Web Exclusive - Girl's Blouse

Not so long ago considered old-fashioned, the blouse is back!

Words: Tracey Strange  Photographs: Belinda Merrie

Think puffed sleeves are only for the young? Think again. Like a tiny shoulder pad (not those ugly 80s monstrosities), a puffed sleeve can balance out hips or draw the eye away from an ample bottom half. Currently highly fashionable, puffed sleeves have been added to shirts, jumpers, coats and dresses this season so you won’t have trouble finding a shape and style you like. In some instances, the puff is subtle, in others – such as this stunning blouse by Karen Walker – it is exaggerated. If you aren’t a fan of attracting attention, choose a more modified version.

Karen Walker puffed sleeve floral shirt, $470, with Karen Walker checked skirt, $425.

Classic, elegant and chic, you can never go wrong with a spotted shirt... that is unless you have an extreme shape. Big spots on a tiny person are completely overwhelming; they will add additional bulk to a majestic bust. But most of us fall somewhere in between, making this classic but contemporary blouse a seasonal must-have. It would look great with jeans, fantastic under a plain black suit and elegant under a pinafore.

Lisa Ho spotted shirt, $519, at Browns. Skirt as before.

A boldly patterned blouse is a perfect way to add a little spice to your wardrobe. It’s the perfect power item, the shirt you put on for an important meeting or whenever you want to make a statement. Add the whimsy of a pussy-cat bow and you are set to turn heads in a sexy Margaret-Thatcher-at-the-top-of-her-game way.

Lisa Ho striped shirt, $695, at Maggie Potter. Skirt as before.

Feeling a little more feminine? Square necks are great for those with ample busts because they draw attention to collar bones, and hence away from the chest. This shirt is pretty but not so sweet that it looks girl-like. Team it with your favourite skirt – it works well with another pattern and with denim – or with wide-legged pants.

Karen Walker square-necked blouse, $395. Skirt as before.

You couldn’t help but look elegant in this embroidered silk blouse. Modest types could team it with a light camisole (or dark, both work equally well). This is the type of blouse that will always look better tucked in since wearing it out seems to go against its essential ‘properness’. But it doesn’t have to be tucked into the waist. It will look equally good with low-waisted jeans or pants.

Ashley Fogel shirt, $347, at Maggie Potter. Skirt as before.

For more ways with winter blouses, see the latest issue of NZ Life & Leisure. On sale now.

STOCKISTS

Lisa Ho, at Browns, 09 524 5966, and Maggie Potter, 09 379 4452
Maggie Potter, 09 379 4452
Karen Walker, stockists nationwide
Ashley Fogel, at Maggie Potter
Browns, 09 524 596