Blouses & Shirts

The technical definition for a blouse is that it’s a type of women’s top made from cotton or silk and may include a collar and sleeves. These tops are generally more structured and tailored than simple t-shirts or tanks and may also feature unique details, like embellished buttons, prints, embroidery, bows, or ruffles.

Fashion definitions have evolved over time, so the meaning of both words has changed slightly. In the past, a blouse was a clearly feminine shirt that gathered at the waist or hips, and a shirt was a men’s garment with a more masculine appearance.



Today, a blouse is still a women’s top (regardless of where it gathers), but a shirt can now refer to a top for either gender — most commonly a basic tee as opposed to a button-down.

Finding the right blouse for your body and style is an incredibly personalized choice. We recommend starting with your aesthetic. What colors do you like? Which patterns catch your eye? Is there a specific silhouette you adore?



Next, consider your lifestyle. Do you live in a warm climate and need more short sleeve tops? Are you constantly on the go and require a top that’s lightweight and breathable? Browse fabrics, cuts, and materials to determine what would be most comfortable for your environment.



Finally, think about your body shape and assets. What is your best feature? What do you want to highlight when you wear a boutique blouse? While there are recommendations for the best cuts for each body shape, you can wear anything as long as you do it with confidence!

Between your warm weather and cold weather capsule wardrobes, we recommend having 10-12 boutique blouses for work and play. There should be some crossover between your wardrobe with blouses that you can wear alone for summer or layered in winter.



Focus on stocking up on versatile essentials for most of your selections, and throw in a couple of standout showstoppers at the end.

The difference between women’s boutique blouses for winter and summer is about more than just whether they have long or short sleeves. In addition to their cut and silhouette, you also need to consider material and color to ensure the appropriate choice for the weather.

Winter and fall blouses often feature heavy materials, like wool and knits. These styles will have prints and patterns in dark gem tones like burgundy, navy, and forest green. You can also expect winter colors to feature a lot of gray and white, while fall colors feature earthy tones.

For summer, your materials must be lightweight and breathable with cotton blends, linen, and jersey. You should also be looking for brighter colors and even neon hues, including red, yellow, orange, and sky blue. Spring will feature more pastels and florals, while summer is all about vivid colors and bold designs.