The Ten Best Blouses

1 Topshop 20

Here's a flirty shirt full of retro charm thanks to its polka dots and white piping. Wear it with a pencil skirt and a wide belt for work, or with denim shorts for a fresh weekend look.

www.topshop.com; 0845 121 4519

2 Dorothy Perkins 28

If you've yet to find a floral frock that works for you, why not try a flower print shirt instead? Great with jeans and a biker jacket for the evening.

www.dorothyperkins.com; 0844 984 0261

3 Mod Cloth 30

A girly take on the checked shirt, this plaid number is feminine without being too revealing. It's available from US outfitters Mod Cloth, so you won't see it all over the British high street.

www.modcloth.com

4 See by Chloe 155

Made from floating cream silk, this romantic take on the blouse is a real keeper. Light enough to keep you cool in warmer weather, come autumn it can be layered under a shift dress too.

www.brownsfashion.com; 020-7514 0039

5 French Connection 30

A sale snip from French Connection. Get a third off the price of this mauve marvel. Perfect for those who prefer to keep their upper arms under wraps.

www.frenchconnection.com; 0844 557 3285

6 Oli 40

Made from silk, this bow-fronted blouse is a candy-coloured delight. If it's a little too rose-hued for you, check out the wide variety of other shirts on this easy-to-navigate fashion website.

www.oli.co.uk

7 Joules 39

Although it looks crisp and sleek, this blouse is made from wonderfully soft cotton. Smart without being too formal, it will work well in the office or beside the seaside.

www.joulesclothing.com; 0845 606 6871

8 Miu Miu 159.50

Now is the perfect time to snap up some bargains in the summer sales and they don't come much better than this smock blouse, reduced from 230. It's funky, fresh and bright.

www.start-london.com; 020-7739 8071

9 Designers for Debenhams 35

Smudgy paint prints have been gracing garments all season. I love Betty Jackson's take on the trend even if it makes the wearer look like they've had a fight with a bottle of ink.

www.debenhams.com; 0844 561 6161

10 Warehouse 35

Blouses don't have to be formal, as this pretty version proves. With a plunging neck, gathered sleeves and a tie-back, there's plenty going on here, but all of it's good.

www.warehouse.co.uk; 0870 122 8813

The Ten Best is edited by Rebecca Armstrong r.armstrong@independent.co.uk

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