When all else fails, there’s some solace in knowing that you can call upon a few elevated basics to make a summer ensemble that’s as chic as it is effortless. Whilst experimenting with new trends—be it red-and-black flip-flops or balloon shorts—is always a way to breathe new life into your wardrobe, relying upon a few cardinal staples can save you the hassle of staring into the abyss that is your wardrobe and struggling to piece together a look you’ll feel both confident and comfortable in. Still, there are a few rare styles that strike the perfect balance between timelessness and trendiness. Like capri pants or jelly sandals, these items are often few and far between, but still bring a contemporary edge to your outfits despite their quite classical nature.

Having begun planning my upcoming summer holidays, I’ve turned my attention to the best dressed at the destinations I’ve set my sights on visiting over the next few months. It’s here, along the balmy coastlines of the Greek Islands or in the Old Towns of the Balearic Islands, that I’ve noticed one surprising trend emerge. And yes, it certainly can be described as one of those magical items that are both familiar yet fresh.

Indeed, one thing that I’ve observed the most influential tastemakers pack with them for their travels is a bib top. Now, the name may be an instant turn off to some, but lest we forget that we’re currently in an era where wearing underwear as outerwear is a shortcut to garnering cultural cachet. Let alone mention when you wear a style that is reminiscent of something a little French dauphin would wear to bed during the 17th Century. (Read: bloomers.)

Bib tops take a more Victorian look, with antique-inspired lace trims and airy frills that tie up around the waist. The latter is the defining feature that gives the top its name, which is important to note given how visceral the criticism is against supposed infantilising summer trends, like the babydoll dress Olivia Rodrigo performed in a few weeks ago. But there’s no need to jump to moral panic here, with the bib top far more languid and ethereal than any actual child’s bib could ever be.

This trend is an evolution of the apron top trend that features quite prominently in Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2026 collection and Chloé’s fall/winter 2026 show. For her part, Mrs. Prada used the top to subvert the idea of a uniform by designing a collection inspired by late 20th-century female factory workers. However, the bib top trend is a far more delicate version of the industrial and utilitarian vision Miu Miu presented back in September. As London-based influencer Lucy Williams put it, the look is “Miss Havisham does a Shirley Valentine and lives happily ever after”.

Longline and wispy, this is a trend that pairs equally well with blissful shorts when soaking up sun in the Mediterranean or over jeans when wandering through the cosmopolitan streets of Marylebone a little closer to home. So, if you want to look like you've just gotten back from your dream vacation without leaving town, wear the pretty top trend that’s slowly tying everyone in knots.

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When it comes to a summer wardrobe, there’s nothing quite like a pretty blouse as the foundation for so many different looks. Its versatility is unmatched when it comes to styling after all, you can wear them with relaxed jeans, linen shorts or poplin midi skirts—they manage to make even the most simple outfit feel effortlessly polished and considered.

If there’s one brand that’s my go-to for summer blouses, it's Free People. Known for their romantic, wearable styles, lived-in denim and floaty dresses, their aesthetic has a contemporary, bohemian edge to it that lends itself perfectly to delicate embroidery, vintage-inspired laces and airy fabrics. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, Free People set themselves apart by sticking to what they know and what their customers love, and this makes their investment-worthy blouses a core piece in your wardrobe long after the trends have moved on.

Want to buy a new summer blouse and don't know where to start? I’ve done the work for you and spent time scouring their top options to narrow down the best Free People blouses for summer 2026. Scroll on to discover an array of styles that are worth adding to your wardrobe now, and to keep reaching for year after year.

The Best Free People Blouses for Summer:

Believe it or not, one of the categories I struggle with most when summer arrives is tops. When it comes to bottoms, my wardrobe is overflowing with linen trousers, long skirts, Bermuda shorts and jeans, but finding tops that feel polished, interesting and versatile enough to wear with all of them is another story entirely. That's why I always find myself returning to Zara.

The high-street favourite has quietly become one of my go-to destinations for elevated summer tops that feel just a little more special than your average tank. Whether it's romantic embroidered blouses, chic strappy tops, pretty lace-trimmed styles or expensive-looking linen shirts, Zara consistently delivers pieces that make even the simplest outfit feel considered. The beauty of a great summer top is that it does all the hard work for you; simply add linen trousers, denim or a slip skirt and you're instantly polished.

This season in particular, Zara has excelled itself. Think delicate embroidery, intricate frog fastenings, breezy linen fabrics and elegant silhouettes that look far more expensive. Keep scrolling to shop the chicest Zara tops of the season.

The Best Zara Summer Tops

With summer in full swing and another heatwave on the way, it's time to talk outfit options. Specifically, we're focusing right now on those simple, throw-on wardrobe pieces that make you feel chic in the warm weather with little to no effort. Enter: The summer blouse. Easy, breezy, beautiful. Just add your favourite jeans, shorts, linen trousers, slip skirt—you name it—and you have a look that feels instantly polished. What's not to love?

While a pretty blouse can often make an outfit look elegant and expensive, investing in one doesn't actually need to mean emptying your bank account. I've been keeping a close eye on the high street summer collections, and I've spotted so many beautiful summer blouses recently. Zara, M&S and H&M have all particularly stood out to me as having the best affordable styles for 2026, so I dug a little deeper into their 'new in' sections and have pinpointed five summer blouse trends that are standing out for this season (and beyond). From delicate lace details to romantic, bohemian ruffles and—for the minimalists—some loose linen heatwave heroes.

There's a time and a place for a white tank top, but if you're looking for a little more elegance—whether its for workwear, summer date nights or balmy holiday evenings—I've saved you some time and added links to the high street summer blouses I would recommend below.

Lace Details

Loose Linen

Polka Dot

Romantic and Ruffled

Embroidery

If you were to have asked me a few years ago about whether I would be lusting over a striped top this summer, I would’ve told you that the trend had been retired long ago, alongside the pleather leggings, wedge trainers and faux-fur gilets that millennials religiously paired with them. Now, if you were to pose the same question, you’d get an entirely different response.

