Tops and Blouses
There’s a lot of disagreement about what is and isn’t a blouse. Some people use the word to refer to any women’s shirt, and even camisoles, sweater shirts, and light jacket shirts fall under this category.
Other people reserve the term for more formal tops like lace blouses and unique styles like off-the-shoulder blouses. Regardless of which definition you prefer, we have plenty of stylish ladies’ blouses to fit any occasion.
Basics
Tops and Blouses are essential wardrobe staples that can easily be mixed-and-matched with other pieces. From casual tees that can be worn with jeans to long sleeve blouses perfect for work, PacSun’s collection of everyday tops has a style for every occasion. Find flattering wrap and peplum blouses for a feminine date night look and classic neutral button-downs that will pair perfectly with your favorite pair of tailored pants.
While the terms blouse and shirt often get used interchangeably, there is a difference in that a blouse typically has a more formal appearance than a men’s or women’s shirt and can have full button closures whereas shirts are generally open at the front. However, the difference can be blurry because the terms are often used by different retailers and fashion brands in ungendered ways.
The best place to start building your dream wardrobe is with basic tees and tank tops that will serve as the foundation for many of your outfits. From sleek, seamless tube Tops and Blouses tops to halter and bralette styles to take your summer vibes to the next level, this collection of basics has the perfect tank, tee or long-sleeve piece for you. Pair your tops with a skirt for an effortlessly chic office look or with denim and a moto jacket on a casual weekend outing.
Trendy
Tops are the key to a complete look this season so consider investing in one of the trendiest styles for your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece with a diamante design, 3D rosettes or lace or something simple with a cute bow motif – there’s a style to suit everyone.
The ribbed tank top is back with a bang this summer and looks great paired with narrow dress pants for a smart-casual look or worn with denim on your day off. The hanky hem slip top is another trend we’re loving and adds a touch of boho to your outfit. Wear with a floral print or with jeans for a casual style that is sure to turn heads.
Lace is the other big trend of 2023 and can be worn in a multitude of ways. Naeem Khan interpreted the look with dramatic capes, while Proenza Schouler and Bibhu Mohapatra went for flattering blouse iterations that give tailoring a feminine finish.
The fashion world often blurs the line between blouses and shirts, with some designers using the word to refer to all types of women’s shirts. The main difference between the two is that a blouse does not usually button Tops and Blouses all the way down the front, while a shirt does. It’s also worth mentioning that a shirt is a unisex term, but a blouse tends to be used for more formal kinds of shirts for women.
Casual
Tops and blouses are a must for every girl’s closet. They are easy to style for everyday wear, for date night or a ladies’ brunch. Lulus has a wide selection of stylish tops for women in casual looks. Whether you are aiming for the girl next door look or want to impress on your next girls’ night out, you can find the perfect top for the occasion at our boutique!
While it may seem obvious that a shirt is button-down and a blouse is not, there are still fashion trends and retailers that disagree with these definitions. Generally, though, blouses are looser and more feminine in style than shirts. They can have long sleeves, short sleeves or no sleeves at all and necklines that range from a classic Peter Pan collar to a retro bow tie. Camisoles, vest tops, strapless bandeau tops and boob tubes can also be considered blouses, while t-shirts, sweatshirts and knit shirts other than henleys get called “tops”.
For casual outfits that work well for the office, pair one of our blouses with a skirt that works in business casual attire. Pencil, A-line and pleated skirts all work well with most blouses. A skirt can add to the professionalism of your outfit, and a solid color or a patterned skirt in a herringbone or pinstripe pattern can add texture to your look. Tone-on-tone blouse and skirt outfits can also be very chic. Pair navy pants and a light blue blouse for an on-trend color combination or a dark red skirt with a pink ruffled blouse to add a pop of color to your look.
Formal
If you’re looking for a formal top to wear under a suit jacket, there are many options to choose from. Look for dress shirts in dark colors, striped prints or bold hues that are appropriate for a business casual look. Make sure the blouse is well-fitted to prevent it from becoming bulky underneath your jacket, and steer clear of fabrics that are too thin or transparent.
No-button dress shirts and popover blouses are a flattering, forgiving option that helps you avoid gaping, and they’re often easy to care for. Sleeveless dress shirts are also suitable under suits if they’re in a high-quality fabric that won’t show any wrinkles and fall below your waistline when cinched at the waist. Off-the-shoulder and wrap tops are on-trend options that pair nicely with high-waisted pants or a sophisticated pencil skirt. Add a touch of elegance to your look with Alex Evenings tops featuring scalloped lace, feminine embroidery and asymmetrical hem cuts.
