A lavallière blouse changes mostly through the way you wear the collar. Tied tightly it looks different from when the ties fall loose, while the same blouse can simply be combined with trousers, a skirt, a cardigan or a blazer. That makes it easy to adapt one style to the office, lunch or dinner.
What is a lavallière blouse?
A lavallière blouse has long ties at the neck that you can tie, leave loosely knotted or simply let hang down. The Rosamund has this kind of lavallière collar, a satin look and a regular fit. The style is available in white, light blue and pearl cream, among others.
Bow loose or tied?
The way you wear the bow changes the whole blouse. This table shows what you can expect.
| Bow | Look | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Tied in a neat bow | Polished and classic | More formal styling |
| Loose over the blouse | Soft and relaxed | Looser styling |
| Knotted once, roomy | Playful but calm | A more festive accent |
| Tucked backwards | Sleek and minimalist | Under a layer when you want the ties less visible |
Four ways to wear the blouse
- At the office. The white Rosamund with the black high-waist Arabelli. The blouse can be tucked in so the high waist stays visible. Wear the lavallière tight or a little looser, depending on how formal your workplace is.
- On a day off. The light blue Rosamund works with dark denim or calm trousers. Let the ties fall looser if you want to wear the blouse less formally.
- For dinner. The pearl cream Rosamund with the grey, ankle-length flared trousers Florence. The satin look of the blouse contrasts with the calmer trousers. Choose shoes that suit the ankle length and that you can comfortably walk in all evening.
- Under a blazer or cardigan. Let the ties stay visible in front of the top layer or tuck them partly away. Above all, check that the collar does not get folded double or bunched up under the jacket.
Tying the bow in three steps
- Lay the two ends of the collar level and cross the left over the right.
- Pull the end that lies on top through the loop and make a simple knot, just like with a shoelace.
- Form two loops, gently tighten the knot and straighten the ends. A bow that is not too tight falls more softly.
Practise the bow once in front of the mirror. After two or three tries it takes a few seconds, even on a busy morning.
For which occasion?
The same blouse can work at several moments. How you tie the lavallière, the bottom half and the extra layer together determine how formal the outfit looks. For a party with a specific dress code, the invitation always takes priority. You can find more examples in our Dinner & Dates collection.
Combining colours
White, light blue and pearl cream are easy to combine with black, navy, grey, beige, brown and taupe. If you want to keep the bow central, choose a calm bottom half. If you want more contrast, a bolder pair of trousers or accessory is perfectly fine. There is no fixed rule that the rest of the outfit must always be understated.
Accessories with a lavallière
Because there is already detail around the neck, a necklace is not always needed. Earrings, a watch or a bag can work well. If you want to combine several eye-catching accessories, mainly check that the neckline still looks calm.
Caring for a satin-look blouse
For Rosamund, follow the current care label. The product advice mentions a delicate wash programme at a maximum of 30 °C, line drying and ironing at a maximum of 110 °C. Do not iron over finishes or accessories. You can find more explanation on our care instructions page.
Looking for more blouses? Take a look at the women's blouses, the women's trousers or the Office for Women collection.
Common mistakes
- A bow that is too tight. The blouse loses its soft drape and starts to feel tight at the neck.
- Too many details at once. A bow, a striking necklace and a printed skirt together become busy.
- A collar that disappears under a cardigan. Always lay the collar over or under the cardigan so the bow stays visible.
- Storing the collar carelessly. Make sure the lavallière does not stay creased or tightly knotted for long periods.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, pearl cream
Arabelli: high-waist pleated trousers, black
Florence: flared ankle-length trousers, grey
Frequently asked questions
Which trousers go with a blouse with a bow?
Straight, slim-straight and flared trousers can all work. Look mainly at the proportion between blouse, waist and leg shape.
Can I wear a blouse with a bow under a blazer?
Yes. Leave the ties visible or wear them partly under the blazer, as long as the collar does not get bunched up.
Does the bow always have to be tied?
No. Tied, the blouse looks businesslike; hanging loose, relaxed. You choose for each occasion.
Which shoes go with a blouse with a bow?
Loafers, pumps, ankle boots and other smart shoes can all work. Choose mainly based on trouser length, occasion and comfort.
What if the blouse does not fit?
If something does not fit, please check the current terms on our returns page.
