Forget boring work shirts, these blouses will make you excited for the office again

Forget boring work shirts, these blouses will make you excited for the office again Published September 30, 2026 7:00am It’s teh easiest way to take your look from day to night – and still look smart. (Picture: Metro/Getty) Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more We’ve been spoiled with a lengthy summer this year, which has meant our seasonal wardrobe has been working overtime with floaty dresses, minimal layers, colourful shades and playful patterns. However, when the weather turns, summer holidays are over, and it’s time to get back to the office, the thought of workwear can often send shudders down people’s spines: heavier trousers, tailored pencil skirts, chunky blazers. However, there is one faithful item that will tick the style and comfort box every time: a trusty blouse. It might sound old-fashioned, but blouses are a firm favourite with the likes of the Princess of Wales. A blouse is often less fitted than a standard cotton shirt, giving it a more elegant and modern edge, whilst being super flattering on nearly all body shapes. They’re also super versatile, pairing with casual denim, midi skirts, trousers, and under a suit. It’s the perfect do-all wardrobe staple. And the best part? They don’t have to be boring. Just like what we love about our summer wardrobes, these can be easily carried through to give you that daily dopamine fix with delicate design details such as puff sleeves, pussybow necklines, and sleek, stylish patterns. So if you’re ready to get excited for the return to work and show off your new blouse, let the following be your inspiration and get you looking and feeling ready to tackle the office. Shop the best blouses for returning to work: Next Chocolate Brown Scarf Long Sleeve V-Neck Blouse Next has hit subtle yet stylish on the head with this deep brown blouse that strikes the perfect balance between smart and casual. You can choose to wear the neck tie done up in a bow to cover your cleavage more, or keep it more relaxed and then accessorise with some dainty gold jewellery. Style this with a midi skirt and knee-high boots when the weather takes an even colder turn. Buy Now for £42 H&M Frill-Trimmed Cotton Poplin Blouse An annual trend that comes around is none other than prairie. Picture vintage-inspired details like high necklines, ruffles and voluminous puff sleeves, all of which this H&M number has. It combines the timeless style with the romance of a loose fit and fresh light blue shade to create the ultimate office-appropriate blouse. Dress it down with indigo denim and a pair of loafers, or layer under a suit for a trendy touch. Buy Now for £27.99 ASOS DESIGN Bow Blouse With Puff Ball Sleeve We’re quite obsessed with this option from ASOS. If you’re looking for something that still has the smartness and traditional aspect of a work shirt, but want to give it that ultra-modern feel, then this is the one for you. It features the signature pussybow, with pleated details around the neckline for subtle detail. The puff sleeves add a touch of drama, without trying too hard, whilst the buttoned cuffs add a classic edge. Buy Now for £38 Nobody’s Child Red Check Ruffle Trim Top You can’t nail autumnal dressing without a classic check blouse; it would be a crime. Nobody’s Child has got it spot on, not only with the pattern, but with the red, blue and grey hues. The ruffle trim around the collar and button stand add a flirty feel that relaxes the silhouette, but still keeps it looking smart and appropriate for the office. Buy Now for £69 River Island Brown Deer Print Pussybow Blouse Ready to brave the bold? If so, River Island has pulled it out of the bag. Deer print has been slowly taking over the high street throughout 2026, and it’s set to be a huge trend for autumn and winter. Designed in the classic pussybow blouse style, the playful print packs a punch, but for the right reasons. The soft brown and beige shades allow it to be styled with a range of separates so you can get maximum wear out of it. Buy Now for £42 M&S Sheer Collared Utility Shirt This M&S option is a brilliant transitional piece for when the temperatures are playing silly games, and you don’t know what to wear. The utility style immediately amps up the tailored design, while the sheer fabric gives it the modern twist. This would pair beautifully with flared jeans for a 70’s edge, or a sleek pencil skirt to balance out your silhouette. Layer over a rollneck or a long-sleeve top when the temperatures plummet. Buy Now for £45 New Look Blue Check Side Tie Long Sleeve Shirt Blue hues are gorgeous colours for the new season; it keeps the style looking fresh and light, whilst nodding to the autumnal theme. We love this modernised take on the classic shirt with a draped knot detail that instantly adds more shape to your silhouette by creating the illusion of a wrap-over design. It’s brilliant for work days and weekend shenanigans. Buy Now for £29.99 Matalan Khaki Cinched Button Through Blouse It’s not always about shouting and showing off; if you want to keep things simple and refined, then this is a style for you. Matalan have taken the traditional designs of a blouse and given it a current upgrade by adding two darts to each side, giving it a natural cinch. This works effortlessly to highlight your curves, along with the collarless neckline that sits gently on the collarbones. Buy Now for £18 Karen Millen Petal Print Organza Pussybow Blouse Speaking of shouting about it, this Karen Millen number is a winner. This is one of those wardrobe staples that instantly makes an outfit appear considered and styled well no matter what it’s paired with. Its petal print ties in all of the autumnal hues of forest greens, rich burgundies and deep ocean blues to create an abstract design. Style it with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, a plain midi skirt, or even denim to maximise its potential. This is one of those blouses you’ll be reaching for time and time again. 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