Different Types of Blouses
Blouse is a type of shirt worn by girls or women that covers from the neck to waist or hips. It is usually made of fancier-looking fabric and is more tailored than simple knit tops or t-shirts. It may also contain feminine details like ruffles or a tie collar.
Blouses can be dressed up with pencil skirts or PU leather jeans but can also be worn casually with a loose pair of shorts. The best shoes to wear with blouses are classy heels or elegant pumps.
Basic Blouse
The basic blouse is a versatile wardrobe staple. It can be paired with a suit for a formal look or jeans for a casual outfit. It is often adorned with accessories such as lace, beads, buttons, or frills. The blouse can also be secured with a zipper, hook and eye closures, or cording.
Choose a pattern that you like and follow the instructions to draft the pattern pieces. Use the fabric of your choice for the blouse. It is best to work with soft, woven fabrics, especially ones with some drape, as this will give the blouse a more feminine appearance.
For example, a blouse made with rayon twill or silk is more appropriate for a more formal occasion than one made with cotton. Similarly, a blouse with a flounce or drape at the front will be more flattering in a flowing fabric than one that is tightly fitted.
After drafting the front and back pattern pieces, mark the side seams on each with a ruler or sewing tape. It is important that the side seams match on both the front and back pieces, or the blouse will hang unevenly. If you are constructing a sleeveless blouse, consider adding a small dart at the armhole to remove gaping. If the blouse is fitted, follow the waist dart of the bodice block, but do not make it as wide as the front waist dart.
Swing Blouse
The swing blouse has a wide flounce in the back which flares out from the waist blouse with 3/4 length kimono sleeves. The top is made in crinkled cotton polyester and has a round neck with bronze button fasteners crossing over at the back. Its raw hem finish adds to the relaxed look of this top and makes it perfect for summer!
This top has a turn back cuff and a bias check front pocket. With the inverted back pleat and front sleeve turn-back this blouse is very flattering and easy to wear. Pair it with skinny jeans or pants and a long sleeved knit to create an easy casual outfit or layer it over your favourite shirt for winter.
For a more formal event these blouses pair well with tailored bottoms such as suit pants or a pencil skirt. They can be tucked in or French tucked and work particularly well with bottoms that feature colours featured in the print of your blouse. We have customers who buy our prints and match them with our matching trousers to create a full printed set for events.
To make this top you will need the basic blouse block and a fabric of your choice. We recommend a lighter weight woven fabric such as linen, linen blends, cotton chambray or Indian handweaves and block prints. Viscose is another option which shows colours wonderfully and drapes like silk. You could even try a silk crepe de chine if you want to add a touch of luxury to your blouse!
Date Blouse
When it comes to date night outfits, a pretty blouse is the blouse perfect option for making a good impression. Whether you’re going to a nice restaurant or bar, this blouse can be dressed up or down based on the occasion. Pair it with a cute skirt or dress for a smart and elegant look. If you’re on a first date, you can add some statement earrings and heels for a more formal look.
Women who are apple shapes may want to wear blouses that accentuate their shoulders or neckline, while those who are pear shaped will want to avoid voluminous sleeves and choose fitted tops instead. For those with an hourglass figure, a fitted blouse can help them accentuate their waist.
This silky Mauve silk blouse is a gorgeous option for a date night outfit. It is under $100 and comes in many colors giving you lots of options to choose from for your first date outfit inspiration.
Event Blouse
The event blouse is a unique option for a special occasion or day out. It’s dressy and fun, yet not too revealing or showing anything you might regret on Monday morning. For a more casual look, this embroidered blouse can be worn to an outdoor music or art festival with a pair of cut-off shorts and a bandana. This gives the blouse a look that is gypsy, artsy, and romantic. It’s also a great option for a brunch date, meeting the in-laws, or going to your nephew’s baptism.
Liv by Habitat’s Event Shirt is made of crimped Crepe de Chine fabric in blue green abstract paisley with three quarter length sleeves and classic pointed collar. It is soft crinkled and fits over the hips with a relaxed fit.