It’s bizarre to think what a few years out of fashion’s favour can do to a silhouette, as this summer is seeing a resurgence of simple striped tops once only sported by adherents of the French aesthetic. As formally beloved Breton stripes were—especially throughout the 2010s, by twee enthusiasts Alexa Chung and the matriarch of artistic minimalism, Phoebe Philo, during her tenure for Céline—the striped top redux is ushering in a new era of bold hues and candy-colour combinations splashed across in saturated horizontal lines.

The rise in this motif, as much of many of fashion’s most memorable trends, can be traced back to Mrs. Prada, specifically her designs for Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 collection. Continuing to mine preppy subcultures, she recontextualised the collegiate styles of indie sleaze Ivy League types from the late 2000s—think: the frat bros and tech guys from The Social Network—by presenting a range of oversized blazers, slinky bubble skirts and, of course, striped tops.

Now, after a slow burn, the striped top is here to claim its spot as the most revered summer basic. And after a reign of quiet luxury and muted minimalism, I can’t think of a better antidote than these saccharine tops. Whilst there will always be a place for those crisp white t-shirts and clean cut ribbed tank tops, I’m following suit with the style set and pairing these newfound wardrobe essentials with other balmy fundamentals like cobalt trousers and red-and-black flip-flops. High-octane and effortlessly elevated, shop the trend ahead.

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In true British form, we’ve gone from scorching hot sun to downpours almost overnight, but I for one am still in the mindset that summer is upon us, and I refuse to go back to my knitwear. I’ve worn dresses and sandals for weeks now, and I'm keeping up with the momentum of summer dressing while I still can. Anyone else with me?

If there’s one outfit combination that I've returned to time and time again, it’s a summer top paired with jeans. Denim is the staple of a wardrobe throughout the seasons and provides the foundation to countless chic looks, so pairing it with a stylish top creates an effortless, put-together look. For me, jeans and sandals are one of my favourite combos, so adding a cute summer top just adds that cherry on top.

From light and airy linen shirts to romantic broderie anglaise blouses, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite styles of summer tops to wear with jeans for summer 2026. There's something for everyone in the mix.

1. Long Sleeved Linen Shirt

Style Notes: A light long sleeved linen shirt is a go-to of mine as soon as the summer sun comes out. It’s such a versatile option that can be worn alone, or easily layered over vests, swimwear or dresses.

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2. Broderie Anglaise Blouse

Style Notes: A broderie anglaise blouse is a timeless summer staple for a reason. It’s such a chic, romantic style that is so versatile and will be an option you’ll keep in your wardrobe and bring out each year.

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3. Halterneck Top

Style Notes: A halterneck top is undoubtedly one of those perfect day-to-night styles. Whether it's a casual basic or a bright, printed iteration, it's such a versatile option for keeping denim playful.

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4. Gingham Printed Top

Style Notes: Usually I tend to stick to neutrals and plain pieces, but when it comes to summer, I like to step outside of my comfort zone and inject colour and print into my wardrobe. A gingham is a classic print that never goes out of trend and one that comes back around each year.

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5. Boho Blouse

Style Notes: The boho trend is still so prevalent following its resurgence after Chemena Kamali’s debut show for Chloé, and we don’t anticipate its departure anytime soon. Think crochet, lace, earthy tones, floaty fabrics and ruffles paired with flares and wide-leg jeans.

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6. Floaty Cami Top

Style Notes: Marianne’s look is one I revert back to each year—a stylish, floaty cami top paired with a blue jean and sandals. Blue jeans give a softer finish than black when it comes to summer months, and there’s no better combo than jeans and sandals.

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We simply have to extend a hand to whoever is doing the public relations for the humble top, for it’s never been a better time for this wardrobe staple than right now. Indeed, the mastermind behind this summer basics’ renewed interest must be working overtime, because across all facets of the fashion landscape, there’s an appetite for clean cut and chic tops that simply can’t be satiated.

Of course, if you want to know what style the Who What Wear UK editors are backing this summer, you’ve come to the right place. And after doing some serious research—see: trawling new-season collections and reviewing the most recent runways—we can say with confidence that the three-quarter sleeve top will reign supreme.

Though the double-layered crewnecks—especially when rendered in the colour palette synonymous with Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, like cobalt blue and tomato red—seen on Harry Styles in the “American Girls” music video and the boho chic-inspired peasant blouse trend were worthy contenders, a recent slew of chic dressers endorsing the three-quarter length top has crowned it as this season’s leading trend.

Indeed, only yesterday, Kaia Gerber stepped out in New York in the quintessential model off-duty uniform. For the stroll, she wore a pair of ballet pumps, low-rise jeans and tied these foundational items together with the elbow-grazing silhouette. Earlier this year, Hailey Bieber posted a photo of herself in her butter yellow kitchen wearing the bracelet-length long-sleeved style.

The sightings don’t stop there. A few months ago, Lily-Rose Depp was seen in Los Angeles wearing the same cut, albeit in a baby pink style that complemented her Y2K-inspired grey tracksuit and slate blue Ugg boots. Elsewhere, whilst taking a break from her Short’n’Sweet tour, Sabrina Carpenter also posted a photo of herself wearing the top alongside a saccharine gingham-print bandana. All this to say, the three-quarter sleeve top has officially become one of the must-have pieces of the season.

Of course, to those in the know, you’ll be aware that the three-quarter sleeve top is by no means new. One of the earliest and most influential appearances from the top came in 1973 when Jane Birkin wore it during rehearsals for a performance at the Artists Union Gala. Wearing nothing but a pair of black undies and thick thigh-high leg warmers, she cemented the silhouette as a venerable extension of Parisian sophistication and unfussy elegance, something that today’s style savants have reinforced, too.

Still, there’s a reason why the three-quarter sleeve top is dominating now, decades after it entered the cultural zeitgeist. The most prominent reason is that the top embodies the slight sensuality and inherent romanticism associated with French girl fashion, making it an effective way to inject these traits into any ensemble without investing in a whole new wardrobe. What’s more, this cut offers a fresh take on a capsule wardrobe staple, as it can easily be paired with any well-edited fundamentals and instantly adds dimension to any tried-and-trusted ensemble.

And with summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to get your sartorial affairs in order and stock up on anything-but-boring basics that can elevate any look. So, whilst you can spend your time embracing novel trends like silk taffeta trousers and jelly shoes, there’s solace in knowing that with the three-quarter sleeve top, you’ll never struggle to find a blouse or shirt to wear it with. Delicate, flirty and effortless, discover below the best three-quarter sleeve tops to invest in and the styles that will have you bidding adieu to your crisp white T-shirts and scoop neck tank tops for good.

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We’re in the middle of spring, and summer is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing; blouse season is officially here! And although a number of elegant designer blouses have caught my eye this season, I’ve noticed one particular high street store that currently has a blouse selection that looks just expensive at a fraction of the cost—Zara.

A perfect blend of looking elevated enough to feel fresh and current for 2026, and timeless enough to last in my summer capsule for many years to come, the brand is always my first port of call for finding the most expensive-looking take on designer trends. And its blouse selection is no different. From pretty polka-dot styles to elegant ruffle iterations, Zara’s summer blouse collection is a fail proof way to polish up my jeans, linen trousers and skirts this season.

Now, I'm well aware that the number of items on any fashion website can be overwhelming, so I decided to focus my attention on the 13 stand-out blouses from the brand that I’m convinced will be sold out long before summer officially begins. Keep scrolling to see and shop the very best of Zara’s summer blouse collection.

Shop the Best Zara Blouses for Summer 2026

Shop More Blouses I Love

There’s only a month left until summer officially starts, and the temperature has finally started to rise here in the UK, so with the upcoming season in mind, I’ve started to plan out my warm-weather outfits. More specifically, the tops I’ll be wearing with my jeans, skirts and linen trousers. For casual days, this is easy, with a classic cotton t-shirt being my go-to as an easy throw-on style. But on the days when I’m looking to smarten up my bottoms, I’ll be needing a top style to see me through those more formal summer occasions.

My top style of choice? A blouse, of course, and although classic cotton iterations might initially come to mind, I actually have my eye on a different fabric that’s lightweight, breezy and just as versatile. Enter the linen blouse. I can almost guarantee you that if you ask any editor, stylist or fashion person for their seasonal wardrobe staples, the word linen will come up in some form or another. Dressy enough to add a sense of polish to my jeans but with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, linen blouses are a trusty staple that will see me through from now until early autumn.

And the best part? Both luxury and high-street brands have a myriad of linen blouse options to suit every aesthetic and budget this season. From pretty embroidered iterations to sleek tailored silhouettes, keep scrolling to shop the best linen blouses to invest in for summer 2026 and beyond.

The Best Linen Blouses to Shop for Summer 2026 (and Beyond)

The Best Linen Blouses Under £100

The Best Linen Blouses Under £300

The Best Linen Blouses Over £300

The weather has finally started to warm up here in the UK, and this can only mean one thing: blouse season is officially here! Of course, you’ll still find me in my trusty tank tops and t-shirts a lot of the time, but on those days when I need something just a little bit more elevated to dress up my jeans, skirts and linen trousers, a blouse will be my go-to.

Elegant enough to make my outfits feel instantly more polished, but pared-back enough that they never feel too out of my minimalist comfort zone, I always turn to blouses as an easy yet stylish throw-on option on those days when I want to look put together with little effort required. And ahead of the new season, I decided to go on the hunt for some fresh styles to add to my capsule wardrobe.

My first port of call? Zara, H&M and M&S, of course. Perfectly balancing on-trend appeal with an equally classic aesthetic, I consistently come back to these three high-street heroes for expensive-looking pieces that will stand the test of time. And in true Zara, H&M and M&S fashion, each brand currently has a selection of blouses that can easily pass as designer finds, all without having to actually break the bank.

And luckily for you, I’ve rounded them up below. From pretty polka-dots to timeless broderie Anglaise, keep scrolling to see my edit of the best Zara, H&M and M&S blouses to shop this season.

Shop the 9 Chicest Zara, H&M and M&S Blouses for Spring 2026

Shop More Zara, H&M and M&S Blouses I Love

The weather has been quite dire here in the UK over the past few months, but I come bearing good news: it's set to warm up and actually stay warm over the next few weeks. And of course, this means I can finally start packing away my jumpers and cardigans and replace them with tank tops and t-shirts for everyday dressing. However, when I want something just a little more polished to dress up my jeans and linen trousers, I always turn to pretty blouses to do the job. Now you might initially be expecting me to say that I turn to a classic white blouse when temperatures rise, and although these will never, ever date, I often find them more trouble than not. For one, I’m always worried about the risk of spillages on my commute to and from work, not to mention the chances of me getting my own makeup on them. Because of this, I turn to a much more unexpected but just as versatile colour. Enter the black blouse.

Now, any polished dresser will tell you that black is one of those timeless colours that is guaranteed to work with any and every outfit. The kind that looks elegant, put together and, most importantly, expensive at any price point. And unlike a lighter-coloured blouse, which often requires extra effort to style and care for, a pretty top in black makes dressing feel as effortless as it looks chic. Not to mention that the shade is typically expected to be found in the autumn and winter, there’s something that feels particularly fresh about seeing this hue in the warmer months.

Below, I’ve rounded up the very best black blouses to shop now and wear forever. And the best part? There’s something to suit every style and budget this season. Keep scrolling to shop the best black blouses for 2026 and beyond.

