Tunics v Blouses: How to Wear These Timeless Fashion Favourites

A question we get asked a lot is “Can I swap out my blouse for a tunic?” and the answer is yes! There may be some adjustments to make, but blouses and tunics can be interchangeable if you know the tips and tricks that really make a difference. 

So, we’re on hand with this guide that goes through blouse vs tunic and how you can style these wardrobe staples to get the most out of your wardrobe. 

If you’re looking for a crash course on tunics, be sure to check out our Guide to Tunic Shirts, where we go through what tunics are and how to wear them.

Tunics come in varying shapes and styles. From sleeveless tunic styles to floaty boho ones, patterned and plain pieces and ones that are loaded with extra detail like embroidery and tassels. Each in a varying length, choose the ones that you love most. Check our guide on How to Wear Different Tunic Shirt Styles for a more in-depth look at different kinds of tunics.

Tunics are longer and generally tend to lean to a more boho feel due to the flowy nature of the cut and shape a tunic has. Because of this, you may also find boho styles more common amongst tunics. This also has a knock-on-effect of tunics being considered a more casual, day-to-day wardrobe staple that makes for an easy go-to choice for the day-to-day. 

Leggings are the perfect partner to a nice tunic, too, as its hemline is considered quite short. Leggings provide just enough opaque covering to the legs along with comfort and warmth.

Blouses can come in varying shapes and styles. Typically, blouses will have a collar, ties or detailing at the neck and each style can vary quite drastically. The sleeves on blouses can be anywhere from capped, flared or the super-trendy balloon sleeve. Depending on what you’re looking for, blouses also come in varying colours, designs and prints. Blouses also tend to lean towards a smarter dress code than your typical top or t-shirt, so bear this in mind when styling.

Blouses tend to be a smarter choice of top, so blouses will be favoured when it comes to events, work and lunches. It’ll be easier to find a lovely crisp white blouse than it will be to find the same style in a tunic shape, therefore blouses are considered to be more formal. 

Another huge bonus to wearing a blouse is that skirts can be added to the mix. Tunics typically don’t go well with skirts, as the two garments fight for real estate on the figure at the tummy and hips, which doesn’t give the most flattering look. With blouses, you’re free to experiment with different kinds of skirts as much as you like!

We spend most of our lives at work, so let’s make it stylish! Style your blouse or tunic with these tips and make a real entrance for that Monday boardroom meeting. 

• How to Wear a Blouse: For the stricter dress codes, wear your favourite blouse with a tailored trouser or skirt and a slick pair of heels for a work-chic look. Simply add a blazer and you’re good to go. For those places of work with a more casual approach, swap out your tailored trousers for your favourite jeans. Keep the blazer though – it's a super trendy look. 
• How to Wear a Tunic: For the smarter dress codes, consider swapping out your white blouse for a white tunic, and add a chunky belt to cinch you in at the waist. Ditch the skirt and either add tailored trousers or leggings. For more casual workplaces, wear some jeans with a vibrant, patterned tunic and accessorise with a statement necklace and some stacked bracelets.

Hitting the shops with the girls or grabbing a coffee? We have plenty of smart-casual styles that can be worn with blouses and tunics that’ll have you feeling perfectly put-together. There’s no better feeling than having a great outfit that hits the nail on the head. 

• How to Wear a Blouse: Find a blouse that’s flowy and a little fun for a get-together with the girls. Pair it with some jeans, like wide-leg jeans or flares to really bring some cool vibes to the party. We love teaming a blouse with a leather jacket as it gives the demure blouse a super-cool edgy vibe that works so well together. 
• How to Wear a Tunic: Ditch the jeans and pair a funky tunic with leggings and long boots for a retro look we know you’ll love. Add a longline kimono or cardigan and a long necklace and you’re ready to go. 

Joe’s top tip: If you’re looking for a slimming effect, choose a tunic with tassel ties at the neck or add a long necklace. This draws the eye inwards to your outfit, making you appear slimmer. This can be further amplified if the tunic’s sleeves are three-quarter length, as the sleeves will stop at the smallest part of your waist.

Keep things casual, but keep it stylish – comfort and style can, in fact, go hand-in-hand, especially when you wear Joe Browns! Let’s keep things casual and effortlessly stylish with our tips on styling blouses and tunics. 

• How to Wear a Blouse: Choose a blouse that’s loose and floaty for optimum comfort and pair it with either a maxi skirt or a pair of slim-fit jeans to balance out the silhouette. Pop on some pumps, trainers or bootees and you should be ready to go!
• How to Wear a Tunic: Wear your tunic with your favourite leggings or jeans and pop some flats on for an easy go-to look. Simply add a cardigan if it’s chilly outside and you’re ready quicker than two shakes of a lamb’s tail.

Break out the prosecco and the high heels, we’re going out-out! Tunics can play a great role in your night-out outfit, whereas blouses play that classic jeans-and-nice-top look that never goes out of style. Read on to find out more. 

• How to Wear a Blouse: The jeans-and-nice-top look can be elevated further when you choose your blouse. Really go all-in on the silhouette here. We love a balloon sleeve and pussy bow tie look like our La Florabel Blouse. When wearing this, pair them with your favourite pair of jeans that hug in all the right places and pop on some heels or boots for a super chic look. Add a blazer for a trendy twist and you’re ready to hit the town.
• How to Wear a Tunic: If the weather permits, wear shorts underneath your tunic to give the illusion of a mini dress while remaining covered up. If it’s still a little chilly, add tights underneath and long boots for a drop-dead gorgeous look that’s only elevated further by a classic leather jacket. If you’re petite, this style will look stunning, so be sure to check out our guide on How to Wear Tunics for Petite Silhouettes to find out more!