When it comes to what to wear with flowy tops, there’s often a misconception that you need to balance them out with something fitted on the bottom half to avoid looking overwhelmed.

While that can be a good guideline to start with I decided to try something different.

Quote of the day: “You have power over your mind-not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius

Instead of the usual options, we’re challenging that idea of balance and going for bold looks.
You can pair a voluminous top with volume on the bottom and still create a chic, well-proportioned look.
The key lies in playing with textures, silhouettes, and accessories to create balance in unexpected ways.

We have created three stylish outfits to give you ideas of what to wear with flowy tops and voluminous bottoms.
The concept is the same on all three, yet we featured different clothing pieces to give you oodles of inspiration.

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There are many articles with tops styled for inspiration if you need more ideas.

• Summer blouse transformed
• Wearing a tunic with culottes
• When your shirt is too big

1. Charlotte: Wide Leg Jeans + Flowy Blouse

If there’s a match made in heaven, it’s the combination of a flowy blouse with denim. These wide-legged jeans have a wide leg style yet are not super duper wide. Originally you might only think of skinny jeans as what to wear with a flowy top.

Yet I believe you can wear both your flare jeans and wide-leg jeans too.

The Outfit:

Charlotte chose this pair of wide-legged dark denim jeans she has had for ages and ages. The jeans provide structure while still offering some volume, which balances out the breezy top perfectly. The pop of color in her blue shoes adds a playful touch, easily pulling the look together.

Why it Works:

• Structure & Dichotomy: While the jeans are more voluminous than a skinny pair of jeans, they still have structure because they are denim. This contrasts the flowy top which has pleats and ruffles which give off a feminine vibe. The jeans are a casual element and thus the yin/yang.
• Blues and Purples Together: The violet hue in the top and the light blue hue shoes tie the outfit together, creating a cohesive color story. The lightness of both elements bookends the outfit.
• Polished Accessories: The structured purse and minimal jewelry keep the look polished. The accessories don’t distract from the flowy elements but rather elevate the ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication.

This pairing of a flowy blouse and jeans is the epitome of casual elegance. It’s proof that you can absolutely go all-in on volume and still look refined.

2. Lesley: Maxi Skirt + Tunic Top

A maxi skirt with a flowy tunic top might sound like a lot of fabric, but when styled correctly, it’s boho-chic at its best. This pairing exudes a free-spirited vibe while keeping the outfit modern and flattering.

The Outfit:

The skirt adds plenty of volume, but the fact Lesley is showing some ankles and shoulders is helpful. The addition of a vibrant fuchsia scarf and matching accessories (hello, bag and bracelet!) adds a fun pop of color that makes this look not just chic, but lively and fun.

Insider tip: Lesley wore this elastic waistband maxi skirt up over her girls to make it midi length. You can see the original length from a birthday celebration post. Showing a bit of skin helps not to make your clothing feel overwhelming.

Why it Works:

• Contrast of Patterns and Solids: The solid, sheer flowy top balances out the bold polka-dot pattern on the skirt. The mix of textures and prints keeps the outfit playful while the neutral top provides a grounding effect to the eye-catching skirt.
• Playful Use of Color: The bright pink accessories (scarf, shoes, necklace, and purse) bring a pop of color that energizes the look. These additions tie everything together, preventing the black-and-white base from feeling too monochromatic and adding a youthful, fun vibe.
• Showing Skin: Wearing the skirt higher up than usual is key to this look not overpowering Lesley. Another aspect is that the flowy top is sheer and you can see through it in places.

This look is perfect for a lunch or dinner date when you want to feel comfortable yet stylish.

3. Pleated Shorts + Colorful Patterned Top

Faux leather shorts are one of those pieces that seem tricky at first, but when styled with the right top, they can create a bold, fashion-forward statement. By combining a colorful top with pleated shorts, you can create a striking look that plays with proportions in a fun and modern way.

The Outfit:

Texure, texture, texture is the idea behind this example of what to wear with flowy tops. The shorts continue the volume while allowing the top to shine.

Why it Works:

• Mix of Textures: The structured faux leather shorts contrast perfectly with the flowy, printed top. The soft, billowy fabric of the blouse brings a relaxed feel, while the faux leather shorts add an edge, creating a chic balance of casual and polished.
• Cohesive Color Palette: The warm orange, pink, and white tones in the top tie in nicely with the earthy brown faux leather shorts. This cohesive color scheme is further enhanced by the neutral cowboy boots, which pull the entire look together without competing for attention.
• Showing Skin: The idea of wearing shorts even though they are pleated and loose fitting, allows some skin to show which means the fabric isn’t overwhelming.

This look is perfect for an everyday look including running errands or attending an educational lecture.

Tips for Wearing Volume on Volume:

While the three of us played around with what to wear with flowy tops and didn’t include every trick in the book, here are things to keep in mind.

1. Define Your Waist: Whether it’s with a belt, a tucked-in top, or high-waisted bottoms, highlighting your waist helps create shape and prevents the outfit from looking shapeless.
2. Play with Texture: Mixing different textures—like pairing a flowy chiffon top with structured linen culottes—can add dimension and balance to an outfit.
3. Show Some Skin: When your outfit has a lot of fabric, it can help to show a bit of skin in strategic areas, like off-shoulder tops, ankle-length pants, or a deep V-neck. This prevents the look from feeling too heavy.
4. Proportions are Key: Keep an eye on the proportions of your top and bottom. If one is very billowy, balance it out with a slightly less voluminous piece, or add some structure with accessories.
5. Monochromatic Magic: Sticking to a monochromatic or tonal palette can help create a harmonious look, even when wearing lots of fabric. The continuity of color smooths out any areas where volume might feel overwhelming.
6. Have Fun with Footwear: Shoes matter! It’s not about just wearing cute shoes, the idea that your shoes can have personality and become a focal point is key.

Shop the Look:

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Final Thoughts

Wearing flowy tops doesn’t mean you’re limited to skinny jeans or fitted skirts. You can absolutely pair volume with volume and create a stunning, balanced look that feels modern and chic. It’s all about how you style it.
I think the three of us have shown great examples of unusual pairing for what to wear with flowy tops.

So, next time you pull out that breezy blouse, don’t shy away from pairing it with your wide-legged pants or full skirts—embrace the drama and make it your own!

In the end, fashion is about expressing yourself, and if you love the way volume on both halves looks, wear it with confidence. After all, confidence is the best accessory you can have!

Remember: Bring a personal twist to every outfit and embrace your unique style.

Photo credit: Rob Filogomo

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The post What To Wear With Flowy Tops-The Unusual Versions appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.

Jodie Filogomo Fashion Stylist

Jodie's Touch of Style showcases how it's never too late to look great including other older women and myself talking about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle issues.

As a retired dentist, Jodie takes her love of clothing and shopping and has come to find her superpowers in styling the same item in many ways. She is also a huge advocate for embracing our age and bodies. Getting old is a wonderful thing and learning to love ourselves while it happens is very freeing.

Looking great can happen no matter what age, shape or budget, as we show on Jodie's Touch of Style.