[EN] Ep.4 Reading Fashion―How to Wear a Frilled Blouse―

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▷ 日本語版は、こちらからご覧いただけます ◁

◆What to wear, how to style each piece, what kind of impression to create―I talk about the outfits or items that appear in my narrative essay series centered on fashion, looking at them from a styling perspective. I also include photos of my outfits as examples◆

This time, from the series ▷ Ep.4 Body or Face? ◁, I’ll be writing about “Frilled Blouse.”

It’s Hilda.

In ▷ Ep.4 Body or Face? ◁, I wrote an episode that reflects on what is right when it comes to “my impression” and on its essence.

Here, I’d like to talk about the “Frilled Blouse” that appeared in this piece.

1. About the Frilled Blouse

When you hear the term “Frilled Blouse,” what kind of impression do you get? First, let me explain what a frilled blouse is.

Q1. What kind of item is it?
It is a blouse with “frills.” A frill is a decoration with a curved shape. Today, the frilled blouse is generally seen as a “cute” item. Yet frills themselves are historical decorations that were worn in Europe by people regardless of gender or age. So, the frills’ curved shape gives this item a “sweet” impression, while their history gives it a “classic” one. In other words, 2 distinct impressions coexist in a single item.

Q2. What kinds of outfits does it lend itself to?
Since frilled blouses are also seen in childrenswear, they bring “innocence” to mind. That makes them a good match for “feminine,” “girly,” and “cute” styles. On the other hand, adding casual items can create an effortless, dressed-down look. And when styled to bring out their classic side, they can also work well for office wear. With so many different sides to them, think about which one you want to bring out through your styling.

Q3. What makes this item appealing?
The dimensional embellishments give an outfit a more radiant look. Even without accessories, the look does not feel plain. Because this item has a strong presence, changing the styling makes a clear difference to the overall impression. A frilled blouse has many faces, and that is what makes it appealing.

2. Key Points and Styling Examples for a Frilled Blouse

A frilled blouse with many faces. So, how do we style it? First, I’ll explain the key points for styling it, and then share my own outfits as examples.

〈Key Points〉
Because of the dimensional embellishments, the top can appear voluminous, and its sweetness can come across as childish. When styling a frilled blouse, it is important to understand how “vertical lines in fashion” work and incorporate them into the outfit.

① What are vertical lines in fashion?
In fashion, vertical lines mean “creating a visual flow that runs vertically through an outfit.” The eye tends to follow elements that create vertical continuity, such as color placement, patterns, details, and garment silhouettes.
・When this visual flow is used effectively, the outfit’s length tends to stand out more than its width.
・Straight vertical elements tend to create a “mature” rather than childlike impression.

②How to create vertical lines
Use color placement, patterns, details, or garment silhouettes to create vertical lines through either of the following approaches, or both.
・Incorporate visual elements that continue vertically (across both the top and bottom).
・Create an eye-catching element in the lower part of the outfit (in the bottom half).

◆LOOK1: Feminine Look with a Classic Scarf Accent

・Wrapped around the waist, a striped scarf in the same tonal family as the blouse creates a vertical line. A fitted long skirt further accentuates the line.・A cohesive palette ranging from ivory through beige to brown gives the look a grown-up, classic feel.

◆LOOK2: Polished Casual Look with a Soft Green Accent

～写真～
・Worn untucked, the blouse draws the eye downward, while flared pants with a center crease create a vertical line. The color of the pants adds a focal point to the lower half of the outfit.
・White + soft green, finished with a brown bag, creates a polished casual look with an effortless, dressed-down feel. 

3. An Episode Offered Through a Frilled Blouse

Now, whether you’re someone with a frilled blouse in your closet or someone without one—what did “you” think of this piece, and how did it make you feel?

A frilled blouse is certainly a “cute” item. But that is only one impression among many. I believe everything has one side that is clearly visible and another that is not so clear. This is what makes fashion interesting, and sometimes difficult.

The impression on the surface, and the impression that lies deeper within.

Couldn’t the same be said of ourselves? 

What impression does one have of oneself? Why did one come to think of oneself that way? Maybe the answer lies deep in a distant memory.

One thing I can say, though, is that no person is so simple that a single impression can sum them up. 

What impression do “you” have of yourself? How did “you” come to think of yourself that way? To the “you” deep within you, I offer this piece once again.

▷ Ep.4 Body or Face? ◁

*This piece is intended for mature readers*

"Reading Fashion" will continue to feature a variety of outfits and items.
▷ Upcoming Articles ◁

Past, today, and the days ahead—what stories do your days hold?

May that attire let you glow.

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So, I’ll see you here next time.

—A small gift for you,
from my closet—

― Hilda Tutu ―

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