Novelty blouses: short lifespan?

I have had some success juxtaposing more feminine toos with my array of pants which are by nature more classic ans footwear which might run more masculine ( loafers, for example. ). But not super frilly. Mostly I wear knitwear because mostly do not tuck.

Since Springbhad spring I do have the urge for color and crisper patterns.
I came across this blouse at BR. I'm more if a berry fan than blue, but these stripes are an interesting multi shadings of almost black to blues and are " interrupted " in an unusual pattern. Then there are the little dangly things and the tie. I didn't at first realize there were sewn- on bits; I thought it was ruffles! The sleeves aren't big bells but are ? fluted and yet can be turned up. They're fun and not too long and better than a button cuff.
So, I think it's "pretty" and so fresh- looking but really- it would seem to be a one- season wonder. Also is polyester which can be seasonally- confused for me. Plus I want to wear it tails out which coukd tender it only for outside of work.

The other top that's like my skirt fabric was sold out except M , which is too big, but now back in stock. I could re- order but not sure I want to fight the _\}
What do you think about " unusual " shirts and blouses- do you get enough wears from them or are they mainly space- wasters?

Banana Republic

Easy Care Stripe Flutter Shirt

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8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I'd get a lot of wear out of this top. But I have had ruffle tops that turned out unwearable. Involving ruffles from shoulder to waist, that also formed the sleeves...

Anonymous

If you really love an unusual piece and how you look wearing it, it will get worn and have longevity in your wardrobe. That is how I feel about a couple of kimono-inspired tops. One is silk and one is linen and both are colorful with prints.
Consider any difficulty with cleaning or ironing with an unusual shirt or blouse. That can keep you from reaching for it. For me, a polyester top has to be very versatile and flattering to stay long in my closet. I tend to hold on to the ones that work well as part of a travel capsule because the fabric usually does not wrinkle and can be washed in a sink and dry overnight.

Barbara Diane

If I love it, I wear it. And if I don't, I don't.

Bijou

I honestly find that it is my more basic shirts that I wear less than the statement ones. I recently bought a three shirts, ivory, black and a black floral with a pussy bow, thinking that the last one would be the least worn. Well in fact, I have probably worn the floral one about 4 times more than either of the other two. It is more fun and I feel fab when wearing it.

My novelty blouses generally make me smile and stick around for the long haul. That's a really pretty top.

Sara L.

I think it's a great top and for me it would last several seasons. Fashion trends move slow where I live, so I don't usually worry too much about how long a trend will last. I'll probably get bored with an item before it's out of date.

Meredith

I think adding a trendy, unique top each season is a good way to keep your wardrobe fresh and modern, but I sympathize with the concern about longevity. For pieces like this I usually ask myself if I'm willing to wear the heck out of it for a season. For me, that would mean wear it at least every other week. If yes, I feel that is a reasonable amount of wear and feel okay wearing it only occasionally the following season (or donating). I don't want churn like this with all my tops, but I can tolerate it for 1-2/season. It's a really nice top and I might have to try it myself.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SURE. Why not. We often like them more than the basic styles. I see no issue with longevity at all.

I've been doing this too. I have a handful now of "novelty blouses" (which is the perfect term, by the way) that I wear when I want to dress up my jeans, or with my work pants to create a more fashion-aware look. They are all variations on a theme (bell sleeve, print, boxy cut, silk y, printed) and I do realize I might not see them in the same light next year, but they really serve a purpose and are breaking me out of my t-shirt rut. I'm not spending much on any of them - in fact I think they are all from BR or indie boutiques and bought on sale.

Beth Ann

I think bold pieces are often hard to predict -- Are they statements or orphans? I think the best thing is to create outfits with this top right away. Then, if the outfits make you feel wonderful, you've got a keeper. If you lose interest after a year, but have enjoyed it thoroughly before that, I don't think it's a waste.

BTW -- a feminine pinstripe is a perfect choice for your style!

Have you ever looked at Joie blouses? Many are very floral and flouncy, but the more tailored designs, like the Deon and Peterson B, seem very work appropriate while still feminine. They also have graceful rounded hems that are pefect for wearing untucked.
And yes, I realize they retail at a very high price. But I know the styles that I like and stalk them on discount sites like Last Call and Off Fifth - also Ebay, where I only buy new. I don't think I have ever paid more than $80 or so. I also handwash them (it does mean I have to steam out the wrinkles, which IS a bit of a pain), to avoid dry cleaning bills.

Elle

I find that if I love a piece, I'll wear the heck out of it - even if it is just for a season. This blouse seems very fun and you are obviously drawn to it, so if the polyester isn't a deal breaker, I'd order it and see how it looks on you.

approprio

Not sure if this is what you mean by "novelty" but I have a few with interesting cuts and/or bold prints. I find them very useful in the summer season as an alternative to tees. They are worth the closet space IMHO.

karen13

I love the stripe on this, fun yet classic. If you like the fit and look, you will wear it with your classic trousers and even jeans.

It says easy care in the title and machine wash, so take them at there word, and return it if it requires high maintenance to look good.

Gail

I like this idea of novelty blouses to dress outfits up. especially if they are low maintenance .

unfrumped

Thanks- and agree with Beth Ann.
If it looks GOOD with white pants (super fresh summer);black or navy crops (fresh summer workwear)-; and jeans- (real casual/ smart casual); and if there's a topper or cardi option( still chilly indoors) it might be worth a bash.
Ryce , thanks, I will check ; curved hems in different styles and fabrics are a " wardrobe essential"

If it is in a favourite, flattering colour, I think it has more longevity.
For me, it is the prints I tire of before the cut or details.

anne

I really like it!

Gigi

I personally think you could get more than a year's wear out of this shirt. And I find, as others have mentioned, that it is the more unusual items in my wardrobe that get the most wears. I always reach for them. I normally reach for essentials (basic tees, for ex.) only when I have no other options. If you keep coming back to this top in your mind, I would give it a try.

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