Outfit Details: & Other Stories Blouse (sold out, similar here), Song of Style Linen Shorts

Like many of you, I have an upper limit when it comes to the number of days I’m able to lounge in PJs and sweatpants. The combination of the weather turning a corner into the ’60s, Easter having come and gone, and my longing for a sense of “normal” has me browsing for clothing—especially spring blouses. Feminine blouses with pretty details like smocking, embroidery, and flounce are a staple of my wardrobe. If you follow me on Instagram, you know my go-to look is to pair them with jeans for a balance of feminine and casual that works for every day.

I thought it’d be fun to share a roundup of my favorite warm weather blouses that embody the fresh, airy springtime feeling we’re all craving right about now. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for blouse styling ideas and neutral accessories to pair with!

Feminine Blouses

These are my favorite romantic blouses with smocking, lace, eyelet, ruffles, satin, gauze, floral details, mock necks (high collars), and statement sleeves to dress up blue jeans or elevate an entire outfit. I tried to include various price points. My current favorite brands for blouses are Innika Choo, Free People, Thierry Colson, Tularosa, Isabel Marant Étoile, and Sea, many of which are included in the roundup below!

How to Style a Feminine Top

I’d describe my style as “tomboy feminine,” which essentially means that while I’m drawn to pretty, delicate styles, I always want to have options. If I’m feeling laid back, I want to be able to wear jeans and sneakers and still feel pretty. If I’m feeling dressy, I want to be able to dress up without appearing overdone. Here’s how to pull off those two approaches and the full spectrum of looks between the two using poet blouses, peasant blouses, and other feminine blouse styles.

1. Casual Blouse Styling

My go-to blouse formula is blouse + jeans + sneakers/sandals, like I shared here and here.

I’ve also paired a blouse and with jeans and espadrilles for daytime shopping, as seen in look four in this post. You can make the outfit even more airy by swapping blue denim for white jeans.

2. Dressy Blouse Styling

My favorite dressier blouse outfit is to simply swap aforementioned sneakers or sandals for heels, as seen here and here. If the blouse is longer (think tunic length) you can still wear it this way, as I did here.

You can also go fully feminine by pairing the top with a coordinating skirt (as I did here), or pull off a work-to-play look by styling your blouse with trousers and heels that can be worn from the office though the evening.

Blouse Accessories

When my blouses have uniquely feminine features like embroidered details, statement sleeves, and bows, I try to draw attention to them by choosing simple accessories like a small woven crossbody bag, and keeping my makeup and hair understated.