The Best Business Casual Blouses

Blouses are popular and beloved pieces in many women’s wardrobes, thanks to their versatility. They come in a wide variety of cuts and colors, meaning that no matter a woman’s body type or sense of style, there is sure to be a blouse that suits her.

Buying Guide for Business Casual Blouses

Why buy a business casual blouse?

Blouses are loose-fitting shirts that are a little fancier than casual t-shirts. They can pull over, zipper up the back, or button up; as they have the looser fit, they’re considered a blouse. Blouses are appropriate for casual, everyday situations or meetings at the office. They look great layered underneath a cardigan, jacket, blazer, or denim jacket. They can be plain or feature fun, feminine details like bows and ties, ruffles, and embroidery. Blouses can have long or short sleeves and are available in just about every fabric, color, pattern, and print known to humankind. This means that blouses can be worn year-round, regardless of the season or weather. With all the variety available, blouses are staple pieces in almost everyone’s wardrobe.

What should you look for in a business casual blouse?

• Style: There are quite a few different types of blouses from which to choose. Some popular styles include button-ups, peasant blouses, wrap blouses, and baby doll blouses, just to name a few. Button downs are great for a neat, put-together look, whether in the workplace with a nice blazer or paired with your favorite jeans. Peasant blouses are ideal for an extra-flowy look. Wrap blouses fold around the stomach and are tied into place for a flattering style. Baby doll blouses give a high, empire-style waist. Consider if you’d prefer one of these styles or something else altogether.
• Sleeves: In addition to the blouse itself, you have a lot of variety in the type of sleeves you want. You can find long-sleeved, short-sleeved, and sleeveless blouses. There are also blouses with 3/4 or half sleeves, which may be cuffed or banded. Belled sleeves are wide and flowy around your arm. Cap sleeves, bishop sleeves, and batwing sleeves are some other classic sleeve shapes you can find in blouses. If you want a bolder, more modern look, a blouse with cutout or asymmetrical sleeves may be your preferred choice.
• Material: When picking a blouse, keep an eye on the material that it is made out of and how heavy or light you want the blouse to be. Also consider how easy the fabric will be to care for and whether it’s machine washable. A cloth like cotton is generally machine washable and dryable as well as soft and comfortable, though it may not be heavy enough for your purposes. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics tend to be durable and easy to care for, but they can sometimes cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Silk and satin are beautiful, elegant fabrics, but they will require a lot more care than other materials and may be more expensive. Linen is highly breathable and has moisture-wicking properties, but it’s prone to wrinkling. It’s worth considering the benefits of a blouse’s material before you buy it.

What can you expect to spend on a business casual blouse?

Not only are business casual blouses versatile due to their lightweight and breathable material, but they’re also incredibly affordable! There are many stylish business casual blouses with modern design elements for $30 or less. However, if you want high-end options that will last a long time, you can spend $100 or more on a nice blouse.

Buying Guide for Business Casual Blouses

Pros: This classic blouse will pull on easily over your head, and the polyester fabric gives you a loose, flowy fit, though not a stretchy one. Sizes range from small up to 4XL. Short, capped sleeves, a curved hem, and a single button on the back round out the look. You have the choice of 25 colors, so you’re sure to find a blouse that’ll fit perfectly into your wardrobe, and they’re so affordable that you can buy several of them.

Cons: It creases and wrinkles rather easily.

Bottom Line: This timeless blouse can be paired with jeans for daily wear or with a skirt and a nice blazer for the office. Thanks to the gently rounded neckline and pleats, it’s simple but sophisticated.

 

Pros: This high-quality, lightweight chiffon blouse is nicer than a regular t-shirt but not so fancy that it’ll look out of place for a run to the grocery store. The fabric is lightweight and breathable but not transparent and can be worn year-round. It’s loose-fitting, and the split v-neck, three-quarter length sleeves, and rounded hemline will pair well with jeans or shorts. Sizing starts at small and runs up to XXL with over 20 different color and pattern options. It’s also machine washable.

Cons: The fabric has no stretch, and many find it has a boxy fit.

Bottom Line: This tunic blouse is great for running errands, relaxing at home, or simply going about your daily day-to-day life. This blouse comes in bold patterns for those looking to make a statement, and the v-neck is great for showing off necklaces.

 

Pros: Made of polyester with a touch of cotton for stretchiness and comfort, this button-down blouse has attractive design features that will flatter any body type. The v-neckline can be adjusted to whichever depth you choose based on the buttons left open, while the cuffed sleeves give it a jaunty look that is still professional enough to wear to work. You can choose between 26 patterns that range from bright tones to subtle shades and everything in between. Sizing runs from small to 3XL.

Cons: This shirt is a bit sheer, so you may have to layer a camisole underneath for office wear. It also runs a bit small, so it may not be ideal for those with larger busts.

Bottom Line: Button-down shirts are one of those styles that look good with just about anything, from jeans to khakis to shorts to leggings and skirts. They can be dressed up for dates or the office or dressed down for daily wear or vacation. If you’re looking to add a button-down blouse to your closet, this leopard print long-sleeved number is an excellent option.

 

Pros:  Affordable and lightweight, this mock-neck blouse is both comfortable and classy. It features long sleeves that are fitted at the wrists, which gives a flattering shape to the arm. It also has a small key-hole cut out design at the back for a subtle hint of skin. Whether you prefer a solid color or patterns, there is sure to be a design that suits your personal style, as this blouse comes in almost 40 different colors and prints! The diverse sizing runs between XS and 4XL so that no matter your body type, there will be a size that fits you comfortably.

Cons: This blouse is a bit sheer, so you may need to layer a camisole underneath it for office wear. It also runs small, so you may need to go up one or two sizes to get the looser fit.

Bottom Line: Vintage elegance meets modern, feminine, and preppy in this floral blouse. Made of breathable polyester, this blouse is loose, soft, comfortable, and feather-light. The mock neck gives the blouse a classic look, while the long sleeves add to the modern yet sophisticated feel.

 

Pros: If you’re bored with your current rotation of outfits and want to freshen up your wardrobe, this blouse is an excellent option. The three-quarter length bell sleeves with subtle ruffles give this relaxed-fit blouse a one-of-a-kind look. The blouse’s scoop neckline will also look flattering on any body type. Thanks to the flowy design, this versatile blouse will look great for business and everyday wear, parties and holidays, on dates, and in the classroom. It can be worn all year, and it’s available in 21 different solid colors or patterns if you love it so much you want it in multiple colors. Sizing starts at small and goes up to XXL. 

Cons: It wrinkles easily, and sizing can be a little inconsistent.

Bottom Line: This simple yet elegant blouse makes a great addition to almost any woman’s wardrobe. The flowy sleeves give a romantic drape along the arm, and the scoop neckline is great for showing off your jewelry! The soft chiffon material makes it easy to wear, and the high-quality underlining provides full coverage, so it’s a blouse that’s perfect for the office!

Final Thoughts

Blouses have long been a staple of women’s professional and casual clothing. They pair great with slacks, skirts, and blazers and can be a fun way to add a pop of color to your office outfits while still maintaining a professional look. Due to the lightweight breathability of business casual blouses, they’re easy to layer under jackets during the colder months or worn on their own in warmer weather. You can also transform them by pairing them with a bold red lip, a pencil skirt, and platform boots for a night out on the town. The styling possibilities are almost endless with a great business casual blouse!