Quick answer: Wear a peasant or embroidered blouse tucked into a high-waist skirt or jeans, or loose over shorts; pick the neckline and sleeve that suit your shoulders, and wash it inside out in cold water so the embroidery stays bright.
What makes a peasant blouse
A peasant blouse is a loose, airy top, usually in cotton or a light blend, with a gathered or elasticated neckline and soft, full sleeves. Many are decorated with embroidery, smocking or lace trims. Their relaxed shape makes them comfortable in hot weather and easy to wear with almost anything in a casual closet.
Choosing the neckline
Square and round gathered necklines frame the collarbones and suit most shapes. Off-the-shoulder and elasticated necklines can be worn on or off the shoulders, which makes them two tops in one. V-necks and split necks lengthen the neck and look lovely with a simple pendant or a few fine chains.
Sleeves for every season
Short puff and flutter sleeves keep you cool in summer. Three-quarter and bell sleeves add drama and work in spring and fall. Long balloon sleeves look romantic and pair well with a sleeveless knit vest or a denim jacket when the weather cools, so one blouse can carry you through most of the year.
With jeans
The easiest outfit is an embroidered blouse with your favorite jeans. A half tuck at the front shows the waist, and rolled cuffs with sandals or sneakers keep it relaxed. Straight and wide-leg jeans balance the volume of the sleeves better than very skinny styles.
With skirts
Tucked into a flowing maxi or a linen midi skirt, a peasant blouse looks effortlessly pretty — perfect for markets, garden parties and summer weddings. Keep the colors simple if the blouse has bold embroidery, or match one of the embroidery shades in your skirt for a pulled-together look.
With shorts, or try a romper
On hot days, a loose blouse over denim or linen shorts is cooler than a tee. If you love that easy feeling, a romper gives you the same relaxed shape in a single piece. Add a straw bag and flat sandals and you are ready for a day out.
Washing embroidered tops
Turn embroidered blouses inside out and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle or by hand with a mild detergent. Avoid bleach, which can fade colorful threads. Do not wring; press out the water in a towel and hang the blouse to dry in the shade so the colors stay bright.
Ironing without flattening
Iron embroidered areas from the reverse side on a towel so the stitches stay raised. A steamer works well on gathered necklines and full sleeves. Store blouses on wide hangers or folded loosely so the embroidery is not crushed between heavier clothes.
Accessories for embroidered tops
Embroidery is already decorative, so keep accessories simple. Small gold hoops or studs, a thin bracelet and a woven or leather bag let the stitching shine. If the blouse has a colorful neckline, skip necklaces altogether. With plain white peasant blouses you can go bolder: a turquoise pendant, layered beaded bracelets or a bright headscarf all suit the relaxed, sunny feel of the look, especially for markets, festivals and summer evenings outdoors with friends.
Building your collection
Start with a white or cream peasant blouse — it goes with everything. Then add one with colorful embroidery and one in a soft solid shade. Browse our blouses and tops — every piece $99.90 or less, with free U.S. shipping.
Frequently asked questions
How should a peasant blouse fit?
Loose and airy through the body, with a neckline that sits comfortably on or off the shoulders.
How do I wash an embroidered blouse?
Inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle or by hand, then hang to dry in the shade.
What goes with a peasant blouse?
Jeans, maxi and midi skirts, and denim or linen shorts.
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