A Nonbasic Blouse Is the One Piece Everyone Should Add to Their Wardrobe This Spring

are staples in any model-off-duty look. Extra long tops are getting as much love as crop tops. And hoodies have continued to convert diehard fashion sweatshirt fans. For Spring 2018, it’s all about the blouse. Blouses have shed their business overtones and gotten bold makeovers, making them one of the hottest pieces of the season.

So we’re clear, a blouse is defined as a loose-fighting garment resembling a shirt, typically with a collar, sleeves and buttons. It is generally made out of a lightweight fabric like cotton, silk or polyester. Thinking about a classic blouse, most people envision a crisp-yet-corporate-looking button-down shirt with a pointed collar and a slim-yet-not-tight silhouette. It’s a polished wardrobe staple, but it’s not exactly the first piece we gravitate toward when we want to create a standout lewk. That’s about to change, thanks to Spring 2018’s offerings.

As evidenced by the runways, designers took the definition of a blouse as merely a suggestion and we were treated to some vastly different incarnations. For the most part, light fabrics and sleeves remained, but buttons and shirt collars were optional.

Palmer Harding provided ample inspiration with unique blouse after unique blouse. There was everything from layered styles to diagonal hems to sculptural sleeves with gathers and cording. Christian Siriano, Mulberry, Victoria Beckham and Eudon Choi also made commendable efforts toward expanding our definition of a blouse. Overall, the message at fashion month was clear: today’s blouses are unique and have major fashion appeal.

Ahead, shop 16 upgraded blouses to add to your spring wardrobe.

[ Next: 13 Spring Jackets You Won’t Want to Take Off (Even in Summer) ]