“Tipping” is a form of colour blocking. It’s when the edges of a garment, like the bottom of a hem, the tops of pockets, the outlines of collars, and the centre front seam are tipped with fabric in a different colour. The contrast between the colours can be high or low and the border can be up to two inches wide. A black jacket with cream tipping is high contrast whereas a charcoal jacket with black tipping is low contrast. Both look equally fabulous to my eye.

Tipping is not to be confused with piping, which is a narrow chord of trim inserted into seams. Unfortunately, garment descriptions on retail sites sometimes use the word piping instead of tipping and it drives me batty. When I was studying fashion design and as a fashion buyer, it was important to recognize the differences between both techniques because the visual effects are quite different.

Jackets, skirts, dresses, coats, handbags and wallets lend themselves well to tipping. I love, love, love tipped jackets! Think preppy collegiate blazers and classic Chanel jackets and you’ll get the right visual in your mind. At the moment tipped jackets are not in fashion, but I believe that the classic look is still in style. Karl Lagerfeld would not continue to put tipped jackets into Chanel collections if he thought the look was dated.

I have a few tailored and fully lined tipped jackets, all several seasons old, that I wear frequently. I pop them over soft silky blouses, button downs or knitwear, throw on jeans, then add dressy shoes and accessories. I also like to swap out the jeans for denim Bermuda shorts as you can see in the picture below, just to add an unexpected and spunky touch. The outfit mix is an acquired taste, but I like the contrast between the dressy and casual elements in this ensemble. The same way I enjoy wearing my tailored tipped blazers with jeans and Converse sneakers.

This is not a business casual outfit because the bottoms are denim, but dressier Bermuda shorts would have worked too, as well as dress slacks, pencil skirts and some A-line skirts.  Dressy flats are another great alternative to the heels and I wear those with this type of look just as often.

I look at Patagonia’s sporty range of dresses because it usually includes styles that will interest some of my clients. Patagonia dresses are casual, affordable and easy to wash and wear — a win for many busy gals on the go.

I was disappointed with most of the collection this season. Many of the styles were ill-fitting and I was left thinking that Patagonia should stick to doing what they do best, that is, sports and outdoor gear. But then I happened along the “Kamala” dress and it’s a win. Good drape, handle, fit and price. I’ve had it on several body types and so far so good. Machine washable, comfortable and cotton -rich. It runs true to size and is available in both solids and patterns.

It works quite well for a fuller bust too. If you need extra coverage, then layer a Second Base camisole underneath. Great for casual hot days, or as a bathing costume cover-up. Super with leggings if it’s a little short.

Yes it’s a knit, and knits don’t last as long as wovens, but there is a place for knitted items in fashion and this frock is worth a try if you like the style.

By blouses I mean woven blousy tops. Blouses are often made of cotton, silk, viscose and rayon blends. Soft, feminine and pretty. I’m not referring to button down shirts or knitted tops, which are also fab, but in a different way.

I often have to stick up for blouses because they’re just not an item people gravitate towards. The laundering component puts people off because they’re not wash-and-wear. Blouses aren’t stretchy like a knit so no “cozy feeling”. They’re often perceived as dressy and overly delicate, which can be a drawback. Finally, they’re not perceived as hip.

Well, I hope to convince you otherwise if you’re not wearing blouses already. Here’s are five reasons that blouses are fab:

1. Blouses last much longer than knits: Woven fabrics look better for longer. Most knits pill and stretch out of shape whereas woven blouses hold their shape and luster for years.
2. Blouses create a more pulled together appearance: Even when blouses are casual, they tend to look more polished than knitted tops. Woven blouses are ideal for smart casual, business casual and business formal environments worn either on their own, or under a cardigan or jacket
3. Blouses are brilliant at concealing muffin top: Woven fabric does not cling like jersey knit. Instead it glides over the contour of a curve and provides great structure.
4. Blouses add instant textural interest: Blouses are usually made of more interesting fabrications than variations of jersey or stretch woven cotton. This is what gives them their instant appeal when matched with simple bottoms like jeans, slacks or a skirt.
5. Blouses are extra feminine: It’s as simple as that. Button down shirts have a masculine integrity while knit tops, although they can be feminine too, lack the character that a soft cascading blouse can provide.

I’m down to two knit tops in my wardrobe and don’t plan on adding any more (this is not to be confused with knitwear — I have loads of knitwear). They can be less practical than knitted tops, but I’ve made a style choice to stick to button down shirts and blouses because they suit my lifestyle and make me feel more pulled together. And at the end of the day, it’s all about how you feel in something, right?

Over to you. Do you like to wear blouses? If not, why not? Any chance I’ve caused you to rethink wearing blouses?

A selection of dressy blouses, both classic and fashion forward. There are countless style of blouses to choose from, so don’t let these particular styles put you off if they don’t suit your fashion persona.

In keeping with this morning’s post, here is one of my colour blocked pieces. It’s a black and cream mod-inspired frock that’s too short to wear on its own so I pair it with skinnies or leggings.

Colour blocked items make strong visual statements, especially when there is a high contrast between the colours that are being blocked. Personally, I like the strong statement, which is why I own the dress.

Usually I match this tunic dress with layered pearl necklaces. Sometimes I like to add a scarf instead of a necklace because it’s a soft flowing item that contrasts well against the rigid harshness of the colour block. An acquired taste for some, but I fancy the effect.

Although it is not a hard and fast rule, I generally stick to one colour blocked item per outfit. As much as I adore colour blocked shoes and handbags, the thought of wearing them with a colour blocked dress or top makes me dizzy.