For an easy, breezy addition to your closet this spring and summer, look no further than everyone’s favorite capsule staple: the blouse. Depending on the style, the humble blouse can be worn with a variety of pieces you may already have, making it one of the most versatile additions to your collection and an investment piece you’ll have on rotation throughout the year.

If you’re looking for something a little different, there’s also plenty of options to choose from: from classic styles to pretty patterns and avant garde detailing. Whatever your preference, there’s bound to be a blouse to fit you. Here’s several of the key styles to wear this season, and how to wear them.

Oxford Shirt

If you don’t already own any button downs, a plain white shirt is the best place to start. The best look for this style is an equally classic pairing: jeans in a contrasting wash (medium denim through to black) look stunning with a simple white shirt. In terms of footwear, a chic pair of flats, a heel with a pointed toe or even a pair of box-fresh sneakers would work equally well.

Linen Striped Blouse

Linen is a fantastic option for when temperatures rise. This style works well when worn with jeans and a pair of loafers. Once things start to heat up, swap them out for a pair of shorts or wide leg pants and pair with your favorite sandals.

Chambray Shirt

There’s something quintessentially sunny about the chambray shirt. For a casual spring look, pair with dark denim, or if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can always double up with a pair of jeans in a contrasting shade. Given their neutral shade, they also look  fab with other items; try one knotted over a maxi dress.

Silky Smooth

Airy and light, silk is a popular choice for warmer months, but if you prefer something a little more eco-friendly, there’s plenty of innovative, creature-kind alternatives to choose from including bamboo lyocell, cotton sateen and cactus silk. For night-time, wear with tailored pants or a fitted skirt, and for a daytime look, dress down in jeans and a pair of chunky sandals.

Sleeveless Shirt

Channel your inner Thelma and Louise in a sleeveless shirt. This effortlessly cool style looks great when worn with denim jeans, but if you feel like switching things up, try playing with proportions and add a maxi skirt. Add a pair of casual sandals or sneakers, and don’t forget your sunglasses.

The Eclectic Look 

If you’re looking for something a little different, seek out blouses with unusual or architectural details in a structured, moderately stiff fabric such as poplin. Asymmetrical detailing also works especially well with this look, as do wraparound styles. Wear with a pair of neutral-colored wide leg pants or jeans for a contrasted, cool look. 

Cottage Core 

A cottage core blouse is easy to recognize. Puff sleeves, frills and floral or gingham prints in muted tones are all popular features  and in terms of fabrics, light airy cotton or broderie anglaise keep things looking sweet. If this is your preferred style, Dainty Jewells offer  a fabulous range of pretty blouses, dresses and skirts, in addition to their children’s clothing and homeware range.