16 reasons why you shouldn't settle for a blah blouse

You always talk about 'showpiece' necklines, and while I know I need to stop wearing the same boring button-up shirts and scoopneck tops week in and week out, when I'm in a store and actually searching for something, I'm always at a loss. Exactly what qualifies [as a showpiece neckline]?

I may not be qualified to offer advice on true bargain hunting.

I'm probably not the girl to whom you should come for an all-sizes-are-equally-beautiful pep talk.

And I'm definitely not fashion-forward enough to recognize (much less understand) the obvious brilliance behind the denim-n'-stars extravaganza Lagerfeld and Pilati sent down their runways in Paris last Fall.

But as John Rambo sagely imparted in First Blood and reinforced in installments two through four, one must not permit one's weaknesses -or outside reminders thereof- to detract from exercising one's strengths. He had his cross-bow, and I, well, I have the ability to identify, locate and put forth for my readers a flat-out fabulous collection of showpiece necklines.

Necklines, they're kinda what I do best.

In the office, there is far less we can do below the belt than above; the range in cut and color for professional trousers and skirts is so very narrow, and thus, I greatly encourage you to look beyond the traditional oxfords and twin-set shells to consider any one of the following 16 varieties.*

Maybe not the last one, however, as its extreme volume tests even my sky-high tolerance for frill.

Enjoy.

Petite cowl
($36.50 at asos.com)

Large cowl
($275 at net-a-porter.com)

Petite pleat
($34.99 at gap.com)

Large pleat

($330 at bergdorfgoodman.com)

Textured
($276 at chickdowntown.com)

Fancy trim

($130 at pinkmascara.com)

Overlay

($128 at activeendeavors.com)

Bateau

($89 at nordstrom.com)

Petite bow

($251 at shopbop.com)

Medium bow
($160 at revolveclothing.com)

Large bow
($228 at saks.com)
Slouchy turtleneck
($17.80 at forever21.com)

Petite neck-framing frill

($89, Club Monaco stores)

Large neck-framing frill
($276 at lisakline.com)

Down-front frill

(£25 at topshop.com)

Asymmetric down-front frill
($1,110 at neimanmarcus.com)

*remember, I'm not so much recommending the specific blouse as I am the type of neckline each blouse represents.