The Best Black Blouses to Shop for Summer 2026 (and Beyond)

Shop the Best Black Blouses Under £50

Shop the Best Black Blouses Under £150

Shop the Best Black Blouses Under £500

Shop the Best Black Blouses Over £500

If there’s one outfit formula I return to without fail time and time again, it’s the classic jeans and a pretty top. Its reliability and versatility is unmatched and is a failsafe option that feels inherently chic and considered without overthinking it.

The beauty of opting for a pretty top is its sheer versatility—fabrics, colours, prints and silhouettes, there’s an array of options to choose from to dictate the overall finish of your look. Denim is arguably the anchor to the base of so many of my outfits, but a pretty top is the core element that really gives it that different finish each time. I love how one simple change in top can give an outfit a whole new feel and bring a more sustainable approach to your own wardrobe, allowing you to make an array of different outfits.

Whether your jeans of choice come in the form of a barrel-leg or a straight-leg, these pretty tops will undoubtedly pair well with any shape, creating new and different finishes depending on the cut of the jeans – somewhat the beauty of the combination. For spring, I lean more towards ecru and light blue wash jeans, but for a day-to-night look I’d usually opt for a black for a more sophisticated feel.

From romantic, timeless broderie anglaise blouses to a classic gingham print, or a more lowkey, simplistic yet stylish satin cami top, scroll on to discover the five pretty tops to wear with jeans in 2026.

1. Tie Front Blouse

Style Notes: In a round up of pretty tops, a tie front blouse was at the top of my list. They are a style that feels delicate and fresh yet so chic, especially when paired with jeans. I love how Lison has styled hers with a wide-leg jean to maintain that more oversized look.

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2. Satin Cami Top

Style Notes: Once reserved for a night out, the satin cami top has now transitioned into every day wear too. From strappy to lace trimmed, there’s a number of different styles available – I love wearing mine layered over a white t-shirt to give it a more casual finish.

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3. Broderie Anglaise Blouse

Style Notes: A much-loved, timeless option for a reason – nothing screams spring quite like a broderie anglaise blouse. It’s delicate, intricate embroidery is such a chic piece to throw-on with jeans for an effortless, put-together look. Just add a suede sandal and you’re set.

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4. Strapless

Style Notes: There’s just something so elegant about a strapless top, and Marianne’s look is proof of that. Whether you opt for a plain black option and style it with a mid-wash blue, or instead go for a printed style and pair it with a black jean to create a focal point of your look.

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5. Gingham Print Blouse

Style Notes: Synonymous with balmy afternoons and summer on the horizon, the much-loved gingham print is nothing new but it is a classic option that will never go out of style. It’s a quick and easy way to inject colour and print into your look and is guaranteed to give a flattering finish.

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As if like clockwork, winter’s blistering grip has relinquished and invited in spring’s blissful warmth, resulting in revitalised wardrobes that prioritise lightweight fabrics, ethereal silhouettes and dreamy prints.

This season, however, it appears that the biggest blouse trend of note doesn’t just meet all those requirements, but also delivers that dose of nostalgia we so often seek out, whilst providing an angelic counterpoint to the dependable jeans we tend to spend most of our time in.

Indeed, peasant tops are once again trending, offering a soft sensuality that feels completely fitting for the sun-drenched days that stretch ahead of us.

For the uninitiated, peasant tops refer to a style of blouse that features a slightly puffed cap sleeve, an elongated shape that billows down the body and intricate details like broderie anglaise eyelets, lace trims, whimsical ruffles or quaint pleats that give the top a hand-made, almost archival quality.

Just look at the lines that stretch through Portobello Markets on any given Saturday when the sky is a picturesque blue, or the fanfare surrounding archival boutiques like Rellik or Turner Vintage, which specialise in rare, almost antique pieces from the past century, as proof of our collective appetite for pieces that are intricate, thoughtful and effortlessly elegant

Of course, for adherents of the bohemian aesthetic, you’ll know that peasant blouses aren’t new by any means. First garnering popularity through the 20th Century, they first came to prominence in the ‘40s with Henri Mattise depicting several styles in his work before becoming a fixture in the balmy wardrobes of the European jet set like Jane Birkin in the ‘60s before finally showing up on the runway in Saint Laurent’s landmark “Haute Russian" collection in the ‘70s.

These days, you’re bound to find a peasant top within the work of designers who derive the most inspiration from these eras, from Chemena Kamali’s free-spirited and intrepidly feminine pieces for Chloé or Margaret and Katherine Kleveland’s work for their beloved brand Dôen, which the pair describe as holding a “reverence for coastal California of decades past".

However, when it comes to how they’re styled, not much has really changed. Allowing the fluidity and ease of the style to really shine, most wearers pair their peasant tops with sturdy denim bottoms, particularly light washes in straight-leg cuts. Emulating the spirit of the La Piscine star, they’re commonly complemented with her trademark basket bag, too.

Still, in a season defined by lightness and a renewal, there’s nothing more appealing than embracing a trend that allows a more delicate and tender side to show. In the words of Charli XCX—which were immortalised on her magnum opus party album brat and subsequent use in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the literary classic Wuthering Heights—everything is romantic.

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We’re finally getting some sun here in the UK, and with even warmer days to come, I’m on the hunt for the blouse styles that will see me through the current spring and upcoming summer season. Of course, there’s a time and place for my classic white tees, and I’m always partial to a tank top here and there, but when it comes to those slightly more formal occasions, a blouse will always be my first port of call. It’s an elegant top style that will easily dress up my jeans, skirts and linen trousers, and more importantly, makes my warm-weather outfits look expensive at any price point. And when I want a high-end-looking blouse that doesn’t break the bank, there’s no better place to look than Marks & Spencer.

M&S is always my go-to destination for finding the most expensive-looking take on high-end trends. And of course, this extends to its current blouse selection. The spring/summer 2026 runways showcased a number of pretty blouses that I was desperate to add to my wardrobe, from trending polka dots to pretty embroidered styles, and luckily for me, the high-street hero has proven its expertise in design by offering a range of designer-passing blouses to suit every personal taste this spring.

