When I’m considering trying a new trend, I run a pro/con list (in my head) to make a decision. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but blouses are crazy right now. Statement blouses are IN. Here are my thoughts on some of the big blouse trends right now.

Off the Shoulder

Pro: Classic silhouette but also an instant statement piece (above from JCrew)

Con: Need specific undergarments

Pro: Highlights your clavicle which is a great feature for most women

Con: Neckline tends to move around during the day or when you add a jacket and you need to adjust it

Verdict: I’m trying it, but not spending a lot of $$. The nice thing is that it’s so popular right now, it’s easy to find a fabric, color, pattern that will work for you.

Cold Shoulder

Pro: Shows some skin without requiring a special bra or being overly exposed (above from Anthro)

Con: Not really work appropriate (in my opinion) unless you have a more causal dress code

Pro: Shows off the shoulder which is flattering, but still covers the other parts of the arm

Con: You might get the side eye from your less fashion forward friends and family, and it could be a totally dated look in a year or two

Verdict: Meh. Maybe if I had more dressy weekend occasions and I wanted to mix it up.

Waist Tie

 

Pro: A retro reference with a contemporary spin (above from Banana)

Con: Adds volume and attention to the waist line

Pro: Your look finished without tucking in your shirt

Con: A lot of the ties of the front tie shirts out there look kind of dinky and lame, especially on the cheaper versions

Verdict: I wear side tie workout tops but I’m not dying to try this version.

Twist Front

Pro: A lot of these are done in a really soft jersey or flowey fabric, aka very comfortable (above from Nordstrom)

Con: Draws your eye to the hips

Pro: Very forgiving if you’re headed out to a big brunch but stylish at the same time

Con: Because the drop waist look, not great if you’re trying to accentuate a small waist

Verdict: I’m not opposed to it, because it seems comfortable and perfect with jeans, but it’s not on my immediate shopping list.

Crazy Sleeves

Pro: Easy way to make jeans and a blouse into a real statement (above from Anthro)

Con: Definitely throws off proportions and makes your arms look huge

Pro: You won’t need fancy jewelry, hair, or shoes, because no one will notice anything else

Con: You need to watch your sleeves when you reach across the dinner table because they’ll end up in the side dishes or the candle

Verdict: Too much for me. I tried a couple on, they make my arms look huge.

Looks like all you’ll need this spring and summer is a couple pairs of simple skinny jeans or shorts to pair with some fun blouses. Volume seems to be the name of the game right now so if you’re going big on top, go slim on the bottom and vice versa. I’ll take a look at bottoms and dresses soon.

What blouse trends are you trying right now?