Ask Belle: Affordable Silk Blouses

Hi Belle

Great post today on BR tops, but most of those are polyester.  Although the quality of polyester is really nice these days, I prefer natural fabrics.  Do you have suggestions on silk tops (petite) that don’t break the bank (<$100)?

Thanks. rawww

For misses size tops, Everlane has three styles of under-$100: a silk tank, a short-sleeve blouse, and a long sleeve blouse, which also comes in a round collar version.  They’re well made and comfortable.  My one caution is that sizing can be tricky.  I’m fairly small-chested, but I had to size up and tailor the sides to get the right fit in the bust. (It was weird.)

Trouve Silk Blouse ($74)

I searched for more blouses in real silk, but as expected, most are polyester.  This Trouve blouse comes in four colors, and would look lovely with jeans or a pencil skirt.  In misses sizes, I also found this floral-printed Brooks Brothers blouse and this sleeveless blouse in bright orchid.

My favorite blouses came from Boden.  I loved this dotted Soho blouse and this simple pleated-front blouse.

Petite? Banana Republic offers a silk utility blouse (also in misses and tall).  They also sell this sleeveless blouse.  Pendleton also offers this tie-neck blouse.

Plus-size?  This France silk blouse in teal is nice.  I also like this Land’s End drape-neck blouse.