So if you, too, are in need of some dressier top styles to dress up your jeans, skirts and trousers this season, keep scrolling to discover the elegant blouse styles that M&S has on offer this season.

Shop the Best M&S Blouses

Shop More M&S Pieces I Love

Over the past few weeks, I've been slowly putting together my spring wardrobe. Dresses are back in full force, lightweight trousers have taken over from heavy wools, and time and time again, I find myself drawn to pretty blouses. As a shopping editor, I spend a lot of time in and out of changing rooms, and scrolling back through the try-on images I've taken over the past few weeks, I noticed that one blouse trend in particular features the most in my spring outfits: white embroidered blouses.

Every single spring, blouses return to their pride of place in my wardrobe. Whether drawn to the ease of the style, the innate charm, or the French flair, they're a consistent spring staple that stylish people return to every year. With a lineup of light denim, loose linen trousers and floaty skirts all ready to be styled up throughout the coming season, the embroidered blouse is primed to be the perfect pairing. So, I set about hunting down the very best white embroidered blouses around for spring 2026.

From loose to waisted to fitted, the array of white embroidered blouses is seriously good this year. They vary in intricacy, some strongly embellished with broderie anglaise and playful ruffles, whilst others take a more pared-back approach. For us, it means there is an array of great styles to choose from to suit our personal aesthetics, whether you're looking for bold puff sleeves or a sleeveless style that can take the place of your reliable tank top, bringing a touch of romance to a staple look. To save you searching through the new-in sections, I've tracked down the very best white embroidered blouses below.

Shop the Best White Embroidered Blouse

As the sun starts to make more reliable appearances, the shift towards lighter layers and fresh silhouettes feels safer, and few pieces capture the mood of spring quite like a great blouse. This season, Marks & Spencer is once again proving why it remains a go-to for polished, trend-aware staples that blend effortlessly into your everyday wardrobes.

For spring 2026, blouses are taking on a more statement-making role, with bold details that feel modern yet wearable. Whether it's puff sleeves, tie-fronts, embroidery, or even something more subtle like a collarless neckline, these are blouses that require minimal styling yet deliver maximum impact.

What makes this season's offering particularly noteworthy is its versatility. These are blouses that can easily work across occasions, from office to weekend, meeting to pub lunch, each of these pieces will elevate your current wardrobe, whether you add them to jeans, linen trousers or skirts. Ahead, I've scoured the Marks and Spencer website and found five of the standout blouse trends to take note of this spring, and compiled and edited some of my favourites. Read on to shop.

5 SPRING BLOUSE TRENDS TO SHOP AT M&S:

1. RUFFLED BLOUSES

Style Notes: Ruffle blouses don't have to be twee. M&S offer a selection that appeals to everyone, from minimal, structured silhouettes to more feminine, romantic designs. This is a trend that's easy to style. Let the blouse do the talking and pair with jeans, or lean into their bohemian nature and add to a textured skirt.

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2. TIE-FRONT BLOUSES

Style Notes: A key silhoeutte sighted at Copenhagen Fashion Week for the last few seasons, the tie-front doesn't seem to be going anywhere. It's fun, vibrant and makes a statement, allowing you to easily inject personality to your wardrobe. Lean into the vibrancy and wear with matching trousers and skirts, print clash with other bold prints in your wardrobe, or keep it paired back with light-wash jeans.

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3. EMBROIDERED BLOUSES

Style Notes: There's some serious Chloé vibes at Marks & Spencer right now, particularly with its range of embroidered blouses. From delicate broderie details to intricate motifs, these styles tap into the ongoing bohemian mood we're seeing across spring collections. Styled with denim, suede or soft tailoring, these brouses will add subtle texture and an artisinal flair to everyday outfits.

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4. WHITE BLOUSES

Style Notes: For minimalists and those looking to elevate their basics, don't sleep on Marks & Spencer's selection of white blouses. Any one of the below blouses will work as the backbone of your spring wardrobe, with subtle details and twists on classics taking the humble white blouse into modern territory. Use these to upgrade your work wardrobe or use them to layer with thin knits, dungarees or blazers.

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5. FLORAL BLOUSES

Style Notes: Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but it's a recurring trend for a reason. These styles feel fresh thanks to their muted colour palettes, floaty silhouettes and use of texture. Add to straight-leg jeans or embrace their fluidity with linen trousers.

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There’s a time and place for my midi skirts, and I’m always partial to a pair of leggings on those more casual days, but the honest truth is that I spend most of my time in jeans. Comfortable, versatile, and easy to style, I own a pair of jeans in almost every wash, length and silhouette that you can think of. And although I have no problem pairing them with my simple tank tops and t-shirts on most days, recently, I’ve been on the hunt for a dressier top style that I can pair them with for those slightly more formal occasions. Well, luckily for me, my search didn’t last too long, as I soon started to notice the same blouse style on almost all of the fashion people and celebrities I follow. Enter the boho blouse.

Most recently, I spotted Katie Holmes styling her scoop-neck blouse with a pair of two-tone jeans and suede ballet flats, creating a street style look that balanced casual comfort with effortless elegance. And she’s not the only stylish celeb backing the trend.

A few days ago, I also spotted Bella Hadid at the Orebella Jasmine Blues launch party wearing a lace-trimmed collar blouse with bootcut jeans and court heels, proving that this blouse trend works just as well as evening attire as well.

Reminiscent of those vintage tops that we’re all familiar with, these blouses are typically crafted from lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen, and feature delicate details such as puff sleeves, lace detailing, and subtle ruffles along the neckline or cuffs. Boho blouses will give your denim that whimsical and romantic edge that lends itself to formal, warm-weather styling. But the best part? This pretty top style will go with every type of jeans you own.

If you, too, are in need of a versatile blouse style to elevate your jeans this season, keep scrolling as below, I’ve rounded up the best boho blouses to shop for spring 2026 and beyond.

