I went to see “I Don’t Know How She Does It” the other day: no rave reviews here, although it is fun to see with other moms, but the take-away for me was Sarah Jessica Parker’s character’s wardrobe. More specifically, her very specific blouse styles. She plays a harried financial analyst, but instead of boring old suits (not so modern in the conference room these days), her everyday uniform consisted of a blouse with a tight pencil skirt, sometimes with a blazer. All sheer, all fitted, with small-scale muted and usually abstract prints, these breezy blouses are corporate office-appropriate while gauzy and loose enough to suggest some dishevelment. Especially when they’re not tucked in all the way, as worn in the movie (hey, she’s a busy girl!).
I’m actually all about a little disorder when it comes to my blouses, especially when they are sporting subtle little prints. The sheer blouse isn’t staunch or rigid like a collared shirt. Even though I’m not climbing any corporate ladders, I’ll be incorporating it in my fall wardrobe and wearing it with wide-legged pants on days I want to look smart and feel official.
1) Chloé Sleeveless Silk Blouse: Snakeskin has been subdued to discreet perfection, making this saucy skin-print suitable to wear into any office. No sleeves make for comfort beneath a tailored jacket or smart cardigan. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $975.
2) Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Chiffon Bow Blouse: Leave it to the saucy duo to bring a wildcat to the bow-necktie. With slightly belled sleeves and a bolder print than most, this is for confident moods. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $825.
3) Gucci Snow-Print Silk Blouse: Let it snow! This sensually sheer top has a print that innovates and intrigues. Tiny snowflakes look like a sky of stars or abstract polka dots on this winter-wonderland blouse. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $990.
4) Jean Paul Gaultier Zipper-Print Silk Chiffon Blouse: Craving heavy metal, without the heft or hardware? It’s a blouse with zippers, but not in the way you would think! Wear this with dainty diamonds for an intelligent contrast. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.
5) Vivienne Westwood Red Label Printed Silk-Chiffon Blouse: A nuanced brushstroke pattern in tan silk-chiffon gives a nod to animal prints in a most sophisticated way. With bodice draping, Westwood’s blouse is artfully floppy, not sloppy. On Net-a-Porter for $530.
