Gorgeous top on you Carol and so fun for the summer! You recently posted about a number of pant options, I’d try this lovely top on with them as well!

Lovely blouse, fabulous colors!
a couple of questions…the sleeves seem to be ruched which could make layering harder, is that a concern? This is long sleeved and it seems like you wear a lot of sleeveless, how long is your actual long sleeved, but not a sweater, season?
I personally would probably only wear this with white pants, and I’d be ok with that, you may feel differently. I would not buy something like this intending to try to buy bottoms to go with it. One of the best lessons i have learned here is not to buy items that need something else to complete them…either i can wear the item with what I already own, or i leave the item behind. of course YMMV

I think this blouse might possibly be where you’re going rather than where you’ve been? It doesn’t have to be a workhorse to deserve a place in your closet, and the fit looks good to me. Love it with the white bottoms. Jeans would work, of course. How about tan? I think you have an old pair of gap bottoms that might work (if they fit). Does your new orangish topper work with it?

Thanks, Star -- I think that's where I lean with this - not something I'd wear daily, but would be nice to have the option when I want something punchy and pretty.

Yes, Janet -- I used to wear a LOT more colour than I have in recent years. While I have picked up plenty of neutrals for this summer, I've also picked up some punchier items, including this blouse. And only ONE black item -- a tank top. Just in case!

Thanks, Stag -- I know it won't likely get use for parts of the year, but I don't know if it will be a deal breaker. I just like the colour too much. Hadn't considered yellow, but if it was a strong enough version it could be interesting and work with other things in my closet.

Vildy -- It's worth looking into!

Thanks, unfrumped. Yes, some of these items are on my wish list -- I'd snap up the right burgundy or red pants. I'd like a green pant. While my life is pretty casual, I think it would be useful to add one or two pairs of slightly dressier summer pants. I tried on a couple the other day that got me thinking, but I couldn't find my fit... I think I have enough to get me started, and that other pieces I hope to add will broaden this blouse's horizons. I sometimes do similar "retail research" -- great idea!

Many thanks, merwoman. Most of those pants are a bit too unstructured for this blouse, but, if I am able to keep the YFB dark navy linen, I think I could pair it with those. (I have to drop just a few more pounds for those pants to be comfortable, but I think I'm going to get there.)

kkards, the sleeves are ruched, but so lightweight that it's not a factor for layering. My actual sleeved season is pretty short, so I don't need many of these (I probably don't really even NEED this one). I also don't want to leave it sitting in my closet while I wait to find its soulmate. I think this could work with other things that are on my shopping list but it could function for me tomorrow if I needed it to, so that's good news.

You're right, Carla -- It's more where I am going, and a bit of a return to where I was before the "all black wardrobe" years. The tan Gap bottoms sort of fit (a bit saggy in the seat), but worth a look. You gave me an idea re the topper and a pair of pants I bought to go with another new top -- will add a photo shortly.

So, maybe. I bought these pants because I liked them with this Nanette Lepore shell and the new topper. I hadn’t considered them for this blouse.

Yes, on the hanger it works.

Thanks, Star. I'll work up the energy to try it on later, but the hanger was a quick and easy "proof of concept".

I love this blouse with white jeans. Faded denim would also look great. Carla put it so well, and I will think more about that for my fashion journey.

It’s lovely with white. I also like the idea of light blue. I got a pink and orange top for my mother for her birthday (NYDJ). She likes wearing white pants, and I think it will make a nice summery outfit.

If you love it,keep it.You will find ways to make it work,orange is such a happy colour.

Thank you, Style Fan! I agree that Carla is both wise and articulate!

Inge, thank you! And I think you're right -- the navy YFB pants are the one linen pair I think would work -- they somehow strike me as less casual because they are more fitted through the hip, but the pockets may also contribute to that feel. They are a bit snug right now, but I'm hopeful that in five or six pounds I'll have the breathing room I would want to be happy wearing them.

Cardiff girl -- I love orange, and it isn't always easy to find, so I feel a bit compelled to grab it while it's available.

Jaileen -- thank you! That's another very pretty top!!

I really love the way you look in this top.
Goes very well with the white jeans.
I agree with FS that yellow would work too. Yellow jeans will provide a good amount of structure to complement the flies blouse. Carla’s suggestion of Khakis would work too but the shade of tan needs to light enough.
Hope you keep this item.

Thank you, madeline!

The hanger set looks fab! I like those trousers! Thanks for the ❤️.

Thank you, Carla -- and you're most welcome! I'd be a smidge happier with those pants if they had pockets, but the price, colour and pattern are ticking all the other boxes. I have been itching for a bit of subtle pattern mixing, and those pants are perfectly suited!

Thanks, VioletMyra -- I would probably choose between a pair of cognac sneakers, white sneakers or cream oxfords.

Fun, happy colours. Gorgeous blouse. Looks versatile, as it can probably be worn with--and bring life to--a bottom in any neutral.

Oh, yes . . . cognac sneakers for casual and cream oxfords (love those) for a bit dressier. Wonderful choices. Best wishes to all.

You’ve got some nice pieces to work with! I also agree with the comments about wearing the blouse with denim tones and white. Blue and white stripes?

Love those pants and love the subtle pattern mix it would provide! You can work with this for sure.

Re structure -- if you are showing some skin, that is also structure -- so a skirt or cropped pant (even if flowy) can work with a more flowy top (potentially) where one without bones/ skin showing would not work as well. I find this to be true for me, at least. Still -- my favourite outfits always seem to combine something crisp/ structured/ sharp with something "easier."

Sorry to be slow getting back to this.

Suz, interesting points. I think I would enjoy this blouse with a flowy pant -- that could be full length, or modern full length -- as long as it had some substance to it. Something with bit more substantial hand than the blouse, but not stiff or crisp. I quite like a languid look.

Sloper -- thanks. I don't have a blue and white stripe, but it's certainly another possibility.

Thanks, The Cat -- you're probably right. Maybe this colour is just so strong that it's beyond worrying about 'matching'.