How to Pick a Women's Blouse

You probably already have several blouses in your closet. These are great basic items that can work well for the office and for the weekend, too. If you want to add another blouse to your collection, here are some tips to guide your shopping.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blouse
• Supportive bra
• Blazer
• Camisole
• Tank
• Vest

1. Evaluate what you already own before you head to the store. Determine what fabrics and colors you have and what you are missing.

2. Decide if you need a basic blouse that will go with everything, or a special blouse to match a particular outfit.

3. Think about what type of finish you would like. You might opt for a classic broadcloth blouse or a dressier silk or satin look.

4. Look for fabrics that are easy-to-care for and clean.

5. Try on blouses that are well-fitted. Look for darts in the front to add a more feminine touch and flatter your figure.

6. Consider what neckline suits you best. You’ll find blouses with deeper V’s and ones that come up higher on your chest. See what works best with your body type.

7. Find blouses in different lengths. If you plan to wear it untucked, you might want a shorter, fitted style that comes to the top of your hips. Or, if you plan to tuck it in, try a straighter style that comes to mid-hip.

8. Wear a supportive bra to get the full effect of the blouses you are trying and see the true fit.

9. Go up or down a size if needed to be sure you’ve found the best fit. Make sure you have no gaps or bunching in the front or on the sides, and make sure that the blouse isn’t baggy or too big.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that blouses can be great layering pieces. You can put sweaters or vests over them, and camisoles or tanks underneath. Just be sure that the fabric is thin and smooth enough so that it isn’t too bulky with other pieces added.
• Avoid masculine-cut blouses if you have a larger chest or mid-section, as this might make you look too square.