24 June 2008

Four Ways - Sheer Bow Blouse

I know, I know! It's been far too long since I've done one of my Four Ways posts. Forgive me! ;) Several of you have been asking about them so I thought it was due time to bring them back. For those of you new to the blog, this is where I take one piece from my closet and show four possible ways to style it. Simple as that! Today we tackle a great new basic - the sheer bow blouse. I've seen them popping up all over the place - from street style sites to fashion blogs. It's a really versatile piece for anyone to have in their closet. This one happens to come from H&M.





  • First, I styled the blouse with a pair of military style denim shorts and a boyish vest. Then, to counter a bit of that boyishness I added a fun pair of printed tights.
  • Next, for a more sophisticated look, I mixed the blouse with a high waisted taffeta skirt and a pair of fun tights and high, high heels. I would loved to have topped the look off with some sort of feathery hat or hair comb, but that's one thing that's missing from my closet. Mental note: must remedy that soon.
  • Then for a more casual look the blouse gets paired with high waisted jeans and skinny suspenders (or braces, if you wish). Complete the outfit with a classic straw fedora and your favorite pair of brogues.
  • Lastly, for a girly, romantic feel layer a floral print dress over the blouse. For a little more frill, let a lacy slip hang out from the bottom hem and stick a flower in your hair.

**Thank you to reader Market Publique for reminding me that I forgot to mention one of the most important parts! When you wear a sheer blouse, of course you need to wear something under it. A lot of people make the mistake of always wearing white under something sheer (like a white bra under a white tee shirt). But really the best thing to wear is something that closely matches your skin tone. That way it just blends right in! I'm wearing a simple "nude" colored tank with a built in bra from Old Navy.

45 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love all the outfits! Now I just need to get a frilly white top! What do you do to remedy sheer ones?
- Market Publique

Anonymous said...

The first outfit!! Those tights are a dream, where are they from?

And hello to your spectator oxfords, very nice, i personally wish i could pull off the third outfit.

michelle said...

Your style is so breath taking. You never cease to surprise me!

esme and the laneway said...

I love the blouse! I hope we get something that nice here... I especially like the second and third looks.

jessica ann said...

this is soooo good! love how you pieced everything!

Anonymous said...

This H&M blouse is so versatile! It could be worn under a blazer.

I love how your fashion sense doesn't lose it's modernity despite the fact that you incorporate vintage pieces. The Liebemarlene blog is one of my favorites but lately I've been leaning more towards your style blog.

Her romantic take on fashion is truly inspiring. I prefer your edgier ensembles. But with that said, I love how your paired the blouse with that floral print dress!

Anonymous said...

perfect.

Smaggle said...

I like the Lou Dhillon-esque one with the hat.

sleepyhead said...

i think this is my favorite 4 ways post, they are all really amazing. my favorite is the last one paired with the floral jumper.

thetinylittlegirl said...

you look great in all 4 but i think look 3 is my fave!

Sarah M. said...

yess, I love the 4-way post! Your blouse is perfect though, imitating it would be difficult so I think some shopping is in order.

Annalise said...

Each look is fabulous and oh so chic. I love them all and am on the lookout for a blouse like that!
XOXO

Anonymous said...

I cannot tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog! You're so creative and now I just want to go get one of these blouses. Keep them coming!

Abbey said...

Ugh, Im so jealous of this blouse! x

Tavi said...

This was such a huge help! You look lovely. Those tights in the first picture are awesome.

Lexie said...

beautiful! i love these posts!

Anonymous said...

since the death of stylebytes.net,
your blog is the first that i check. I like that your looks are very wearable- good inspiration. thanks chica!

Anonymous said...

GREAT.... Eres genial, tienes estilo a raudales......

Lily said...

ah, you've read my mind because a blouse like that is on the top of my to-buy list!

bi-style said...

wow every outfit is so gorgeous. This blouse is a hit!

christina said...

I love the last, more romantic look, as well as the one paired with suspenders!! (Of course, I love all of them!!)

And it's very smart to leave a note about the tank color. I see lots of people wearing white under white, and it's as visible as day!

WJ said...

I have a long-sleeved cream bow blouse, but I think you've inspired me to purchase a short-sleeved version!

(P.S. can I add you to my blogroll, your style is great!)

Imelda said...

I love all the outfits, but the second one is my absolute favourite! You really look great!

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Thanks so much for all of the comments! I'll try to do these posts more often, I promise!

Melly: The tights came from Urban Outfitters years ago but there are lots of places online that sell printed tights.

Thanks again! :)

Unknown said...

its so hard to choose the best one cos those all are nice, i dunno, i choose them all! :D

Anonymous said...

i just bought this top without trying it on and it was a little too snug under my arms. how disappointing. looks great on you though. where oh where did you get those grey socks/tights in the second photo? to die for.

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Gabrielle: Maybe you can exchange it? I actually bought this one size up from my usual size so it must run a bit small. The socks came from a store where I used to work in LA called Maxfield. Thanks!

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

Love the blouse and all the ways you styled it. The tights in the first look are really fantastic.

Anonymous said...

Cute blouse! I adore the first look - you really rock those tights.

Anonymous said...

I really like the second outfit.

Anonymous said...

hi - i just started reading your blog and just wanted to drop in and say hi and that i love your style! i especially love that you wear suspenders.. you've inspired me to invest in a pair and rock em like there's no tomorrow!

Lauren said...

each way is fabulous! i cant pick which one i like best ;)

CULTURE CREATORS said...

Cute styling, i love your tattoo!




xCC

AlicePleasance said...

I love it with the highwaisted jeans!

Hannah Bee said...

I like all those outfits. The first is my favourite, I think.
I do a similar thing on my blog!

Hannah Bee said...

And in your last FOUR WAYS post you did a romper. Where on earth did you get it? It is amazing and I am looking for one just like that.

Anonymous said...

great ideas! I love these posts. I usually wear a black tank under sheer things, I like the contrast of seeing it underneath.

Also, could you do a four ways post about printed shoes? I just bought an adorable pair of pumps with a busy pattern and am having quite a bit of trouble working them into outfits. :)

mstomato said...

love the second and third outfits. I have one look-alike blouse, but different material - mine's silk or something like that.

And I love your Four Ways! Glad to see it's back :D

Fashionaddicted said...

You look AMAZING!
First outfit is so greate!
It is a beautiful combination.

Anonymous said...

wonderful , all the outfit are great , where did you get your prnted tight ? I loveeeeee them!

bestie said...

wow! i love them all!

Anonymous said...

I loooove those gray tights in second pict under the four ways to wear the same blouse post. Where can I pick up a pair?

Sally Jane Vintage said...

allie: Thanks so much! The tights are from a store where I used to work in Los Angeles called Maxfield.

LF said...

can't pick a fav, nicely done!!

lina said...

Hi...may i know where to get skinny suspenders(Y-back)..in Singapore
email : simpleplan2680@hotmail.com