Polka Dot Cap Sleeve Blouse

A polka dot blouse is one of those pieces that quietly solves a lot of mornings. This one comes in apricot rather than the usual white or black, which is what makes it feel less like a uniform. Cap sleeves, buttons and smocked detail give it enough construction that it looks considered without being fussy.

The fabric is 95% polyester with 5% elastane, and it is listed as no stretch, so take it as a woven that holds its shape rather than one that moves with you. The smocking is where the give comes from: gathered panels pull the fabric in and release as you move, which is what lets a no stretch blouse still be comfortable to sit in all day. Bust measures 36.6 in at S and opens to 42.9 in at XL, which is relaxed rather than fitted, and shoulder runs 14.4 in to 15.6 in. Top length goes from 23.2 in to 24.8 in, landing at the hip, so it tucks cleanly or sits out. Sleeve length measures 4.5 in to 5.3 in, a true cap sleeve that covers the shoulder and stops.

Tuck it into tailored trousers with a flat shoe and it is a work outfit. Leave it out over denim with sandals and it is a weekend one. Apricot is warm, so it sits well beside cream, white, tan and denim, and it flatters more skin tones than a stark white does. The print does the talking, so keep jewelry small and let the dots be the pattern in the room.

Why you will love it

• Polka dot print on a warm apricot ground
• Cap sleeves at 4.5 in to 5.3 in
• Smocked panels that give as you move
• Buttoned detail
• Relaxed through the bust, 36.6 in at S to 42.9 in at XL
• Material composition: 95% polyester, 5% elastane

Care

• Machine wash cold
• Tumble dry low