A Nice Top and Jeans

jeans and a cute top? groundbreaking. five fresh ideas on how to update this classic outfit recipe.

When was the last time you felt a thrill putting on a-nice-top-and-jeans combo?

Yeah…me too. It got me wondering — where have all those “nice tops” vanished to? I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, but somehow over the past few years, cute tops and blouses seem to have quietly slipped out of my wardrobe rotation. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how and why that shift occurred…

But this season, I can’t help but notice this undeniable feminine energy in the air, and it’s all coming from two major trends: boho and ladylike dressing. At face value, you might think these styles are complete opposites, but they’ve found common ground in one key piece — the blouse.

Chemena Kamali has undoubtedly put the blouse back in the spotlight. In her debut as Chloé’s Creative Director, this iconic garment was the cornerstone of her collection. Kamali continued to emphasize the blouse’s importance in her sophomore collection, showcasing its versatility through various interpretations. We saw diaphanous tops crafted from delicate guipure lace, as well as voluminous baby doll silhouettes in silk charmeuse, paired with matching bloomers and flowing skirts.

image via Elle

While Kamali’s collection championed a fresh take on boho chic, there’s also a noticeable trend towards refined elegance with subtle vintage influences. This was particularly evident in the FW’24 collections from Prada, Khaite, and Dries Van Noten.

The blouse’s revival spans these diverse style directions and solidifying its status as a key piece for the coming seasons. At NYFW, Alaïa and Toteme took the lead, presenting refined interpretations of this quintessential garment for SS’25. We saw elegant pieces crafted from sculptural poplin, voluminous silk taffeta, and delicate silk georgette. I love observing how this single item of clothing can seamlessly transition between free-spirited boho and a more polished, sophisticated aesthetic.

Toteme SS’25 (Image via)

The versatility of the blouse allows it to serve as a chameleon in our wardrobes, effortlessly adapting to various style POVs and occasions. Whether you’re aiming for a relaxed, bohemian vibe or a more elegant, put-together look, the revived blouse seems poised to become the versatile MVP of our closets once again.

Now onto the looks!

Five fresh ways to wear the nice-top-and-jeans combo

silk shirt* // wide leg jeans // pumps // suede tote (alt) // sunnies // earrings

Style notes: If your trusty oxford has been working overtime, give it a well-deserved break (and maybe a spa day at the dry cleaners.) Instead, reach for a silky button-up — I’m obsessed with this striped silk top Frame sent me, and now I want it in other colors. Leave the shirt untucked over wide-leg jeans, with just a hint of pointed toe peeking out. It gives you that put-together-but-not-fussy vibe that works for so many occasions.

As far as color combos, navy and burgundy are always a winning duo in my book — bonus points if you play with different textures. A suede tote paired with patent leather pumps brings depth to your outfit without trying too hard. If you want to take texture play to the next level, tie a burgundy knit over the shoulders to round out the look.