Is there any better feeling than a co-worker asking “Ooh I love that, where did you get it from?” NOPE. Especially when it looks designer and cost a fraction of the price they suspect, but shhh they don’t need to know that!
But how can you get that luxe look at the office?
If there’s one item that’ll smarten up your look, it’s a killer blouse. After all, when you’re stuck behind a desk for most of the day, you’ve gotta make sure that top half counts.
So take a look at our favourite 15 blouses that’ll all give you that je ne sais quoi, for under $100.
We know it’s a little cheeky of us to sneak in a $100 on the dot piece, but there’s so much going on with this blouse, it had to get a mention.
With the flouncy material and nipped in waist, it ticks all the flattering boxes, and the choker detailing makes the whole piece. Wear it with hair up to show it off and strut around that office like it’s your corporate catwalk.
DABAGIRL leaf pattern choker blouse $100 from Zalora
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We love a flattering fit that looks waaay more expensive than it is, so we’ve struck gold with this beautiful hole-embroidered cotton blouse.
Dress it down in the office with a pencil skirt and flats, then up at night with heels and a chunky necklace.
Hole-embroidered cotton blouse $74.95 from H&M
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Zara, you’ve done it again. A well-executed longline shirt is a guaranteed fast-track to fashionista status.
Wear with dark trousers and a bold lip like on the model and you won’t really have to do much else. Apart from explain to everyone how it was only $50. Or not, your choice. We won’t tell anyone if you don’t.
Long floral print shirt $50.90 from Zara
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Didn’t think you could rock nautical in the office eh? Think again. This gem from H&M steps it up a notch with the gorgeous lace detailing, whilst those flattering vertical stripes will give the illusion of a longer silhouette.
We also love those wide airy sleeves. Just give them a little flap and you’ll be able to enjoy a little air during those stuffy office meetings. Maybe just try and be subtle though yeah? Your boss may get a little suspicious if you’re waving your arms around every 5 minutes.
Wide-sleeved blouse $69.90 from H&M
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We know we’ve had a lot of trumpet sleeves so far, but there are just so many good pieces floating around, we couldn’t bear neglect any.
This one could easily pass for a Roksanda and no one would be none the wiser. Just remember to take the price tag off!
Trumpet-sleeved blouse $44.95 from H&M
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If you’re after a bit of subtle detailing, this blouse is spot on. Keep your bottom half plain and let your top do the talking.
Just be careful around coffee with those big sleeves, whatever you do. We love our whites, but my god is it difficult to keep them that way.
Neon rose v-neck top with layered ruffled sleeves and floral embroidery $64.65 from ASOS
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We do love a good neckline, and this feminine ribbon easily takes this blouse into the $100+ look territory. Team it with a rich navy blue flared trouser or midi skirt for a killer contrast look that’ll have heads turning up and down the lunch queue.
Hello Sweety striped frill blouse $74 from Zalora
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Another toned-down floral for you gals who want a little patterning without going OTT.
That metal applique detail at the neck adds a sophisticated edge, and gives it a smart twist on the regular blouse. Match it with silver statement earrings like the model and you’ve got yourself another high-end week look.
ZALORA collection puff sleeves blouse $29.90 from Zalora
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We all have days where we just want to pull on some comfy clothes, but if you can still look fashionable at the same time – even better.
Slouchy, but well cut, this blouse looks so comfortable you might just struggle to stay awake in it. At least you’ll look good whilst you’re slumped over your keyboard though.
And all for $29.90? Get outta here….
Frilly printed shirt $29.90 from Pull & Bear
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For anyone who’s a little scared of florals, this is a great way to rock a more modern style without worrying about it being too much of a granny print. What’s more, it’s topped off with a cute bow that can be worn at the front or back.
Elegant enough to still be smart, it’s a gorgeous little piece that you can dress down with more masculine cut trousers to balance out the femininity.
Blouse with bow at the waist $59.90 from Zara
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This is one of those pieces that looks so luxe that people will just give you things because you look so important. Oh here, have a free iced latte. Or the best table in the restaurant. You deserve it because you’re wearing a very nice blouse.
Pair it with trousers or a skirt in the same shade of white for a nice spin on the power suit.
Blouse with embellished devoré detail $95 from Massimo Dutti
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More choker detailing – hurrah! The V-neck front and back will keep you nice and breezy, meaning you can get away with that high collar without getting too hot.
Wear it with black or white and rock the monochrome for a luxe look at a steal.
Crêpe blouse $39.90 from H&M
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It may be simple, but you don’t have to always go overboard to hit the mark. We think this rich green looks truly sumptuous, and with the right styling, it’ll give you a mega smart luxe look.
Try it with a white long-line blazer, trousers and heels for days when you want to feel effortlessly important.
Crêpe blouse $34.95 from H&M
ALSO READ: AFFORDABLE EARRINGS THAT LOOK LUXURIOUS, ALL FOR UNDER $50; 15 PURSE-FRIENDLY PURSES THAT LOOK DESIGNER CHIC WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
If there’s one thing you should invest in, it’s your basics. Only in this case, you don’t even have to hit $50 to make it look like you’ve spent over $100.
This beautifully simple fit holds all the traits of a designer piece. With it’s V cutout at the back and genius shaping, just pair it with some elegant jewellery to look super smart.
Eyescream V back blouse $44.90 from Zalora
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Yep – believe it or not, it’s possible to wear denim and still look smart to the office, just so long as you choose wisely.
This blouse is great because it’s so simple, and once again, those ruffled sleeves are also perfect for keeping you cool, in both senses of the word. Pair it with a matching necklace and earrings, and boom. High fashion for a smidgen of the designer price.
Denim blouse with textured weave detail $95 from Massimo Dutti
ALSO READ: AFFORDABLE EARRINGS THAT LOOK LUXURIOUS, ALL FOR UNDER $50; 15 PURSE-FRIENDLY PURSES THAT LOOK DESIGNER CHIC WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK