How do you master wearing a blouse in the autumn months?

A blouse is a perfect way to ease into autumn.

“Really, a blouse?” I hear you say, incredulously. I know, blouses don’t instantly spring to mind as a “hot” item, do they? The very name conjures primness.

But in A/W23 blouses are having a real moment. And quite right too. Not only do they pair perfectly with tailoring, they allow us to look polished after removing our blazer — a plus at Yomtov if, as often happens, the temperature soars in early autumn.

MID-HIGH paisley-print blouse, £185, Gerard Darel V-1 MODEL

Paisley-print blouse, £185, from Gerard Darel (Photo: Gerard Darel)

And blouses are not just trans-seasonal wardrobe heroes. A pretty blouse, perhaps over a cami, can elevate jeans, cargoes or leggings to the exact level of glamour needed for a low-key event such as dinner with friends. And, unlike an embellished bottom-half, a blouse puts the “pretty” on show across a table.

Many designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Erdem and Chloe, offer blouses and, yes, often with terrifying price-tags (£2,900 at Saint Laurent). But there are also covetable ones at many price-points at many brands such as Ganni, Boden, Monsoon and Zara.

PRICEY-DESIGNER Magda Butrym, at Net a P £1,270 silk chiffon with applique

Magda Butrym, at Net a Porter, £1,270 silk chiffon with applique (Photo: Net a Porter)