The Romantic Blouse

Summer's Hero Piece

Hi friends,

I’m in a bit of a panic because I’m off to Spain in one week, and I still have so many loose ends to tie up before I leave. Nevertheless, the show must go on. The temperature on the Costa Brava is roughly the same as here in NY, but my mind is firmly on summer dressing. Just like New York, the weather in Spain can turn on a dime and become very hot.

I’m not one to let it all hang out when it gets hot. I rely on loose tops in lightweight cotton or linen. Nothing feels cooler, and it doesn’t cling to the body. This summer, I’m inspired by romantic blouses with billowy silhouettes and feminine adornments, much like the ones in the photos above.

When I worked at Oscar de la Renta, I loved the romance of the super luxe peasant blouses we would include in nearly every spring collection. They had a magical way of looking laid back, even in gorgeous silks laden with hand embroidery. I guess that stuck with me because I still love the look. The three pictured above are from the Spring 2000 collection, worn with silk taffeta skirts, but the look can easily translate to cottons and linens.

Peasant blouses are great to travel with because they can be worn with practically any bottom, from jeans to tailored pants or skirts. They can be dressed up or down and are even work-friendly. There is no shortage of great peasant blouses this year. Here are my favorites, and most are under $200. Clockwise from the top left: A salmon-colored organic cotton version. Someone, please buy this gorgeous blouse! If you’re a size IT 44 or 46, it has your name on it and is 70% off retail at The Outnet. The embroidery is beautifully done, and I love the tassels. From Ralph Lauren, a pale pink blouse in a luxurious cotton and silk blend. It also comes in white. Another from Ralph, beautifully tucked all around the neck. These illustrate just how adaptable they are with tailored trousers or jeans. Dôen knows how to execute the perfect peasant blouse, as seen here. Another great deal from The Outnet from Another Tomorrow, The gathers across the back give volume and an interesting detail from shoulder to shoulder.

Broderie Anglaise was developed in the 16th century and popularized in Victorian England. Holes are pierced into cotton or linen fabric with the edges satin-stitched over, creating intricate designs. It was originally done painstakingly by hand, but now sophisticated machines produce intricate work that was once very expensive to achieve. From left, on this white cotton blouse, the embroidery is reserved for the cuffs; also note the pretty shank buttons and loops. The embroidery runs down the sleeves and adorns the neck on this blouse from Me & Em. I love the linear design and boxy cut of this style from Sézane. I adore everything about this red style, and though I’m not a shorts person, I’m tempted by these.

Short Sleeves

The technique of this cotton lace tee was not so long ago very expensive. This striped top with scalloped edges is super cute. Bianca Jagger would love the Victorian feel of this lace-trimmed blouse that still keeps its cool.

Soft ruffles cascading around the neck and down the center front add a relaxed femininity to this long-sleeved brown blouse and short-sleeved white blouse with pintucks.

Add color with this navy blouse or fuchsia blouse. Both would look great paired with white or natural linen pants.

Tailored with a twist. If frills are not your thing, you can still get a romantic vibe with any of these. The plisse fabric of this tuxedo shirt makes it special, and it’s long enough to be worn as a beach cover-up. I’m crazy about this pink shirt with a drawstring waist, so chic. I’ve been eyeing this gathered shirt from COS. I have something similar to this black blouse, which I wear to death. Dress up jeans with this silk blouse that’s also solid for work or a night out.

Boxy silhouettes that cover the waistband work well with elastic waist pants. Style tip: always cover an elastic waist. Here are four prime examples from left: a cotton shirt with a pintucked bib, a black cotton top with lace insets, have it both ways with this sheer style with a solid bib, and a peasant blouse with floral appliqué.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!!! I’ll be celebrating with my girls today. They don’t know it yet, but they’ll be helping me put my apartment back together again.

Speaking of mothers; who ever said the mother of the bride or groom can’t be the chicest woman at the wedding, as these two ultra chic ladies demonstrate. I came across the photos on a Spanish wedding planner’s site. If you’re planning a wedding or attending one, it’s worth checking out.

Thank you for reading and supporting What Looks Good. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing with a free or paid subscription. I do a paid post every Thursday that gets more up close and personal, and I’ll be posting for six weeks from Spain. Hope you’ll join me! Please show the love with a like and leave a comment.

xxx Jolain

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