It’s Friday. What better way to celebrate than to introduce you to your new drinking buddy. Meet the cocktail blouse. Sometimes exquisitely fussy and frilly, others quietly buttoned up to the chin. It’s as sexy as it is demure and trust me, it’ll work wonders for your work-to-date/dinner/pub/party repertoire. It’s as gorgeous with jeans as it is perfect with slick, fitted skirts and trousers; it loves an earring, equally works well alone. Here’s a few from the high street that The Stylish Stuff absolutely LOVES.

There’s been a rush on this beautiful blouse. Why? Because for just £59 you’re nailing a myriad of trends in one. Lace (tick) ruffles (tick) Victoriana (tick) and ‘just-add-denim no-brainer cool’. Job done. Lace frill blouse Monsoon.  Trousers £89, Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis. Earring £198, Jessica de Lotz.

 

The blushed pink hue, the delicate pussy bow folds at the neck and those romantic billowing sleeves. What’s not to love? Oh and it’s currently at £34.50 in the sale. On your marks… Bow Blouse, Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis. Ear cuff, £12, River Island.

 

There’s something so French chic about this pussy blow blouse from M&S. Maybe it’s the delicate plissé detailing on the ruffle, or it could simply be the starkly contrasting black tie and teeny row of perfect, black covered buttons, either way it’s a must for your autumn wardrobe and really cool under a tailored suit. Long sleeve ruffle blouse £49.50 M&S Collection, shown here with the season’s favourite printed skirt – bird print jacquard skirt £59, M&S. 

 

In softest, faded blue this whisper of a blouse from Ghost is the gentlest way to embrace the cocktail blouse trend. As pretty undone as it is neatly buttoned-up to the bow, it’s a pure stunner with boyfriend jeans and Converse for evenings at the pub or floor sweeping skirts and heels for something more dressed up.  Danice blouse £120, Ghost. Trousers, Somerset, as before. 

 

If it’s a little drama that you fancy, team your lace cocktail blouse with another key trend piece, the little bow cape. These two are ones for THAT party you’ve been looking forward to. Black self-tie bow cape £75, classic Victoriana ivory lace blouse £55, both Siren by Giles Deacon at Debenhams Earring £165, Jessica de Lotz.

 

This blouse is definitely bringing sexy back. The high ruffled collar with long sweeping ties belie the sexiness of the sheer. So done up and yet so risqué. Make sure you ‘out’ your favourite, most glorious bras or camisoles underneath. One to get people talking. Black sheer blouse £70, Boutique at Topshop Trousers (just seen) River Island. Earrings £15, M&S Collection.

 

With a modest little open back detail on the front and back of this blouse it could win awards for understated sexiness.The Stylish Stuff LOVES.  Lace blouse with ruffled sleeves £38, ear cuff £13, both River Island. (Online in the next couple of weeks. WORTH the wait.)

 

EARRING ENVY…..

Meet The Stylish Stuff’s new obsession, Jessica de Lotz. – purveyor of cleverly crafted and quirky pieces for discerning jewellery lovers. Handcuff drop earrings? Yes please. An ampersand Ear Cuff? Well OK. Jessica’s world is one of cherished collectables, intriguing works that combine her passion for scouring flea markets and car boot sales with pieces inspired by her artistic upbringing. You can order and personalise your pieces online and literally create your very own heirlooms.

Mini Handcuff Chain Earrings £198

 

Ampersand & Wax Seal Ear Cuff £165.

 

THE STYLISH STUFF BEAUTY TIPS.

Make up artist Linda Johansson shares her tricks for creating the ‘Cocktail Hour’s’ perfect look;