For years, the white T-shirt was expected to do a lot of work. We wore it under blazers, with jeans, tucked into trousers and beneath every knit we owned. I am certainly not abandoning mine – that would be both dramatic and highly impractical – but lately I have found myself wanting tops with a little more personality.

Ruffles, lace, silk, bows, high necklines and beautifully exaggerated sleeves are slowly replacing some of the simpler pieces in my wardrobe. Perhaps it is a reaction to years of minimalism, or perhaps we are simply ready for clothes that feel romantic again. Either way, Pinterest has already given the mood a name: poetcore.

Poetcore is one of Pinterest’s major fashion trends for 2026, inspired by vintage tailoring, old libraries, romantic writers and the kind of outfits that look as though they belong in another decade. There are oversized turtlenecks, worn-in blazers, ties and leather satchels involved, but for me, the most beautiful and wearable interpretation of the trend is the poetcore top.

There is not one exact silhouette that qualifies as a poetcore top. It is more about a collection of details: a high ruffled collar, a pussy-bow neckline, puff or bishop sleeves, delicate lace, sheer silk, soft organza and fabric that moves beautifully when you walk. Some versions are very feminine and almost Victorian, while others are cleaner and more contemporary, with only one dramatic detail.

Chloé does this romantic, feminine mood exceptionally well. The house has always understood how to make a blouse feel soft and bohemian without making it look like a costume. The fabrics float, the sleeves have volume and there is usually something slightly undone about the styling, which keeps all that romance feeling modern.

Dôen offers a softer and more relaxed interpretation, with lace, embroidery, pretty necklines and blouses that look particularly beautiful with denim. Nili Lotan approaches the idea in a more polished way, using silk, neck ties and ruffles to create tops that can work just as easily with tailored trousers as they can with jeans. There are also plenty of beautiful interpretations available elsewhere, from very delicate lace blouses to simple silk shirts finished with an oversized bow.

I think this trend is appearing now because we have spent such a long time relying on very clean, simple basics. They will always have their place, but sometimes you want one piece that makes the entire outfit feel considered. A poetcore blouse does exactly that. You do not need complicated styling, a dramatic skirt and a vintage satchel to make it work. You can wear it with the most ordinary pair of jeans you own and suddenly the outfit has a point of view.

The easiest way to wear a poetcore top is to make it the focus of the outfit and keep everything else simple. A romantic blouse with straight-leg jeans, loafers and a structured bag is probably where I would begin. For something more polished, try a silk bow blouse with wool trousers and pointed shoes.

If the top has dramatic sleeves, ruffles or lace, avoid adding too many other details. Let the fabric and silhouette do the work, and choose a version you can immediately imagine wearing with pieces already in your wardrobe.

I have included my favourite poetcore tops below, from silk blouses and delicate lace to sheer fabrics, bows and romantic sleeves. Some fully embrace the trend, while others offer a more subtle way to wear it.

You do not need to dress like a nineteenth-century poet to take something from this trend. One beautiful blouse worn with jeans or simple trousers is enough to bring a little romance back into an everyday wardrobe.

READ MORE:

Deep Purple Colour Trend for Fall 2026

The Best High-Street Pieces Under £200

Balloon Trousers VS Barrel Jeans