Lately, I’ve been seeing an uptick in frilly, awe-inspiring pieces from fashion outlets. Things like ruffled baby doll dresses and twirl-worthy skirts, which, personally, I’ll take the latter but leave off the former. This also means that Victorian-era-inspired tops are semi-trending. Of course, dainty statement blouses have always been around, but the current offerings have a more vintage vibe and aren’t just rendered in frills and lace. Here’s a rundown of some Victorian blouses out there and how to wear them.
First up, there is the modern, yet romantic take of this trend of blouses with embroidery, puffed sleeves, and high collars like Mango’s 100% Cotton Blouse with Floral Embroideries with delicate pearl-esque buttons. The mini-pleated edges of the collar and cuff feel quite prim and proper and make for an interesting contrast when paired with a more casual bottom like jeans or corduroys. A navy or chocolate brown cord with a more vintage-feeling blouse and blazer feels very English Countryside this time of year.
Another take on the romantic aspect of Victorian tops, but a bit less buttoned-up than high-collar options, are ruffled shorter-sleeved blouses like the Lauren Conrad Ruffle Front Blouse with Tucks available at Kohl’s. This blouse purports to feature an adorably flirty ruffle front and flattering tucks. The shorter sleeves are also ruffled, and the hem length of this shirt allows it to be worn loose or tucked depending on your preference. Since “flirty” is the name of the style game for this blouse, I’d style it with more traditionally masculine or neutral pieces to, again, create interesting contrast. I’d tuck this blouse into a pair of tailored trousers and wear with loafers. However, if romance is in the air for you this fall, then go ahead and pair this with a floral maxi skirt and ballet flats.
For a more “homespun” take on this trend (looking at you, Little House on the Prairie reboot), there’s Zara’s Embroidered Smocked Blouse with a round neck, long sleeves, and ruffle-trimmed shoulders. The smocked bodice creates a peplum-style ruff, and the rick-rack detailing gives it a homemade feel. To avoid a too-precious look, you can wear this top with barrel-leg jeans to create an unexpected silhouette and a sling-back kitten heel. This blouse also pairs well with anything high-waisted, with the peplum ruffle along the hem to create a bit of a flare shape.
If you’re interested in a more boho take on Victorian blouses, there’s Free People’s First Crush Lace tunic in ivory. Granted, the drop-waist silhouette plays more to 1920s versus 1890s style; however, the ruffled long sleeves, lace choker-style neckline, and scalloped hem keyhole feature walk the line between flapper and “angel in the house”. You could wear this tunic as a top; however, I’m seeing this as a mid-layer worn under a strapless dress so that the lacy sleeves and neckline become the start of the show versus the peekaboo lace of the bodice. There’s also the brand’s Salone eyelet top again in ivory that looks straight out of the Anne of Green Gables miniseries from 1985, in a good way. The eyelet embroidery, scallop trim, and smocked back make for a relaxed yet fitted silhouette with a knowingly vintage charm. This top pairs with a cropped black trouser for a charming workwear look, or wear with a casual drawstring pant for weekend brunch.
Most of the options out there are white or ivory; however, a patterned blouse like Torrid’s Festi Ruffle Neck Tiered Top with its burgundy and black paisley print also speaks to the Victorian trends. It features long bell sleeves and a double ruffle hem with shirring that fits the bill for frills, while the paisley makes me think of 19th century upholstery, again in a good way. You can maintain the Victorian feel when wearing a midi-length black skirt and black boots. Or go a different vintage route with bell-bottom jeans and cork-soled wedges.
Lastly, there’s the Historical Emporium, which sells recreations of vintage style and touts the quality is “suitable for movie, TV, or theatrical productions, living history and performing arts requirements.” Which I take to mean they look vintage but hold up to some wear and tear, unlike true vintage pieces. For blouses, they have a Florence Lace Blouse in white featuring a floral crochet along the pleated front and sleeves with a band collar topped by a ruffle. This definitely can, and should, be styled with modern pieces to avoid costume territory. So, bust out a statement pant and a pop-of-color shoe for a vintage-inspired-but-modern outfit. I also like their Pinstripe Blouse in black and white. This is a more severe style, no lace or ruffles; however, the high collar and puffed sleeves speak to the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras. This buttoned blouse could be swapped with any standard button-down outfit for an old-timey take on a current-day look.
No matter your Victorian blouse source, one of the reasons folks are drawn to the flirty tops right now is because they are the perfect yin to the yang of casually cool bottoms. Whether it’s a pair of loose-fitting barrel-leg jeans, drawstring trousers, or corduroys, a romantically vintage top balances out those boyishly cool pieces. So, if you’re thinking about having a whimsically chic fall, look for tops with subtly sheer fabrics like lace, frills, ruffles, embroidery, and voluminous sleeves.
