Why are peasant blouses so large?

I love the look of peasant blouses and tried on a number of different styles on display at my local Banana Republic yesterday. I know these blouses are traditionally a little more free-flowing in shape, and I was hoping to pair one with a couple of Boden skirts I ordered the other day that have more of a fitted shape. However, I cannot seem to find a peasant blouse that doesn't completely overwhelm my petite frame and make me look like I'm sporting a paper sack. I walked out the door with this one (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=746145012) in an XS, but I think I will have to return it because I'm swimming in it! I know the look of this blouse is supposed to be easy breezy for summertime, but these blouses all just seem ENORMOUS on me, and I found the same situation over at JCrew when I tried a few on last month. I'm wondering, is it just me, or do others find this to be a problem too? Has anyone stumbled across a more fitted style of this blouse that they can recommend--something white and lightweight that isn't overly frilly or girly? I have enormous difficulty carrying off anything too sweet--so no ruffles or eyelet. Thanks in advance.

15 years ago

Rosie

Veteran

Hmm, in my experience the tops are usually loose and flowy. They are designed with a lot of ease, which I think can just overwhelm small frames. Not very helpful, I know, but I understand your dilemma.

Maya

I think that is just the style. They look fine on the model, who is probably an XS, though it may be pinned somehow. I'm not sure.

I'm also doubtful that this style of top is going to work with skirts. Skirt tops have to be more fitted than usual.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you tried shopping in petites?

Lisa

I usually wear a small, but go for petite mediums if the lengths are too long or the overall fit is too loose in some tops. Especially summer tops for some reason.

Frances

Active Member

Good suggestions, but the BR staff told me they didn't carry that particular blouse in petite. However, when I got home and checked their website, I found that it's available online in an XXS petite, which might possibly work.

But I think I have resolved to return that particular blouse now regardless. Maya, you're right--I tried the XS regular on with a few of my existing skirts, and it just doesn't work. Too much paper bag effect. Even if I can find a smaller version, I don't think it will work. But the good news is, I spied some more streamlined styles of peasant blouses (or something in the neighborhood of a peasant blouse) on the Anthropologie website, so I might stop in there next weekend if I can find some time to see if there's anything that works.

crazyone

Frances: try H&M, Zara, Esprit or other European manufacturers whose sizes run small.

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