The new way to do sexy? Try a ladylike blouse…

Just when you think you’ve got to grips with a trend, the fashion Gods pull the rug out from under you (or in this case the shirt off your back) and decide there’s something else you need to try asap. So forget deconstructed shirts. For summer, a ladylike blouse has the cool, sexy vibe an oversized men’s shirt used to. You’ve got to wear it with a bit of irony of course. Pairing it with a pencil skirt is missing the point. This look is all about dismantling and undermining traditional “blousy” associations; ie, prim and proper Mary Poppins. The trick is to firstly choose a blouse that inherently challenges this stereotype, such as the halter-neck style in the shot above, which reveals a hint of bra and ties at the nape of your neck (any item that ties at the back is inherently sexy). Secondly, pair it with something utilitarian or unapologetically pretty for a strong contrast and that dose of irony I mentioned earlier. Like the sound of this trend but need some inspiration? Here’s how the stars of the street are channeling the look.

This slightly cropped, button-front ruched blouse is worn with real attitude. Buttoned down almost to the navel and paired with faded jeans, it looks totally modern and very sexy.

The strategic cut-out in this polka-dot blouse gives it a real sensuosity. The fluidity of the entire silhouette is smart but understated too.

A white blouse and black skirt could look so pedestrian, but this style star has injected the combination with real personality and sex appeal. A bare shoulder and a hint of leg turn up the heat, but the outfit doesn’t look cheap because of the generous proportions of the separates. Nothing is tight or looks try-hard.