Why would you wear blouses in college, you might ask. “That’s so dressy for going to class!”
Indeed, the silk and chiffon blouses may seem a bit too preppy for your everyday life at first glance, but its merits override any objections you have and will make. In fact, these tops can instantly brighten up and diversify your closet. Even better—with a quality material, these shirts may make very good investments and can go with many more occasions than your usual business casual.
1) Tapered dress pants and pumps
Obviously, such good quality (though polyester is an option, it wouldn’t achieve the same effect of class), dressy items pair perfectly with office wear. These shirts, with the right drape, can easily draw more attention to style than your regular white button-up from Banana Republic (although I do have a weakness for those as well). Add these to your office collection to switch it up once in a while!
Silk blouse from Aritzia, $75 to $110. And look at those tapered dress pants and pumps already put together.
2) Pencil skirt and bright heels
Needless to say, a loose-fitting top with a figure-flattering pencil skirt can’t get any better. Plus, thinner and less rigid material make for easier tucking in and adjusting accordingly. Add to this ensemble a pair of quirkier heels to balance out the strictness of a pencil skirt.
Silk colorblock blouse from Banana Republic, $79.50, paired with a professional pencil skirt.
Suede pumps from Nine West, $99.00, now $49.99. Slip these on your feet for a pop of color!
3) Dramatic skirt and loafers
Dressy doesn’t have to mean professional all the time, though. Tuck this blouse into a brightly colored, A-line skirt and slip on some loafers for a classy outing. Feel free to add a dainty handbag and a wide-brimmed hat for a vintage, Audrey Hepburn vibe.
Full skirt from ASOS, $79.16, now $23.75. Pull this on over a cream blouse.
4) Skinny jeans and heeled booties
There’s no reason silky shirts can’t be worn on a daily basis. Yes, it’s somewhat preppier than your usual t-shirt or sweater, but the right top with slim jeans and some booties can look cute and just as comfortable. There’s something to be said about nice materials against your skin, because it is heavenly. Still not happy that this look is out of sync with your usual attire? Go for a button-up style and throw on a sweater. The peeking collar gives just enough class, while the sweater tones down the preppy vibe.
Silk top from Club Monaco, $119.50, now $89. Chic and classy without going overboard. As well, Club Monaco has some really good quality silk. No joke.
There you have it! For once, I’m telling you to splurge on these beauties. A blouse with good silk and attractive drape can make a world of difference, and with the right care, can last a long time. If you’re lucky, however, thrift stores have tons of these gems in stock, so rifle through there first before putting down a hundred bucks.
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