The draped blouse is also called a “crossover blouse” or “fold front blouse”. The concept of the crossover “wrap” blouse is not new to us at all, and formfitting wraps are a classic style. Draped blouses, on the other hand, are like wraps on steroids because they are slouchy and oversized, which is perfectly in keeping with directional fashion. 

I love this shape of blouse, which reminds me a little of the way Audrey Hepburn wore her shirt back in the day. The loose drape is elegant, alluring, chic, interesting and playful. Their unstructured take on a classic looks fresh to my eye, as does the high-low hemline with banded front. The shape works particularly well on a broader shoulder line and shorter neck because broad shoulders fill out the silhouette, and V-necklines elongate the neck. It can also work well on a large bust, depending on the cut. It’s forgiving over the midriff and can be dressed up or down. 

The draped blouse lends itself well to the semi-tuck, and adds an unstructured integrity to structured bottoms. Wear it with a camisole, or lots of fashion tape! It’s breezy in hot weather and pretty versatile. Fab with dressy trousers, a pencil skirt, short shorts, and just about any pair of jeans. 

The unstructured integrity of the style is also its downside, making you feel shapeless and unattractive if your preference is to show off your shape. The front crossover flaps shift about because they are oversized and look slightly odd from the side. If you’re petite, you’ll probably need to wear a heel to balance out the long torso that this style creates. And there’s the “baring all” when you bend over unless you’re wearing a camisole. You can of course add structure to the silhouette by showing skin through sleeve scrunching and choosing a sleeveless option. But you’ll have to be at peace with the downsides if this shape tickles your fancy. 

I’m in and have the Funktional fold front blouse on order. I’ve fallen in love with the draped blouse style although I don’t hold out much hope for filling it out. My dainty shoulder line and long neck are not ideal for the silhouette, but the style I chose has a shirt collar so I’m hopeful. 

What’s your take on the draped blouse?

As the first day of the half yearly sale and the day of the week that I do the weekly roundup, today is really Nordstorm day on YLF. Here are some skirts and toppers that can be worn together in one outfit with a simple layering top. Add in a cuff for fun.

• Lucky Brand Moto Jacket (Plus): Casually hip, lightweight and versatile. Make peace with the crease. Nice fit. 
• Steve Madden Coloured Denim Moto: A colourful alternative to the denim jacket. Casual and happy. I vote yellow. 
• Carole Owl Bracelet: Wise and wonderful arm candy. 
• Vince Camuto Stripe Midi Tube Skirt: I love this boldly patterned graphic skirt. Fabulous length and a good fit, although it might run a little big. Wear it with the casual coloured moto. 
• Alex Evenings Chiffon Skirt (Plus): A dressy chiffon skirt has multiple personalities. Dress it down with a denim, bomber or leather jacket. Or dress it up with a tux jacket. 
• Kelly Wearstler Keyhole Cuff: A cuff with a cut out makes for an interesting effect.

We’ve seen the bulk of Spring and Summer 2013 collections. There will be a few more dribs and drabs, lots of beachwear, and ample end of season sales on the horizon for June. Fall collections start hitting stores in July and August. 

The Spring and Summer retail season is coming to an end and Fall collections will start hitting stores in July. Nordstrom’s end of season sale starts today and these are my top picks from the current crop of clothing, footwear and accessories. 

Clothing

• Rag & Bone Knit Raglan Pullover: Crisp, lightweight, fab high-low hemline and ever so slightly sporty. Check out the back detail.
• A.L.C Kirkham Silk Dress: A flowing sack frock for Team Legs. Loving the pockets. 
• Tracy Reese Jacquard & Leather Moto Jacket: A beautifully tailored mixed media piece that will take you into Fall. 
• A.L.C. Jasper Print Silk Pants: Wear them with sandals now, and with booties for Fall. 
• Smythe Graffiti Print Puff Sleeve Blazer: An impeccable lined linen jacket that runs small. It’s a Smythe. Enough said.
• Haute Hippie Contrast Lapel Silk Blazer: A white tux jacket has a high longevity factor. Dress it up or down. 
• Bailey 44 Picasso Faux Leather Trim Cold Shoulder Top: Alluring, yet covered. The leather trim is fun, as are the different colours for back and front. 
• Milly Organza Hoodie: Sci-fi fun over a white tank and just about any bottom. Fashion forward and sporty. 
• Rachel Roy Print Skirt: Retro. Great with a belt, but it’s still a poufy skirt so consider yourself warned. 
• Karen Kane Spot Cascade Faux Wrap Dress: A classic frock with a rare short sleeve.
• Leith Tattered Stripe Sweater: Adorable over a skirt. Here’s the earthy colourway. 
• Truehitt Tie Dye Crewneck Sweater: More arty than boho, and super soft. 
• Casual Studio Pleat Front Sheer Print Blouse: A fresh pattern that’s super over white jeans. Feminine and lightweight. 
• Bailey 44 King Tut Draped Ombre Top: A little clingy, but also gorgeously drapey. Warrior meets Grecian Princess.
• Classiques Entier Cowl Neck Stretch Silk Blouse: Pretty pattern placement and fab under a jacket for the office. 
• Michael Kors Pleated Print Blouse: A swingy top that’s roomy in all the right places. The back smocking detail is as pretty as the front.
• Robert Rodriguez Silver Laminated Cardigan: Sci-fi fun with a relaxed edge. Sweet layered over a sheath dress. 
• Marni Large Dot Print Pencil Skirt: Gorgeously graphic. It’s A-line so you’ll probably feel most streamlined wearing it with a tucked top.

Footwear

• Tildon Astoria Oxford: Works for a wider foot, and is pretty comfy. But it’s very flat and I vote add a cushioning insole. 
• Isaac Mizrahi Grisel Pump: A fab metallic pointy toe kitten heel with extra texture. Very comfy. Also in natural and black.
• Stuart Weitzman Hurrachtee Sandal: Dainty, low heeled and versatile. Soft straps and quite comfy.

Accessories

• Milly Tribal Canvas Clutch: Sport a pattern in an accessory if wearing patterned clothing isn’t your thing.
• R&J Kennedy Tote: A super travelling companion. Black is practical but the lemon ice is much prettier! 

Lots more to browse and shop if these items don’t tickle your fancy. 

There is something fabulously fun, feminine and carefree about soft, loose items that move as you stride, whether it’s in the form of a flared midi skirt that swooshes against your legs, or these trousers pictured here. They look fab when you’re standing still, but they look sensational in motion. The visual effect is casually chic and elegant. 

Soft wide trouser outfits look fab when there are hints of structure in the outfit. So show some skin by scrunching sleeves, wearing lower necklines and tailored sandals, or baring your arms. Create further structure by wearing a formfitting top or tucking in a looser top. And if you’re going to wear a looser untucked top, wear one with a high-low hemline, a banded bottom, or cropped length.

When the fabrics are lightweight and breathable these outfits are a very practical way to get breezy coverage in warm weather.

I don’t wear wide and loose trousers because I can’t handle the excess fabric flapping around my feet and ankles. And when I walk fast, the flapping is hectic. So I prefer to wear soft flared midi skirts to create that same happy and romantic feeling of outfit movement. But I do adore these simple, unstructured wide trouser outfits on others. How about you?