Marble Stripe Embellished Blouse, Baby Blue

The Marble Stripe is a quietly clever thing. Fine pale blue and white pinstripes — properly pretty, the sort of stripe that flatters everything — built into a neat, button-through silhouette with structured short puff sleeves and a small stand collar. Then, dropped across the front like a brooch you couldn't take off, a deep scarlet appliquéd flower with rich green leaves picking out beautifully against all that pale stripe.

It's the embellishment that turns this from a sensible pinstripe shirt into something with proper character. Wear it buttoned right up for full polish, or with the top buttons undone for something easier — either is right. The cut is neat through the shoulder and bust, so it sits cleanly rather than going boxy.