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After what has felt like a never-ending winter, the warmer weather has finally arrived here in London. And with this, I decided to take a quick headcount of the spring staples I already own and which ones I need to invest in. However, I soon came to the observation that I own way too many t-shirts and tank tops. And this can only mean that I’m in desperate need of some more formal blouse styles that can polish up my jeans, linen trousers and skirts this season. Now, as someone with designer taste on a very high street budget, I’m well aware that not all affordable brands were created equally. So, when I want to invest in elegant, expensive-looking items that don't break the bank, Zara is my go-to choice.

The high-street hero is always my first port of call for finding the most expensive-looking take on high-end trends. And of course, this extends to its current blouse selection. The spring/summer 2026 runways showcased a number of pretty blouse styles that I was desperate to add to my wardrobe, from trending polka dots to pretty ruffle iterations. And luckily for me, the high-street hero already has several of these trends on its website right now. But the best part? In true Zara fashion, they’ve managed to make every blouse style look expensive and easily pass as a designer find.

So if you, too, are in need of some dressier top styles to dress up your jeans, skirts and trousers this season, keep scrolling to discover the 5 elegant blouse styles Zara is backing for the season.

5 Elegant Blouse Trends That Zara Is Backing In 2026

1. Polka-Dot

Style Notes: Zara has spoken: polka-dot blouses are set to be everywhere yet again in 2026. They’re elegant, timeless, and can be dressed up or down for every occasion. I’ll personally be using mine to dress up my linen trousers and ballet flats for the office, and then swapping these out for a satin midi skirt and heeled flip-flops on those more formal evenings out.

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2. Ruffle

Style Notes: If you're more of a pared-back dresser like I am, then hearing the word “ruffles” might initially feel intimidating. But rest assured, that for 2026, Zara is focusing on more subtle and romantically soft detailing as opposed to the dramatic iterations we’re probably all used to seeing.

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3. Embroidered

Style Notes: Broderie Anglaise blouses will never date, but to make my jeans, skirts and linen trousers feel more “2026”, I’ll be turning to some slightly fresher embroidered styles. From pretty floral iterations to colour-contrasted styles, Zara’s new takes on embroidered blouses perfectly strike the balance between looking elevated and feeling wearable.

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4. Checked

Style Notes: It should come as no surprise that checks are trending again in 2026. To make them feel just that little bit cooler, Zara has turned its focus to more dramatic silhouettes and details on their blouses. However, each style below still feels extremely wearable and within the comfort zone of a minimalist like myself.

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5. Collared

Style Notes: When in doubt, a collar will add an instant sense of polish to any top or knitwear style. Classic Peter Pan collars will always have my heart, but Zara also has a myriad of blouses with interesting necklines that are sure to dress up your skirts, jeans or Bermuda shorts this season.

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If you’re a regular Who What Wear UK reader, you’ll know that French style is our gold standard. With an innate ability to elevate even the simplest items (from jeans to capris and loafers), Parisians have long been my go-to source of inspiration whenever I'm in a styling rut or facing a wardrobe dilemma. Which is why, on my search for a new top to pair with my current denim rotation of stovepipe jeans, cigarette cuts and low-rise pairs, I discovered that French fashion people appear to have a new favourite replacing their usual spring broderie anglaise blouses: sculptural pleated tops.

Crafted with intentional folds and tucks, pleated tops have long been synonymous with refined elegance but with an edgier, more directional twist. If you’ve been a follower of fashion for a while, you’ll know that pleated tops aren’t exactly new. Issey Miyake’s autumn/winter 1993 runway show, where the aptly named Pleats Please line was first launched, revolutionised the way the industry saw the possibility of pleats. And so for decades, sculptural, pleated styles have become synonymous with the brand—and minimalist chic.

I think this is why it's fascinating that French women are turning to pleated tops this spring. The move feels like a direct departure from the laissez-faire romanticism we tend to picture when we imagine French style. But when I think about all the hallmarks that make French fashion such a market leader, modern pleats feel like the logical next step.

French women often lean into textures when dressing, especially those with an inherent sense of "femininity". From lace to tulle—and now pleats—these details always feel imbued with a carefree attitude. Whether rendered in a button-down shirt or a sleeveless silhouette, the best-dressed French women on my feed are proving that pleated tops are the newest hero in the modern capsule wardrobe (with no ironing required). And the styling couldn’t be chicer. From jeans and glove flats to fluid midi skirts, each outfit interpretation I've seen is inherently French.

If, like me, you've fallen for the idea of a pleated top for spring, scroll down to shop my picks.

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It's a phrase that we've repeated so often that it often becomes second nature, but whenever I don't know what to wear, "jeans and nice top" is more often than not the solution. Given just how often I rely on this tried-and-tested formula, you’d think it would feel a little played out by now, but the truth is, we know where we stand with easy tops and denim. Going out for dinner? Dress it up with heels. Running errands on the weekend? Just add trainers. A busy day in the office? Throw a blazer on top. There's no version of jeans-and-a-top that I can't get on board with.

But right now, there's a very clear hero when it comes to spring dressing in particular, and it might just refresh the way you see this easy outfit combo. Hello, blouse season. Blouses and jeans have all of the components a great outfit requires: comfort, attention to detail, high/low styling and versatility. It takes but a minute to put together, but feels considered enough for even smart occasions. Yes, this formula isn't brand new, but in 2026, I've seen more fashion people than ever leaning into laissez-faire styling, and the stripped-back nature of this effortless combo has "cool girl" written all over it.

As there are so many ways to wear the combo, I took to social media to see how the best-dressed across the world are styling theirs. From the French-favourite puff-sleeve to the UK's penchant for all things vintage, I've rounded up the best looks to help inspire your take on the trend. So, before you reach for the same white tee again, keep scrolling to see the blouse-and-jeans pairings to see you through this spring/summer. And the good news is, there are so many noteworthy styles on the market right now.

