As if like clockwork, winter’s scorching grip has been released and spring’s blissful warmth has been invited in, resulting in revitalized wardrobes that prioritize lightweight fabrics, ethereal silhouettes and dreamy prints.
However, this season, it appears that the biggest blouse trend of note not only meets all those requirements, but also provides that dose of nostalgia we often seek, while providing an angelic counterpoint to the trusty jeans we spend most of our time in.
In fact, farmer tops are once again on trend, offering a soft sexiness that feels perfectly appropriate for the sun-drenched days ahead of us.
For the uninitiated, farmer top refers to a style of blouse that has slightly puffed cap sleeves, an elongated shape that sweeps down the body and intricate details like broderie anglaise eyelets, lace trims, whimsical ruffles or quirky pleats that give the top a hand-made, almost archival quality.
Just look at the lines stretching into Portobello Market on any given Saturday, when the sky is picturesquely blue, or the fanfare around archival boutiques like Relic or Turner Vintage, which specialize in rare, nearly pristine pieces from the last century, as evidence of our collective appetite for intricate, thoughtful and effortlessly elegant pieces.
Of course, for followers of the bohemian aesthetic, you’ll know that peasant blouses are by no means new. First gaining popularity in the 20th century, they first came to prominence in the 40s when Henri Matisse depicted many styles in his work, before being incorporated into the glamorous wardrobes of the European jet set like Jane Birkin in the 60s and finally appearing on the runways in Saint Laurent’s historic “Haute Russian” collection in the 70s.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
These days, you’re bound to find a peasant top in the work of designers who draw the most inspiration from these eras, from Chemena Kamali’s free-spirited and fearlessly feminine pieces for Chloé or Margaret and Katherine Cleveland’s work for her beloved brand Doane, which the pair describes as a “homage to the coastal California of past decades.”
However, when it comes to how they are styled, not much has really changed. Allowing the fluidity and spontaneity of the style to really shine, most wearers pair their farmer tops with sturdy denim bottoms, especially in straight-leg cuts with a light wash. to emulate the spirit of la piscine star, they are also usually complemented with her trademark basket bag.
Still, in a season defined by lightness and renewal, there is nothing more attractive than adopting a trend that allows showing a more delicate and gentle side. In the words of Charli XCX – which was immortalized on her magnum opus Party album brat and later used in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the literary classic Wuthering Heights—Everything is romantic.
Shop the Peasant Top Trend:
Rixo
Ellery Cotton Blouse
No spring passes in London without seeing this top.
DOEN
Frederica Lace-Trimmed Organic Cotton-Voil Blouse
This beautiful piece does all the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is style it with raw-hem jeans, your favorite ballet flats and keep your hair open.
Peasant blouses have become a staple of Paris.
Improvement
Wildflower Top
This style brings a dose of Los Angelino air.
Loretta Capponi
Terracina Ruffled Lace-Trimmed Cotton-Poplin Blouse
With off-the-shoulder elegance, it’s something you’ll find at the luxurious haunts of Saint-Tropez and Saint Barthélemy.
Loyal
Gale Lace-Trimmed Cotton Top
With delicate pintucking around the perfectly polished puffed sleeves and elasticated neckline, you can easily dress this style up or down.
white company
Remy Pintuck Detail Boho Blouse
The Côte d’Azur is calling.
team
Danielle Lace-Trimmed Cotton Blouse
Designed by Australian-based brand Paws, this style is full of coastal cool that gives off a holiday feel even when worn in the city centre.
Loretta Capponi
Angela Lace-Trimmed Cotton Blouse
Create outfits from the French New Wave era of cinema and pair these styles with capri pants and clog heels.
chloe
Lace-Trimmed Ruffled Silk-Georgette Blouse
