Office Wear Shirts for Women: How to Choose a Shirt, Blouse or Tunic for Work

The right office shirt is one you can wear on a busy Monday and still feel comfortable in by evening. Women's office wear does not have to mean stiff fabric and tight cuffs. Here is how to choose between a shirt, a blouse and a tunic for work, with examples from the Miranda Preistly range.

The classic shirt

If you want a shirt that looks sharp with trousers, start with a collar and a clean placket. The Modern Ease Shirt has a classic collared neckline, a concealed button placket, full sleeves with a relaxed fit and a curved hem. The relaxed cut means it also works worn loose over jeans on casual Fridays.

The blouse

A blouse is the easiest step up from a plain shirt. The Cloud Ease Blouse has a sleek V collar, full sleeves and a relaxed silhouette, and pairs with both trousers and jeans. It is a good option when you want one top that moves from the office to dinner.

The tunic

Tunics are longer, so they suit women who prefer more coverage or want something that sits comfortably over trousers or leggings. The Poise Drape Tunic has a V-neckline with contrast piping, a mandarin collar, three-quarter sleeves and waist pleats for a flowy silhouette. The Whisper Tunic has a sleek mandarin collar, a minimal button placket and three-quarter sleeves with a relaxed fit.

What to check before you buy

  • Neckline: a collar or mandarin collar looks the most formal; a V-neck is softer.
  • Sleeve length: full sleeves suit air-conditioned offices, while three-quarter sleeves are easier for desk work.
  • Fit: relaxed cuts are comfortable on long days, but check your bust, waist and hip measurements first.
  • Fabric: a lightweight woven fabric is easier to wear through a full workday than a heavy one.

Choosing your size

Our size guide lists bust, waist, hip and shoulder measurements in inches for sizes S to 3XL, so you can pick your size before you order. Every order ships within 48 hours.

Shop the range

Browse all our women's tops, blouses and tunics, or see the full collection.