Style by Claire Lopez

Top of the Class – Embroidery is where it’s at

Never thought I would be pleased to see grey skies but boy am I! Turns out not everything is better when the sun shines – sleeping for one thing. Plus the endless sweating – gross I know but give me some goosebumps for a couple of days please. And while all this sunshine has meant my summer wardrobe has been working hard, I was pretty pleased to pop on a pair of trousers yesterday. But what to put on top? While you can’t go wrong with a simple tee, sometimes you want something a bit more interesting and this is where an embroidered top comes in. Don’t think granny because embroidery, broderie and crochet work are super cool for summer.

White on white

This is the perfect way to give a slight nod to the inevitable boho vibe that summer brings. Wear with shorts and sandals during the day or add jeans, espadrilles and some jewels for the evening. I love this Crochet Detail Tank £49 from Hush which is new in.

Or if you need a bit more coverage – burnt shoulders and all that – then go for the Portabello £59 which does also come in black.

This Embroidered Frilled Blouse £24.99 from H&M is perfect for slipping on over swimwear on holiday and also comes in navy if you fear the yellow sun-cream stains.

Or for something strappy there is this Embroidered Peplum Top £24.99. Now this won’t be for everyone as it is on the shorter side and is most certainly girly. But I don’t mind a bit of youthful femininity in the summer. This is another one that comes in navy blue.

Still more on the sleeve front is this gorgeous Openwork Detail Blouse £29.99 from Mango which definitely has dress up or down-ability for casual times with denim or office-worthy with trousers.

There’s no denying that Zara really is the king of this look on the high street and they have lots of gorgeous options in their new season collection including this Contrasting Off the Shoulder Top £25.99. 

When some of these styles can seem quite voluminous and swingy, you just need to do a little front tuck as here to tame that and avoid the slightly pregnant look.

This is probably my favourite though: Blouse with Contrasting Cutwork Embroidery £25.99. Not sure what is contrasting about this as my flesh certainly isn’t a hugely different colour. Flesh coloured bras are a must, so invest if you haven’t already. I think this is the perfect way to soften your office look for the summer so don’t be put off by thinking this is just a casual one trick pony.

This doesn’t fit into the white on white category but is nonetheless very lovely (the top that is, the rest of the outfit is odd to say the least): Top with Cutwork Embroidery £25.99.

And finally a longer sleeved version in this Embroidered Frilled Top £25.99. Another one you can easily wear to work.

Colourful contrast

Hush’s Finsbury Top £65 screams sunshine, summer and holidays and is perfect with shorts or jeans.

For a more floral style try Warehouse’s Embroidered Cotton Bardot Top now £22 in the sale but is only in stock in 10,12 and 14.

It also comes in a stripe. Although this is out of stock in 6, 14 and 16.

While the embroidery is not boho in the slightest, the shape definitely is. There is something lovely about this Billowy Embroidered Bardot Blouse £69 from &Other Stories. Incidentally, they have so many gorgeous embroidered dresses which may have inspired another blog.

For cooler days this Mango Embroidered Stripe Blouse £29.99 is a total winner with jeans or shorts and is also something that would work with tailored trousers and flats for work.

New Kid on the block

You may not have heard of the brand Sezane which is at the pricier end of the spectrum but which also excels in this area. Apologies if I’m preaching to the converted because I love more or less everything and their Alina Top £70 is spot on. Tie straps means you can get the right fit for you and it also comes in navy.

For something less strappy try their Cleo Blouse £85 which comes in white, red and a blue.

Or the Celine £95 which would be as perfect for the office as a night out.

To be honest I could buy any of their tops or dresses. A gorgeous brand and although you do have to pay for delivery from France, there are free returns. Come on hurry up and open a store on this side of the Manche so we can all get a bit of French insouciance in our lives.

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