A classic wardrobe must have

It's a plain blouse. I can now say that word without being a tiny bit sick in my mouth which means I've either a) indoctrinated myself to it or b) I am truly every bit of my 41 years. 

But this is an absolute must for everyone.  Yes, the reason I'm having a look at them now is that I have my new print trousers and these are the perfect foil for them.  They really are the acme of all round perfectness.  Great for dress down with jeans and any sort of jacket - be it a blazer or a biker.  Even with a coat.  Hell, let's go for a print jacket whilst we're there (I'd stick to plain bottoms there if I'm honest)  They work with literally everything.   Tuck them in with a looser jean or trouser or wear them out over something more fitted and for a more casual look. 

Perfect for skirts too.  The ultimate top to take you from work, out to dinner and then bombing around at the weekend with skinnies and sneakers. 

I have to say, I only realised this after I'd done my compilation, that I am really drawn to ones that are collarless or have a tiny collar.  I'll admit I haven't thought about it in great detail but these seem to work when we're thinking about covering all bases.  

You can spend a lot on these or you can some high street bargains (and combined with the offer from DPs for example, listed below, you can get some proper bargains)

So I think that's enough justification for today. I have a couple of these which would pass muster for the occasions mentioned but that's not to say that for March this won't be up there on my list of new must haves. 

Wishbone Gracie Blouse in tan £80  Starting with a great neutral colour and a lovely shape. 

In off white again at £80 




In navy here, tucked in - love this shade - more of a marine than a navy I would say. 



Vila Collarless Simple Blouse - £22  A much more economical version available at ASOS








Jaeger Silk Tunic Blouse in Ivory - now reduced to £80 from £160 It may be silk BUT it's machine washable.  Oh hello my lovely.  I'm not sure either you need to do all the buttons up - I think it would look much better with them undone.  This would work equally as well thrown over a swimsuit with a pair of cut off shorts in the summer (yes one can dream...)   I love a longer line shirt tunic (I have one this exact same shape although not in a lovely fabric like this - mine is a much more casual linen mix) and I adore the look with a shorter blazer and skinnies.  I think it gives such a flattering silhouette. 

ASOS Blouse with pintuck detail in nude £32  This is on the sheer side, of that there is no denying, but I love the detail across the front.  Again could easily be unbuttoned (and quite a way as I'm thinking you may want to wear a vest or cami of some description under this. Just maybe.  But I love the shade of nude.  So versatile, would go with everything. 






Now we're moving on to this season's updated version of the classic blouse - the colourblock blouse.  Two neutral tones essentially, bang on trend, you could throw this into your wardrobe and so many outfits would instantly be bought right up to date.  

I love additions like this that make old favourites suddenly super wearable again. 

Warehouse Zip long sleeve blouse in Cream £36



They also do the same in what they call Mink but to me it's more of a mouse grey (getting my animals right...) 



And in black - Zip front blouse £36



And if a zip isn't your thing, Warehouse also have a Colourblock Sleeve Blouse for £40


However Queen of the Colourblock shirts is Dotty herself.  Yes, good old Dorothy Perkins.   The following are all variations on a theme but I love the simplicity of them - the perfect foil to a pair of print trousers and a plain blazer. 

Plus at the moment, Dorothy Perkins appear to have this Fashion Fate discount offer on where you click on the link and it gives you a percentage off from 10 to 50%. I got 30% which would make these blouses a really really good buy.  (pretty sure that that's what everyone would get?!) Offer is on until Sunday 9 Feb. 

Ivory/Navy Contrast Placket £25




The reverse in navy and white  also £25




A Pink and black version - this probably isn't my colourway but lots of people are fans of pink.  I would definitely have worn this to work to give a new lease of life to an old faithful black suit though, for only £25.





And I love this one - to me it looks much more expensive than it's £28 price tag. 

Black colourblock shirt £28




Same style but in a blush and grey colourway.  This is beautiful and springlike. 

Grey Colourblock shirt from Dorothy Perkins £28



On a similar design, this is the one from RIver Island that I think I actually papped before Christmas.  It really is a beauty. 

Cream Colour Block Blouse £32 from River Island 



Colourblock collar shirt £38 from Oasis  Vying to be my favourite with the River Island one is this from Oasis (a shop I have very mixed views on - this has to be up there for a reccy I'd say).  I love the shape of this and the slight hint to a colourblock.   Super subtle so that you'd have it for years and years. 



So do you have a selection of neutral blouses in your wardrobe?  Do you have any work ones that you now think you could wear with more casual outfits?  Have I mentioned the B word one too many times?

Finishing with my outfits - this from yesterday.  Now no mention of the rain but..... I wore this super dress down outfit for a load of chores yesterday, knowing I was going in and out of the car and wanting to be very comfortable (hospital appt with middle child, coffee morning, gym, supermarket, school runs - oh the glamour).  

However last night I was off out to a comedy night with The Husband.  And the weather was so utterly ghastly and I knew the carpark wasn't exactly 20 paces away from the theatre, so... I wore this.  I know, I know, normally I would have at least made an iota of an effort but the weather was so so hideous, we're having such an *interesting* time with poor middle child (ADHD god help all of us), that it was as much as I could do to drag myself out rather than splat on the sofa drinking wine.  

Bu I am so pleased I did brave the storms as we had a really great night.  There is nothing like three hours of riotous laughing to lift the soul!