PB Styling

How to wear an oversized blouse?

Shirt blouses for women are growing in popularity every season at PB. Once considered a classic choice solely for business occasions, today’s fashion trends - influenced by masculine styles - feature oversized shirt blouses as a leading trend. But how do you style an oversized blouse?

Model in een oversized JapanTKY witte blouse, zittend en ontspannen pose, minimalistische uitstraling op een lichte achtergrond.

The oversized blouse: the characteristics of the shirt blouse

The shirt blouse is defined by its flat, often pointed collar, button closure at the front, long (sometimes wide) sleeves, dropped shoulders, and occasionally patch pockets on the chest.

The classic poplin shirt blouse has a tailored, close-fit silhouette, whereas the oversized blouse is characterized by a straight, loose fit - offering endless combination and styling possibilities.

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Brands like By Malene Birger, Denham, Samsøe Samsøe, and Closed consistently deliver a variety of must-have shirt blouses for your wardrobe, season after season. Opt for a classic white or off-white blouse, or go bold with colors like pink or red, or even prints.

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Shirts

The oversized blouse: how to style an oversized blouse?

There are many ways to style a blouse, and the most obvious is to pair it with slim-fit or straight-leg pants or jeans. You can also add a belt to cinch the blouse at the waist for a more defined shape.

A fitted bottom balances out the volume of an oversized shirt blouse. However, current trends also embrace pairing loose-fit shirt blouses with baggy jeans or wide-leg pants - a look that remains on-trend season after season. You can choose to wear the blouse tucked in or left out, depending on your preference.

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Loose-fit pants and jeans

The oversized blouse: how to wear an oversized blouse into pants or a skirt?

There are multiple ways to tuck a blouse into pants or a skirt, depending on the look you want to create. For a casual twist, try a half-tuck by tucking the front points of the shirt into your pants or skirt and leaving the back hanging out. You can tuck in one point for a subtle asymmetry or both for a relaxed vibe.

For a modern silhouette with volume, choose a blouse with extra-dropped shoulders and tuck it entirely into your pants or skirt. To emphasize your waist and elongate your legs, go for high-waisted jeans, pants, or skirts. Add a belt for a cinched waist to create an hourglass silhouette.

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The shirt (partially) into pants

The oversized blouse: how to layer an oversized blouse?

Layering an oversized blouse adds depth and versatility to your outfit. Style it with a cardigan, sweater, shacket, or blazer over the blouse. Or pair with a spaghetti top or bralette underneath, allowing a hint of lace to peek through for a subtle touch of femininity.

Other options include layering the blouse under a strapless top, vest, or open cardigan. For added versatility, wear a long blouse unbuttoned as a “coat” or “jacket” over pieces like a T-shirt, blouse, or vest. Play with tonal combinations for a cohesive look or create contrast with colors, textures, or lengths. Everything is possible!

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The shirt layered

The oversized blouse: how to tie an oversized blouse?

The front button closure of a shirt blouse offers several styling possibilities. Keep all the buttons closed for a classic look, leave a few buttons open at the top and bottom for a relaxed vibe or wear the blouse completely open as a cover-up.

Another option is to tie the blouse at the front to pair with high-waisted jeans or skirts, or even to wear over a long dress. Pay attention to the blouse’s color or print, as this will define the overall look. A white blouse exudes classic, fresh minimalism, while bold colors or prints make a statement.

To tie your blouse: open a few buttons at the bottom and use the pointed ends of the hem to create a knot at the front. The higher you leave the buttons open, the higher the knot will sit at the waist.

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For a standard oversized look, stick to your regular size. If you want a more relaxed fit, go one or two sizes up. At PB, we measure every garment so you can see exactly how it will fit you.

Blog by:

Joyce

Joyce knows everything about different body types. She excels at providing smart styling tips and tricks to highlight your best features. Additionally, she is the go-to person for occasion outfits with that little extra something.