Blouse under a jumper: how to wear a jumper over a blouse

The easiest way to wear a blouse under a jumper is with a loose jumper with a round or V-neck, letting the collar, cuffs and hem of the blouse peek out. The blouse should be thinner than the jumper so the layers lie flat.

A jumper over a blouse is one of the simplest layered looks for autumn and winter. It turns a summer blouse into a piece for cold days and works for the office as well as the weekend. Here you can read which blouse goes under which jumper, what to do with the collar and how the hem can look.

Jumper over a blouse: which combination works?

• Fine blouse under chunky knit. The contrast between light fabric and thick knit is the classic. Muslin, cotton or viscose lie flat under the jumper.
• Fine jumper over a blouse. A thin knit jumper with a V-neck looks neat and suits the office.
• Loose blouse under a loose jumper. This works if the jumper is shorter or tucked in at the front, so the look does not get too voluminous.

You will find jumpers for layering among the knit jumpers and airy blouses among the muslin blouses.

Which neckline works best?

Round neck. The blouse collar lies over the jumper. This looks neat and is the best-known version.

V-neck. The collar and part of the button placket stay visible. This creates a narrow line at the neck.

Wide or off-shoulder neckline. Here the blouse shows at the shoulder and neckline, with the jumper sitting casually over it.

Turtleneck. Rather unusual over a blouse. It is easier to wear the blouse open like a jacket over the turtleneck jumper.

Collar, cuffs and hem: what should peek out?

Three spots make the layered look. You do not have to show all of them, one or two are enough.

• Collar. Laid over the neckline or tucked underneath. A round collar looks playful, a pointed shirt collar classic.
• Cuffs. One or two centimetres above the jumper cuff look intentional. Wide blouse sleeves can also be folded over the cuff.
• Hem. A strip of blouse under the jumper lengthens the top. For a calmer look, tuck the blouse into the waistband.

Which colours go together?

Tone on tone looks the calmest, for example a cream blouse under a beige jumper. White under colour looks fresh and goes with almost any jumper. If you like more contrast, pair a dark blouse with a light jumper.

Patterns work when only one piece is patterned: a blouse with dots or leopard print under a plain jumper, or a striped jumper over a simple blouse. You will find jumpers in many colours among the jumpers & cardigans.

Knitted waistcoat and sweater vest over a blouse

A knitted waistcoat or sweater vest is the lighter form of the layered look. The blouse sleeves stay fully visible and the upper body gets a second layer. This works indoors and on days when a full jumper is too warm. More ideas are in the guide How to style a knitted waistcoat.

Three outfits with a blouse and jumper

For the office. White blouse, fine beige jumper with a V-neck, tailored trousers and loafers.

For every day. Muslin blouse, chunky round-neck knit jumper, jeans and boots. Collar over the jumper, hem slightly visible.

With lace. Lace long-sleeve top under a knitted waistcoat, with jeans or a skirt. More in the guide Autumn outfits for women.

Matching pieces in the shop: Blouses and Oversized jumpers.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a blouse under a jumper?

Yes. The easiest way is a thin blouse under a loose jumper with a round or V-neck. The collar, cuffs and hem can peek out.

Which jumper goes over a blouse?

A jumper cut a little wider than the blouse, with a round or V-neck. Chunky knit looks casual, fine knit more suited to the office.

Collar over or under the jumper?

Both work. Over the jumper the collar looks neat and playful, underneath the look is calmer and only the hem or cuffs add an accent.

Should the blouse show at the bottom?

That is a matter of taste. A narrow strip of blouse under the jumper looks casual. For a calmer look, tuck the blouse into the waistband.

Which blouse is good for layering?

Thin blouses made of muslin, cotton or viscose, because they lie flat under the jumper. Styles with a striking collar or sleeves that stay visible work well.