I Ruthlessly Whittled Down the Best Blouses on the Internet to These Top 20
As much as I stan a relaxed, lived-in basic tee, there's something unequivocally enticing about a pretty top. The term "pretty top" doesn't necessarily do it justice, though, so I'll elaborate on what it means to me. In order to be deemed such, the blouse in question needs to fulfill a certain set of expectations. Generally, there's a romantic color palette involved, like pale rose, sage green, or a nice floral pattern. You'll also find delicate design details like ruffles, lace, or smocking. The silhouette certainly comes into play, whether it be via a puff sleeve or a peplum effect. All of these elements come together to formulate a pretty top that you can throw on and instantly feel confident in—often, even if the rest of the outfit is simple, like a slip skirt or pair of jeans.
If you're looking to add pretty tops to your closet, I'm here to help kick-start your efforts. I spent a long time on the internet whittling down the best of the best for you to shop (20, to be exact).
If you don't consider your style overtly romantic, opt for a subtle pretty top that has thoughtful touches, like a petite puff sleeve.
Add this corset to your favorite blouses and shirts for a Victorian-inspired effect.
The delicate scalloping details on this blouse are somehow subtle and statement-making.
A delightfully ruffled white blouse is seasonless. To translate it to fall, wear it with velvet trousers and boots.
Nothing quite like the combination of a high neck, fluted sleeves, and smock detailing.
A sash tied around the waist makes an otherwise ordinary top feel special.
For the vintage lover who lives for a cool textile and a Peter Pan collar.
From the tie-front detail to the delicate buttons, this pink blouse is a winner.
There's beauty in simplicity, especially when it comes via a silk top like this one.
Start the holiday season early with this incredible party top.
Once the weather cools down, you can layer this top under a sweater and let the high ruffled neck peek out.
Up next: the 21 prettiest tops for fall—period.
Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)
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