There comes a point in every woman's life when she realises she owns approximately 17 pairs of trousers and absolutely nothing to wear with them. The jeans are fine, the tailored pants are fine, but the outfit itself? A little uninspired. Before you add another pair to your basket, may we introduce you to the French frou-frou blouse: the frilly top that makes your existing wardrobe look like you've actually made an effort.
With its Parisian sensibility, it's a little bit vintage heroine, a little bit woman who always knows where her keys are. Think soft ruffles, delicate neck ties and blouson sleeves that bring a little romance to even the most hardworking wardrobe staples. It's feminine and smart without looking as though you're heading to a job interview circa 2009.
The appeal is that you don't need to reinvent your entire wardrobe to make it work. A shirt tucked into trousers feels smart enough for the work, while a neck-tie style paired with stovepipe jeans and ballet flats makes for an easy weekend outfit. Heading out for dinner? Try wide-leg trousers, pointed heels and a little gold jewellery. If your top has plenty going on, keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple.
There's also something oddly satisfying about a trend that makes clothes you already own feel exciting again. Rather than doing a whole haul in a slightly different shade of black, a good blouse gives your existing rotation a fresh perspective. And unlike some clothes that require an entirely new personality to pull off, this one is wonderfully easy to wear.
As for where to shop, ba&sh is worth a look for boho styles, while M&S has wearable options such as its lyocell ruffle blouse. LEEM's neck-tie blouse is another one to consider if you prefer something sweet. Sometimes, all your favourite trousers need is a better top half.
Shop: Frou Frou Top
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.
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