I was looking for: casual fit but not sloppy, thinner silk with good drape, collar, preferably under $100, and no chest pocket flaps. Black or white color. It seems that almost every silk blouse out there has boxy chest pockets with flaps, which I feel distract from the clean lines of a silk blouse.
Out of the above, I’m fairly sure the AT and J.Crew versions will fit well in petite sizing. AT’s price point with promos is more attractive and I prefer the discreet pockets and hidden buttons, but the colors I’m seeking are not offered there. The Nexx blouse was recommended by a reader, but I am wary of the “loose fit” description, larger pockets, and less-specific letter sizing (4 sizes to choose from versus 8 from AT/J.Crew). In the end, I decided to try a regular-sized option from Tinley Road which had the color I wanted, sans chest flaps, at a lower price than the above: 
Fit: Trying on these regular XS blouses made me realize that as long as the silk has nice drape and the shoulders aren’t redonculously wider than your natural shoulders, it will look “acceptable” after faking the fit. However, I’m just not sure I want to do that every time…
This blouse was about an inch too wide in the shoulders, was very flowy throughout the body and arms, and had sleeves designed for longer-limbed women. I also noticed the lower-placed chest pockets looked slightly saggy. It’s a look that can work casually with jeans, but was too balloon-y when tucked into a higher-waisted skirt.
Sleeves that are slightly too long can look fine pushed or cuffed/rolled up, but those that are much too long will cause excessive fabric to bunch up all over the arms. They also bother me immensely when they fall out from under a blazer. My tailor charges $25 to shorten such sleeves, so that is a decent-sized cost to factor in.
Measurements: Size XS measures 15″across the shoulders, 24″ long sleeves, 18″ across the chest, 25-26″ torso length. 5.5″ across the sleeve when measured around the elbow. 4.25″ wide pocket.
Quality & Options: I’m not an expert on silk, but I have seen and touched silk that was either way too sheer, or too stiff, or had too much sheen like prom taffeta. I was happy with the quality of this lightweight silk, and love the color options. Lastly, the price I feel is fair for 100% silk, and would be even better with one of Piperlime’s occasional 20% off coupons.
Verdict: Without much deliberation, I sent these back and will keep my eyes peeled for petite-sized options going forward. Since altering silk is slightly risky, I’d rather find something that fits better off the rack than pay for alterations. For those who wear regular sizing, this is a good alternative to the popular J.Crew blouse.
Neiman Marcus Last Call sometimes has them on sale for $99 plus 30-40% off.
I'm a huge fan of the Equipment Brett (slim fit, compared to the Signature one) blouse. The price point is on the high end, but you can find them on ebay for less than $100.
Hey Jean! Love this post as I have spent lots of time trying to find a classic silk blouse myself. I've found that Rugby size 0 runs really slim and is a good fit for me (my measurements are almost identical to yours except my bust is 30ish). I caved and bought their Daxen Silk Georgette shirt in size 0 (http://www.rugby.com/shop/item.aspx?productId=12624262&categoryId;=12433952&cp;=3870665) and really love it – it's super long but I'm fine with that as I tuck it into jeans or my BR tweed shorts anyway. Good luck with the search!
Juicy has one on sale on its website, only size 0 left for white color but it's final sale so kinda risky
I want no 2 pleease! And you look amazing! 😀
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I do not know what is the cause for Jean's opposition.
In my personal opinion, big giant pockets always seem to be
1. improperly placed, too low on my body, making me look frumpy and wide on top.
2. Also, it creates more structure, and less of a flowy drape and….
3. draws too much attention to my barely there chest…lol!
4. Plus, no pockets are a cleaner look.
But if I really like how a shirt is made, I can overlook the pockets if hey aren't too huge.
http://shortandsweetjoy.blogspot.com/
My fav is the collarless red one. It is a great price! Tks for sharing!!
I love your style. I guess I never thought altering an item would make such a difference. Shopping for clothes is something that I don't enjoy. Nothing ever fits. I am 4'11'' (maybe shorter, I'm too scared to measure myself.) I am a size 2-4 this week anyway and I wear a 5.5 shoe. I am going to use your outfits as a guide for my own wardrobe. Thank you so much.
I just got myself one from ClubMonaco, sleeves are longer but I can fold them over. It's the light beige one with navy collar and cuffs. Sooo elegant, cannot wait to wear it on Monday to work with navy trousers.
I personally love the blue one! It looks really good. That sucks that it doesn't fit as well as you wished it would.
http://denysiayu.blogspot.com
Jean, I love it when you explain how clothing should fit. love your style 🙂
Try Banana Republic. They've come out with a line of silk blouses this season. They have one which is collarless and front-pocket-less.
I love that white blouse! I hate the pocket flaps too. They take away the sophisticated feminine look that the silk blouse has to offer.
Have you tried this brand from Nordstrom called Classiques Entier. The quality is pretty good and their sizing also runs smaller than the regular. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-skyline-pintuck-silk-blouse/3280405?origin=category&BaseUrl;=Apparel
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/classiques-entier-altro-silk-blouse/3280395?origin=category&BaseUrl;=Apparel
Try River island blouses, they also have sleeveless options! Great fit and I'm 5ft 100lbs too.
Although I do think the whole idea of a silk blouse is for a loose drape fit, the boxiness can be fixed by wearing a tight fitted skirt, shorts, pants. Cotton blouses are more ideally for a fitted look.
Do let us know when you find a good fit!! I've been look for a well fit silk blouse with a good price point.
-Stephanie
@LaminLouboutins.blogspot.com
I'm pretty sure that Nexx blouse comes in petite sizing. I saw it at Nordies. Did you try it?
