerges with a high waist and a slim-straight line. Wearing it tucked in emphasises the waist, but is not required.
Tuesday: the presentation
The white Rosamund has a lavallière collar, satin look and regular-fit shape. The collar adds more detail around the face, which is clearly visible during a presentation or video call. Wear the ties looser or tighter depending on your own preference and combine with trousers that suit the dress code.
Wednesday: an ordinary office day
The Odette in light blue stripes is tailored-fit and has princess seams. The stripe makes it different from a plain blouse without immediately becoming informal. Only roll up the sleeves if that suits the setting and the style.
Thursday: video calls and working from home
On video calls, collar and shoulders are clearly visible. The light blue Seraphine has a contrasting white collar and cuffs and a tailored-fit shape. That contrast comes across clearly on screen.
Friday: from desk to drinks
The white Cordelia has a V-neck, satin look and regular-fit shape. That makes her suitable if you want a blouse that can work both at the office and at drinks or dinner.
Which colour blouse do you choose?
White, light blue and stripe are easy office options, but there is no ideal colour palette. Choose colours that suit your trousers and workplace. Brighter shades or prints can work perfectly well at the office too when the dress code allows it.
What to look for in an office blouse
- Fit at the shoulder. Check that you can move freely and that the shoulder line suits the design of the blouse.
- No strong tension at the fastenings. If buttons or seams pull open, check both size and cut; sometimes a different style fits better than just a bigger size.
- Material that suits your day. Stretch, thickness and weave influence comfort, but elastane alone does not guarantee that a blouse keeps its shape better all day.
- Length. A blouse that falls past the hip stays tucked in, even when you reach for a shelf.
Layers in autumn
In autumn, a blouse can be worn under a fine-knit cardigan or blazer. Try the layers on together to see whether collar and sleeves have enough room. With a lavallière you can leave the ties visible or wear them partly under the top layer. Take a look at our knitwear for extra layers.
A working week with five blouses
The five blouses in this guide mainly show how much difference collar, colour and fit make. You do not have to own them all. Choose the styles that suit your own working week and combine them with the trousers you already wear. You will find more office looks in the Office collection, all blouses at our blouses and the matching trousers at the trousers.
A blouse for every season
You can wear most blouses in this guide all year round. In summer with turned-up sleeves and no layer, in autumn with a cardigan or sweater over it and in winter under a coat or blazer. That makes a good blouse one of the most rewarding pieces in your wardrobe.
Care
For washing and ironing, always follow the care label of the specific style. Delphine, Odette, Seraphine, Rosamund and Cordelia do not have exactly the same care advice. Read more in our care instructions.
Shop the look
Delphine: tailored blouse with princess seams, white
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Odette: striped slim-fit blouse, light blue striped
Seraphine: tailored blouse with white collar, light blue
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck, white
Frequently asked questions
Which blouse is the most versatile for the office?
That depends on your workplace. A white tailored-fit blouse is versatile, but a light blue stripe, lavallière or V-neck can be just as useful.
Do you wear a blouse tucked in at the office?
Both work. Tucked in puts more emphasis on the waist; untucked works when length and hem are suitable for it.
How many blouses do you need for a working week?
There is no fixed number. Look at your laundry routine, dress code and how often you actually wear blouses.
Which blouse looks good on video calls?
A contrasting collar or lavallière is clearly visible on screen, but a simple V-neck or plain blouse can work well too.
