10 BLOUSES YOU’LL LOVE (IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE ME)
Just before my 40th birthday, I spotted the most amazing blouse I’ve ever seen. On a rack crammed amongst many others, it caught my eye and when I dug it out to give it a closer examination, it made me gasp in awe.
A gold metallic Stella McCartney number with a frilled neck and cuffed sleeves, it spoke to me in the way the most magic of clothing does! But, even in my favourite discounted shop, TK Maxx, it was still expensive for me.
I popped it back on the rack and left the store with my husband and children, only to keep thinking about it and talking about it for the next hour or so. In the end, because I think my husband got so cheesed off with me going on and on about it, I was encouraged to go back and at least try it on. So I did and whatdoyouknow, but it fitted perfectly. (Of course it did!) Naturally, I saw it as a sign from the universe that this blouse was simply made for me and so I took it to the till and coughed up the largest amount of money I’ve ever spent on a top. £100 to be exact.
It is, I have to tell you, a thing of sheer beauty. One of the most precious pieces that hangs in my carefully selected wardrobe. Plus I’ve already worn it twice so the cost per wear is coming down nicely. My husband exclaimed, “it really is just you in a blouse!” to which I smiled and had to agree and I’ve lost count of the compliments it’s already received.
I learnt my lesson a long time ago, never to walk away from a piece of clothing that I couldn’t stop thinking about it (and could afford, albeit at a push) and so I’m super thrilled that the blouse came home with me to hang in its rightful spot. I know I will wear it for donkeys’ years and I’ve no doubt that my daughter will be hankering to borrow it when she gets older too. I may even let her, if she’s lucky.
As you may have gathered from that little fashion tale, I adore a good blouse.
I love the femininity, the way in which they can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up with a skirt or smart pair of trousers and find them so much more comfortable to wear, than for example, the stiff white shirt that we are always being told we should own. (I’ve searched for years and I haven’t found one of those yet, which has given me even a mere fraction of the joy I always feel when I look at my gold 70’s inspired Stella McCartney piece.)
So with my affection for the blouse, always very much in mind, here are ten super blouses that I’ve spotted that I love and think you might too. Dress them up or dress them down. The choice is yours.
*Please note, this post contains one Amazon affiliate link – if you buy the blouse using the code I’ve provided, I’ll earn a few pence for recommending it to you. This is at no additional cost to you.*
Pink button shoulder satin blouse, £30 River Island. The fabulous Trinny Woodall has given the sister version of this top in white it’s claim to fame, but this version in pink is just as elegant.
Ecru dotted mesh blouse with bow, £25.99 Zara. So romantic, this one is already in my basket.
Ecru satin drape cropped blouse, £25.99 Zara. A beautiful classic satin blouse for those of you who like to show your midriff.
Black tweed detail blouse, £29.99 Zara. Chanel inspired and as perfect for a smart meeting at the office as it is for boozy drinks at a bar.
Leopard long sleeved blouse, £12.99 H&M. Leopard in my eyes is always a neutral and this purse-friendly, versatile blouse will go with anything.
Ivory lace insert blouse, £35, M&S. A wearable, subtle Victoriana blouse that will see you through the coming warmer months and nicely into early summer.
Black and gold selina striped sequin blouse, £40 (Reduced from £95) French Connection. A beautiful balloon-sleeved sequin classic that will stand the test of time.
Lantern sleeve gold metallic blouse, £19.99 •Amazon. An affordable, disco-tastic blouse for the evening. The sleeves alone make me swooooon.
Gingham sweetheart blouse, £32, Warehouse. A timeless piece with a stunning feminine neckline.
Ecru metallic fil coupé chiffon blouse, £128, BA&SH @ The Outnet. Pricey but worth it as you’ll wear it for years! (I couldn’t resist sharing this one as it reminds me so very much of my beloved gold blouse that inspired this very post.)
Which one is your favourite?! Let me know in the comments below. x
Wow that blouse is gorgeous! You’d never have forgiven yourself if you’d left it behind, it’s so beautiful! I bet you feel amazing in it too, gotta love TK Maxx, You just have to have the patience to look through the rails, there’s so many gems! xo
Makeup Muddle