When it comes to easy everyday outfit formulas, a T-shirt plus jeans is a forever favourite. But it does tend to get a bit… boring, no? And it’s a bit limited in terms of smartness: there’s only so far you can dress up a tee and jeans.
So how about an alternative that’s just as easy to wear, but feels immensely elevated? That, dear reader, is the formula of jeans and a cream blouse, as demonstrated perfectly by Holly Willoughby in the latest episode of her YouTube show, Holly Willoughby Together.
To chat with Alan Carr and try on a dizzying array of jeans, Holly wore a simple ensemble that looked pulled-together, stylish and smart enough for work. And it’s so easy to recreate: just swap out your usual T-shirt for a cream blouse, then mix it up with accessories to make the combination feel brand new over and over again. Think: a bit of leopard print one day, red shoes the next, a leather jacket over the top. Easy-peasy.
The exact cream blouse Holly wore is by St Clair, and is still available to buy. It is, however, on the pricier end at £230.
ST. CLAIR Cleo Blouse in Buttermilk
It works as such a great staple piece for a few reasons. First, the cream colour tends to be more flattering on all skin tones than stark white. The flowing shape works on every body type, too, and the lace trims add elegance.
We’ve found quite a few similar options on the high street that are more affordable. Ahead are our favourites…
This Love & Roses style from Next ticks the same boxes as Holly’s blouse, with fluted sleeves and a pretty scalloped neckline. And it’s only £32.
Albaray’s take has beautiful embroidered trims and lace detailing, with a flattering, flowing shape.
Albaray Cream Lace Trim V Neck Blouse
Finally, this H&M blouse is a winner, with puff sleeves and a standing collar.
In the episode, Holly was joined by celeb pal Alan Carr to do a full style special, in which she styled the comedian in a variety of shirts. Holly shared some secret tips from her stylist in the process that are well worth taking note of.
One tip: the transformative power of shoulder pads. Describing the removable pads as ‘shirt enhancements’, Holly shared that they’re a great way to ‘broaden your shoulders or make your shirt fit in the right place’. Even Alan was convinced, declaring, ‘Oh my God, they work!'
Another pearl of wisdom was to take clothes to be tailored for the perfect fit. ‘I never look at the sizes of anything,’ Holly shared. ‘I just buy something and then, every dry cleaner will have an amazing seamstress in it and they can literally take stuff in. It’s a little bit expensive but it’s not as bad as you think it’s going to be – and you’ll wear it more because it fits you.’
