Ask Belle: Long-Sleeve Tops for Summer

Jun 3, 2013

Hi,

My office is freezing in the summer.  My boss loves air conditioning.  Our office isn’t dressy enough for me to wear jackets.  Could you suggest some long sleeve blouses that wouldn’t look out of place in July?

Thank you, Belle.  Sarah

Screen Shot 2013-06-03 at 1.36.41 AM

 

Joie Osana Blouse ($138) // DvF Syrah Top ($265) // Vine Print Blouse ($60) // Classic Boy Shirt ($70)

Blush or “Nude” Blouses.  Whatever you call this color, I prefer to call it blush, it’s a versatile shade that can be paired with every neutral color, jewel tones, Earth tones and brights.  It looks equally great with a neon pink skirt or a white one.

I also found this Tinley Road blouse for under-$60 that is very similar to the one above.  Don’t need long sleeves?  This Mango blouse has a dolman sleeve and a nice price, and this ASOS blouse has a cool flutter, cape look to it.  It’s so delicate and pretty.

Bright Blouses.  This DvF blouse comes in a fun bright color, so there’s no doubt that it was meant to be worn during the summer. I also love the bracelet sleeve.  I think it’s a fun alternative to 3/4 sleeve tops, and I kind of love the fuller look.

This teal blouse from Ann Taylor has a similar look, but a better price.  I also like this sunny yellow blouse and this deep pink top.  And finding this orange Tibi blouse for just over-$100 made my day.

Petite? Try this dark coral blouse.  Plus-size?  This pintucked aqua tunic is nice.

Printed Blouses.  I’ve seen a lot of fun bold prints for summer that would look good paired with slim white trousers or tucked into a navy pencil skirt.  I adore this poppy-printed blouse.  This tonal paisley top with bracelet sleeves is gorgeous, and $24.  This geometric black and white print blouse is safe, while this boldly printed top from Bloomingdale’s is fun and unique.

The Crisp, White Blouse.  There is no shirt that is better for summer than a crisp, white cotton button up.  It can be relaxed and fresh with shorts and a few undone buttons.  It can be starched and staid for the office.  Or it can pretty and feminine with a statement necklace and a full skirt.  Whoever you want to be, whatever your style is, you can make a white shirt work.

This J.Crew boyfriend cut is nice, but I think the classic style from Banana Republic is the best (it comes in petites and tall sizes).  If you need something less expensive, Land’s End makes a nice shirt for less than-$50.

Plus size ladies should give this Ralph Lauren shirt with a rolled up sleeve a chance.  Petite?  It’s not a classic white shirt, but I love the look of this collarless henley.  If you desire the original style, this Ann Taylor blouse is a great basic.

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  1. Lady Lawyer says:

    Just saw a girl walking down K Street, rocking a nude blouse with a teal skirt. All about it. Good recommendation!

  2. Caroline says:

    I’ve tried the crisp white button-up every way possible and it’s not for me. It just doesn’t look or fit or feel right. So I disagree that it’s for everyone. I also think that, while some women look amazing in them, they look terrible on a lot of women too.

    • Elizabeth says:

      I didn’t love the look on me until I started getting my blouses tailored. Now it’s one of my top go-to outfits.

  3. Julie says:

    This is pretty much exactly the advice I would give on the subject too. I love bright blouses and printed blouses in particular.

    Style by Joules

  4. Ginger R. says:

    Add a layer underneath a light summer blouse for extra warmth. A tank will help keep you more comfortable as well as protecting your nice blouses from sweat stains.

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