The U.S.: TIE-FRONT BLOUSES

Style Notes: From Houston to the Hamptons, Americans are opting for pretty blouses with tie detailing to bring feminine softness to stonewashed denim. You're likely to spot these billowing blouses and bows teamed with wide, loose-fit jeans for the ultimate in off-duty comfort, finished with chunky sandals.

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France: Puff-Sleeve Blouses

Style Notes: French women know how to play with proportions, and puff sleeves add drama to what would otherwise be a relatively simple top. Turn up the volume with a dreamy, cloud-soft blouse, and wear it with slim jeans to make it the star of the show.

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The UK: Vintage-Inspired Blouses

Style Notes: As a nation of charity-shop shoppers, festival-goers and bargain hunters, there's something in us that is always drawn to the vintage aesthetic. Whether it's watercolour prints, delicate lace or retro shapes, if it looks like it came from another era, we love it, and vintage-inspired blouses will be doing the rounds this spring with high-waisted flares. Bring on the summer of (floaty blouse) love.

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France (Again): Collared Blouses

Style Notes: Back over to our Parisian cousins for a masterclass in making dressing feel fun again. Cute, collared blouses might remind you of being back at school, but hopefully for all of the right reasons. There's a fun, youthful vibe to a collared blouse and jeans, and Parisians know how to spin this into something chic. Collars, cardigans, Mary Janes, ballet flats and mini bags: these are the retro-coded pieces that the French started wearing first and made synonymous with their own brand of pretty and polished.

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If the word ‘blouse’ conjures up images of old school uniforms and elegant older ladies for you as much as it does for me, then you’ll be pleased to know the latest iterations of the feminine shirt couldn’t stray further from dated designs. Unless we’re looking at soft florals, that is, which absolutely teeter on vintage flair—retro fashion fans, rejoice.

Instead, we’re seeing designers lean into more striking styles. Think exaggerated bows at Saint Laurent—a much more exciting take on the classic white cotton shirt—punchy peplums at Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten and Khaite, and beach-ready broderie anglaise to welcome us back into our boho era (as if it ever went away).

Plus, Dolce & Gabbana confirmed an age-old question every lazy girl has been asking: yes, you can wear your pyjamas outside—so long as they’re boldly printed, full of colour and crisply ironed. Crumpled cotton still won’t quite cut it.

Just scroll below to see (and shop) the key blouse trends to note now—and rest assured you can wear each and every one with jeans. Hurrah!

5 Spring/Summer 26 Blouse Trends to Note Now:

1. Big Bows

Style Notes: Saint Laurent sent no fewer than 11 iterations of this blouse down the Spring/Summer 2026 runway, clearly cementing it as a key hero piece—yet it’s surprisingly simple. While we’re no strangers to a pussybow blouse, these extra-large, stiff cotton styles feel far more striking, effortlessly pairing with jeans, skirts, trousers, or in the case of Saint Laurent, lots of leather.

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2. Pyjama Prints

Style Notes: As someone who loves a patterned pyjama, this is the blouse trend I’m especially excited about: Dolce & Gabbana has given us the green light to wear our PJs outside, sending a huge number of printed picks down the runway. The standout staple? Striped pyjama tops, styled with shorts, matching trousers and even dungarees. While some brands have classic striped cotton shirts to shop, a browse of the nightwear section feels far more on the nose.

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3. Bohemian Broderie Anglaise

Style Notes: Granted, broderie anglaise can feel a little dated—but not when it’s imbued with bohemian ease. Think slouchy blouse shapes, voluminous accents and patterns that feel more haphazard than perfect. As you’d expect, Isabel Marant leads the way, proving denim, khaki colours and suede accents are the perfect accompaniment.

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4. Soft Florals

Style Notes: I made a promise to myself not to quote any The Devil Wears Prada lines this year (until the new film comes out, that is), so I’ll spare you the famous phrase, but florals are yet again a huge trend this season. While Valentino and Chloé leant into bold bloom prints, Bernadette, Dôen and Erdem made a strong case for softer, more faded-out patterns that feel much easier to style with denim.

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5. Punchy Peplum

Style Notes: Prepare yourself to see plenty of peplums this season. But before you get flashbacks to your early 2010s wardrobe (or the rails of Miss Selfridge), I promise this season they feel much more considered. Think fabrics with stronger structure, more defined waistbands, and longer peplum lengths that avoid any strange shelf-like shapes. Just look to Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten and Khaite for inspo.

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The weather here in the UK has been miserable to say the least over the past few months; however, the good news is that sunnier spring days are almost upon us. With just a month to go until the new season, I decided to take a quick headcount of the wardrobe staples I already own and which ones I need to invest in. And I quickly came to a very obvious observation. I own way too many t-shirts and tank tops.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'll be very grateful for both of these basics when I’m going into the office or on a casual day out with friends. But when I have a slightly more formal spring occasion, or simply want to dress up my jeans or denim shorts, I’ll need a dressier top style to see me through the warmer days. Luckily for me, I’ve recently spotted one particular trending blouse style that's elegant, versatile and most importantly, looks expensive at any price point. Enter the cape blouse.

Combining the breezy nature of a classic blouse with all the sophistication of a cape jacket, cape blouses feature a partial or full cape-like overlay to create a flowing, draped silhouette. Showcased heavily on the spring/summer 2026 runways, it should come as no surprise that this pretty blouse trend is now available to shop everywhere from the most luxurious designers to our trusty high-street stores.

From Paris to Copenhagen, elegant dressers have been styling this pretty top style with everything from balloon pants and ballet flats to tailored trousers and sandals. And my favourite thing about it? No cape blouse is the same, so there's something to suit every style and aesthetic. I personally cannot wait to invest a more dramatic full-cape iteration to elevate my jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit on warmer spring and summer evenings.

From luxury houses to high-street heroes, brands have declared cape blouses as the It top to covet this season. Keep scrolling to shop the best cape blouses to suit every budget.

