by Carrie Eckles

Created on: May 20, 2010

Sleeveless tiered blouses are very in this season. However, it’s a look that’s very hard to pull off – especially for those ladies with a bigger bust. But for those with the opposite dilemma, tiered blouses are a chic fix.

Choosing the Blouse

Avoid looking clownish by shying away from bright colors. Bright tiered blouses usually end up looking like a child’s fairy costume. Instead, the look you want is delicate and understated. Try pale pinks and creamy tones. The resulting look is somewhat ancient Greece meets ballerina. If you have a larger bust, black or charcoal is best, because lighter colors will visually add more volume to your bust line.

No matter what your body shape is, it’s important that the blouse hits you at your hip bone. If it’s too short, you’ll look like a 1960’s go-go dancer – but if it’s too long, you’ll look somewhat like a triangle. Also, make sure the top is fitted on your chest just above the bust; that way, it gives your figure more definition in the blouse.  

How to Balance and Accentuate the Blouse

Balance is key when wearing a tiered blouse; in that manner, they’re rather like trapeze tops. Since the top is so voluminous, you can achieve balance by opting for skinny jeans. If you feel skinny jeans don’t suit your figure, try straight legs or a trouser leg. Avoid flares or wide legs, because they will make your figure look too bulky and create an awkward silhouette.

Skirts can also be worn with tiered blouses, but, again, balance is the key to pulling off the look. The best option by far is the slim-fit miniskirt. (If you chose to wear a miniskirt with your blouse, black is the easiest color to pull off.)

For a fun, but daring, casual look, go for a pair of cropped leggings.

How to Accessorize

It’s very important not to overwhelm a tiered blouse with overly chunky jewelry. The idea is to invoke images of a ballerina or Aphrodite – not a clown. Elegant gold jewelry is the right balance between bold and frilly; when paired with a float-y tiered blouse, the image invoked is that of an ethereal goddess. Delicate and bohemian headpieces are also a great option and definitely enhance the goddess vibe.

An oversize hobo bag is the perfect way to tie the daintiness of the blouse and the sharpness of skinny jeans together. To keep with the earthy theme, opt for a pair of gladiator flats to finish the look.

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