There’s always been ruffle-y, romantic blouses around during Fashion Week. Certain labels like Chloe and Alice & Olivia have feminine, delicate tendencies built right into their DNA. But this season, the blouse is bigger than ever, with bigger ruffles and sleeves and necklines. The It Blouse of the moment is a cross between boho chic sensibilities and renaissance faire romanticism.
This is great for anyone who might feel bad about their arms or their neck (sound familiar?). It’s the rare opportunity in fashion when modesty is the whole point, so take advantage and don’t be afraid to go big.
The perfect example? Ralph Lauren’s high-neck, frilled blouse that kind of looks like something Judi Dench wore in Shakespeare in love. You can wear with high-waisted black trousers and a belt for high drama. Or play it down with straight leg denim and combat boots for your next night out.
Apiece Apart’s Nueva top is a more casual interpretation of the trend, which keeps all the frills but swaps out white cotton for blue chambray. Wear with light wash jeans for the updated Canadian tuxedo that’s less tomboy and more femme.
This black top from Anthropologie is a perfect way to subtly show a little bit of skin. We’d wear it right now with an oxblood leather skirt and slouchy calf boots. Later when the holidays roll around, go with a velvet pair of trousers and festive heels.
Sea’s puff cotton blouse combines the ruffles and romanticism of this trend with the very 80’s puff sleeve happening at the same time. We love with long, dark wash bootcut denim and a snakeskin boot for even more drama.
Shop our favorite romantic blouses below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.