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"Jeans and a nice top" may be our perpetual reply when a friend texts to ask what we’re wearing, but there are a few easy ways to make it feel decidedly less predictable. Namely, by opting for a top that’s effortlessly on-trend—because while denim silhouettes may come and go, most of us are, understandably, creatures of habit when it comes to our jeans. Barrel-legs may be having their moment, but if you’re a lifelong wide-leg devotee, I know better than to expect you to swap sides.

So, which tops should we be turning to instead? A glance at the Spring/Summer 26 catwalks offers plenty of inspiration. Balmain, Lemaire, Burberry and Isabel Marant make a compelling case for safari shades, while Tory Burch places fresh emphasis on the humble vest. And some familiar favourites are still holding their ground—hello tomato red and sheer fabrics.

Really, there’s a top trend to suit every occasion and styling preference, whether you’re keeping things classic with your go-to denim or feeling adventurous enough to stray beyond it. Scroll on for the six top styles worth investing in now.

6 Spring/Summer 2026 Top Trends to Note:

1. Oversized Shirts

Style Notes: Granted, shirts aren't anything new—they've long been a staple of our workwear wardrobes. Yet, for spring/summer 26, the way they were styled feels much fresher. Take Chanel's extra-long options pulled over flowing skirts, The Attico's sharp collared styles peeking out of trench coats, or Toga's belted picks as just a handful of examples. The common denominator? They're all generously large enough to be borrowed from your boyfriend.

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2. Khaki Colours

Style Notes: Balmain, Lemaire, Burberry and Isabel Marant all stepped into safari chic territory with khaki shades coming out on top. Not only do they offer a softer alternative to black but they also break away from the everyday browns many of us have become a bit too fond of.

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3. Sheer Tops

Style Notes: Nearly-naked dressing has cropped up across a number of red carpet looks in recent years and it has slowly made its way into the mainstream. Across the spring/summer 26 runways, Cecilie Bahnsen, Chanel, Givenchy and Sportmax used the fabric almost like an accessory, so turn to slightly see-through tops to do the same.

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4. Spaghetti Strap Vests

Style Notes: Y2K trends have been no stranger to current day style—hello capri pants, heeled flip flops, and layered tops—and the return of the spaghetti strap vest is the latest one on the roster. Consider your base layer the new focal point of many an outfit.

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5. Pops of Red

Style Notes: Tomato red shades cropped up across the spring/summer 26 catwalks of Chanel, Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and many more, instantly drawing the eye to the vibrant looks. Taking this trick into our everyday wardrobes, consider a red tee, tank or turtleneck as an easy way to elevate any look.

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6. Preppy Polos

Style Notes: The collegiate aesthetic is one we've been riding on for quite some time now—remember last year's Miu Miu catwalk with windbreakers and leg warmers aplenty? So it's little surprise to see the preppy polo shirt take centre stage this season. Bold colours, unexpected styling—yes, skirts work particularly well—and oversized shapes make it feel a little more fresh.

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If you thought you would never wear another style of jeans again after barrel-legs have had us all in a chokehold for years, think again, as there's a much-loved style making a return. Yes, you may or may not have noticed that cigarette jeans are all over Instagram at the moment. Appreciated by Parisian and London women alike, the sleek slim-fit pairs are taking over from the baggier denim we've all been wearing. Why? Well, you only need to look at the outfit inspiration below to see that. But it's mainly due to how they make denim look more refined and polished, the on-the-ankle cut means they won't drag on the ground, no matter your height (something I can appreciate at 5'4") and they work well with so many different tops.

Before I get into that, though, let me just sum up what cigarette jeans actually are. Because with so many denim silhouettes—from balloon and barrel to mom and skinny—there are a lot of styles to try and keep track of.

What Are Cigarette Jeans?

With so many denim cuts, it can be tricky to pinpoint which jeans are which. So what actually are cigarette jeans? The easiest way to describe them, in my opinion, is if skinny jeans and straight-leg jeans were to have a baby, this is what they would look like. The perfect mix between the two, they're slightly slimmer than your favourite straight pairs, but less spray-on than skinnies. The same width all the way down the leg, they also tend to sit just above the ankle so they're sleek all the way without any bunching or needing to turn-up at the bottom.

Now we're all on the same page when it comes to the shape of cigarette jeans, what should we all be wearing them with? The 'nice top' and jeans look never fails to impress, so I've found the five top styles—including slim knits and cinched waist blazers to boat necks—that will complement cigarette jeans most.

The Best Tops to Wear With Cigarette Jeans

1. Boat Neck Top

Style Notes: Once seen as the top worn by grandmas only, now, the boat neck is back and it's being worn—with cigarette jeans—by the most stylish of women (including Sabrina Carpenter). Sylvie shows how effortless the slashed-neck style goes with the slim-fit cigarette jeans and how they're the 'nice top' to wear for evening with heels.

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2. Poplin Shirts

Style Notes: There's no doubt in my mind that jeans and a shirt have been, and always will be, the chicest pairing. Worn tucked in or out, the slightly oversized material from poplin shirts will balance out the slim leg of your new favourite cigarette jeans.

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3. Cinched Waist Blazers

Style Notes: Styling a blazer as a top is a hack we all know by now, and Marilyn has shown us how to wear a cinched style with cigarette jeans. Creating an hourglass silhouette, it's all about those exaggerated shoulders to add an '80s vibe to the jeans we're all about to buy.

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4. Simple T-Shirt

Style Notes: No matter your plans, a classic T-shirt and jeans will no doubt fit the brief. For an extra something something, take tips from Coco and rely on the Canadian tuxedo by adding a matching denim jacket. So simple, yet so so chic.

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5. Slim Knits

Style Notes: Spring may be in sight (kind of) but that doesn't mean it's time to ditch the knits. Instead of your bulky roll necks, though, opt for a lighter slim-fit style to wear the Parisian way: with cigarette jeans and slingback heels. Perfection.

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