Flouncing back: Nine ways to wear billowy, autumnal blouses

"After years of oversized shirting, it’s refreshing to see its romantic brethren getting some shine. In fact, that’s the key to pulling off this look without going full tilt: delicate and diaphanous materials that allude to femininity."

Thu, 26 Sep, 2024 - 02:00

Annmarie O’Connor

Fashion’s got a new muse. Meet the Chloé girl: the French Maison’s inspiration for autumn/winter chic.

Think revealing lace gowns draped with leather capes and gaucho-style knee boots; then, think again.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for my fantasy self, sashaying around the Tuileries gardens in fluid fabrics with undone hair and no makeup. I just don’t know how it would fare in the Tesco frozen food aisle of a Tuesday.

That’s why I’m opting for a billowy blouse—the happy medium of this seventies-inspired aesthetic. Here’s why.

After years of oversized shirting, it’s refreshing to see its romantic brethren getting some shine. In fact, that’s the key to pulling off this look without going full tilt: delicate and diaphanous materials that allude to femininity.

That said, wind machines are also perfectly acceptable, as is a high-speed hairdryer. But I digress.

The easiest way to style this season’s billowy blouse is by creating tension with materials like leather, suede, tweed or denim—something with heft in the weft.

Not only does this provide visual interest; it also prevents the look from veering into froufrou territory. If sheer isn’t your vibe, fear not.

Defaulting to a Scandi sensibility like a Pierrot-style collar or voluminous pussy-bow on modest cotton offers an adjacent sensibility.

The best bit? Key pieces to nailing this glossy gorgeousness are most likely in your wardrobe: wide-leg jeans, flared or leather trousers, a denim midi skirt, and a trench coat. Bonus points if you have that wind machine.

GET THE LOOK:

A model walks the runway during the Chloé Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

1. A model walks the runway during the Chloé Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)