This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
I love the word blouses as it seems to describe what I think this garment should be; breezy, loose-fitting, cool, feminine, wafting in the wind. On the other hand, a shirt sounds like a more structured and fitted garment. So in the summer, I look to my blouses for a more flattering and forgiving top. You may want your blouses to cover you up but still look summery. Or you may layer your blouse over a tee-shirt so that it looks like a loose jacket. Whatever way you choose to wear your blouse, whether with skirts, shorts or trousers, it should be in a pretty fabric as it is the one garment that you can really indulge your feminine spirit.
When I put my blouses away at the end of summer, I know I will miss them as to me they are, together with my sun-dresses, my go-to-summer choice of wear. My blouse collection says holidays, heatwaves, happy times, relaxing with a sundowner. Long-sleeved to cover up but never tight as they must accommodate a cool breeze, short-sleeved or sleeveless but always with a pattern and colour, with the occasional plain white one.
I have chosen some blouses from just a few brands that may or may not still be in stock as many brands are moving into sale time, but I have tried to pick styles that will flatter our older shapes. So get clicking and browse these blouse collections as there are some charming ones out there.
RUFFLE NECK with Tie
GRACE wears red/white blouse from GHOST – click HERE
ANNABEL wears a cream flowery blouse from BAUKJEN – similar ones can be found here
Grace and I sometimes prefer to cover our necks, so this ruffle neck style with a tie, enabling you to wear it open or closed, is perfect. Many brands do similar ones, Me+Em for example have some fabulous styles, and these two from Ghost and Baukjen shout summer. Use code ANNABELGRACE15 for 15% off at Baukjen.
OVERSHIRT
These Romana blouses from Kettlewell colours are a relaxed fit. They are lightweight in a luxurious Tencel fabric, similar to silk, with a curved hemline and back pleat detail.
In this picture, we are both wearing them over a tee-shirt.
PUFFED SLEEVES
The puffed sleeve has made a bit of a comeback this season and gives a blouse a more formal look. It is so pretty and buttoned up it can cover a multitude of sins! Baukjen is an absolute emporium of pretty blouses in some beautiful prints. The white one is a broderie Anglaise print which makes it stand out from a plain white blouse. Use code ANNABELGRACE15 for 15% off at Baukjen.
JACKET STYLES
MIDDLE: from ESSENTIEL ANTWERP (past season), click HERE
BOTTOM: from ARTICHOKE COLLECTION, click HERE
The bottom blouse has been called GRACE, named after our very own Grace. Sarah, the owner of Artichoke, thought it had her name written all over it, and it certainly does suit her – bold and beautiful.
COVER UP
SLEEVELESS or SHORT-SLEEVES
TOP RIGHT & BOTTOM: ANTHROPOLOGIE – click HERE