I have actually found every one of my silk blouses at thrift stores! It does take some looking and a lot of trying on, but I haven't paid more than $5 for any of them and I have a bunch! 😉
I do think both blouses look great with your jeans, but I can see not wanting to spend that much money on something that can only be worn casually! 😉
I'm a rather big fan of this look, a well draped blouse that easily tucks into a pair of jeans or shorts–and like you, I dislike the chest pockets with flaps. I've found a nice black one from Old Navy without a collar, although it had the tendency to look boxy at the time of purchase, which was easily solved by tossing it into the washer and dryer a few times.
The collarless red one looks really cute on you.
Thank you for the review, Jean! I have been on the hunt for a similar shirt (except I don't mind pocket flaps, and do not want silk due to having two small children) and reading the comments from your readers, it looks like I'll have to check out H&M; for the poly version 🙂
I dont remember it being too stiff but I guess I have to re-wear and re-judge. 🙂
I actually bought the H&M; one that you tried on before and it's actually quite nice. I washed it and it became really soft. Of course, it's not silk, but polyester is low maintenance.
-Melissa (@sunnymeliss)
Never mind, I went back and found it 🙂 Very cute!
I really like the barn red on you, I think the fit is adorable, casual yet classy. But I'd really like to know what jeans you're wearing here! The fit is great and the length looks like it doesn't even need hemming.
I was thinking of recommending the same shirt. I've gotten silk tops from m=Madewell in xxs and the fit is perfect.
I actually wore the Ann Taylor silk camp shirt to work yesterday. It wrinkled a lot after a full work day. But in terms of fit, it fit great and will probably fit you great in the 00P.
I agree with you about the sleeves. Good choice sending them back. Looking forward to the next one you find.
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHIRTSTOPS/blouses/PRDOVR~47229/47229.jsp
I second alee! Love the Madewell soft silk boyshirt, comes in XXS in the prettiest colors, contact them for 15% off with your "student ID" hehe, and 6% cashback with shopathome.
I'm not petite so I'm not sure about how the sizing will work, but I've been looking at the silk shirt from Madewell ( http://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/shirtstops/PRDOVR~47229/47229.jsp ). I feel like they should be relatively close in sizing to Jcrew.
I got a blouse that looks exactly like the tinley road blouse I'm white/cream from H&M;, size 2. I forgot how much it coated but it was somewhere between $25-$35. The chest pockets do not have flaps, and the 3/4 sleeves roll up a little past the elbows. I don't know if you are set on silk but this blouse has become one of my go to pieces. It looks way more expensive than it cost and fits well on small figures (I'm the same height and weight as you) and the price tag won't make me cry if I stain it.
I love my silk blouses but I'm tired of hand washing them and waiting for them to line dry. I just toss this H&M; blouse in with my whites and it comes out of the dryer wrinkle free and smelling like fabric softener.
I'll try to post a pic.
Wow that J Crew model in the middle is so skinny! They definitely clipped or Photoshopped the sleeves.
My favorite silk blouses are from Joie and Equipment, though they don't make petite sizing. I wear xs in both brands, but they may be a little too big for you.
Hi Did you look at Talbots? They have a petite line and they have a silk button up shirt w/ no chest pockets, long sleeves. Also they have one w/ no collar and 3/4 length sleeves. I have found their regular sizes to fit a little big but it is possible that their petite sizes fit more tts. Good Luck.
I hate chest flap pocket, too! I think they look floppy and weird. I'd so much rather have cleaner lines and less floppiness! 🙂
i got this one, too. the fit is good, but the silk doesn't have the best drape on mine- the fabric is a little too stiff?
I actually love the last one. The no collar look is elegant.
You should check out higher end designer blouses. I find that mass retailer fast fashion chains always run huge. I wear a 00 at GAP and it's still loose, but a 2 in Nanette Lepore and it's sometimes tight. At 70-80% off it's like the same price point as most of your stuff.
Club Monaco!! – Kate Silk Shirt
http://www.clubmonaco.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12506232
You sould try The Limited.
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I have a mandarin collared silk twill shirt in cobalt from The Limited. It is quite long but looks great tucked into anything.
http://www.thelimited.com/Mandarin-Collar-Split-V-Blouse/4223807,default,pd.html?dwvar_4223807_colorCode=741&start;=15&ppid;=c15&cgid;=blouse-shirts
Dear jean, If I am not mistaken, your mother has a cooking blog.Could you please give me the link for her cooking blog 🙂 I would love to learn from her.
i thrift for silk.
I have one from Dilliards, BCBG, it's collarless, but the fit is nice and it comes in lots of color options.
I would try Ann Taylor's…. I am your size and got a 00p… looks great
Try Victoria Secret. http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/shirts-and-blouses/silk-henley?ProductID=9869&CatalogueType;=OLS
Did you try Banana Republic? They have quite a few petite options that fit like a dream. Perhaps not the best quality, but good value at their price point. I tried on several that worked for my 28FF bust. We are always so concerned with fit, that sometimes when things fit off the rack we disregard materials and fabric content. I have been turning to higher quality garments lately (and less quantity) so that if I have to tailor, I feel it is worth it 🙂
that's too bad that those shirts didn't work out. the colors look nice on you though. i love your pumps. they can certainly make an outfit more fun. 😉
i don't have any suggestions for petite silk blouses since i'm not petite but i have several AT ones. i wear them both casually and to work all the time.
I bought a silk shirt from Ann Taylor Petite 3/4 Rolled Sleeve Silk Blouse last month, but it is no longer available.
The fit is perfect and it gives a casual look with nice drapes. I dont mind the pockets on it.
Why the opposition to the pockets? Just curious. All of these look so great on you, but I think I'm partial to the beautiful white one. Such a classic.
~Natasha Fatah~