There is something quietly irresistible about broderie anglaise in midsummer. Those punched-out petals and latticed eyelets catch the light the way no flat fabric ever could, turning a simple white top into something that feels considered, artisanal, alive. Whether you are packing for a coastal weekend, navigating a rooftop dinner, or simply making a Tuesday feel like a holiday, a broderie or lace-textured blouse is the one piece that does the dressing for you. This July, OLANE's edit of textured summer blouses gives you every variation of the trend — here is exactly how to wear them.
The edit at a glance
- Trend: Broderie anglaise and lace-textured tops are the defining summer white tops of the season.
- Key piece: A lightweight blouse with eyelet or lace detail — dressed up or down in minutes.
- Three looks: Coastal casual, smart-relaxed, and evening-ready — all built from one top.
- Palette: White, ivory and soft neutrals carry the texture furthest.
- Price point: Every OLANE top in this edit is €39.99 — investment style, accessible price.
- Best for: Holiday packing, summer weddings, warm-weather weekend dressing.
Why broderie anglaise belongs in July
Broderie anglaise succeeds in high summer for the most practical of reasons: the openwork construction breathes. Air moves through those embroidered cut-outs in a way dense weaves simply cannot match, making textured summer blouses genuinely comfortable rather than merely pretty. At the same time, the craftsmanship embedded in every eyelet elevates a look without any additional effort — no statement jewellery required, no careful layering needed. The texture does the talking. This season the trend has shifted away from overly romantic, heavily ruffled silhouettes toward cleaner, more architectural takes: crisp V-necks, sleek ties at the front, delicate lace trims on a satin ground. It is broderie anglaise grown up, and it fits effortlessly into the wardrobes of women who want their summer pieces to transition from sand to supper without a costume change.
The colour story is equally persuasive. White and ivory — the natural home of this embroidery — are July's most versatile neutrals, pairing with sun-bleached linen, deep indigo denim, terracotta and even a bold print with equal ease. Investing in a single well-chosen summer white top in a broderie or lace texture is, in short, one of the most efficient wardrobe decisions of the season.
Three ways to wear broderie anglaise tops this July
Look 1 — The Coastal Casual. Pair a relaxed lace-detailed blouse with wide-leg linen trousers in stone or sand and flat leather sandals. Keep accessories minimal: a single gold hoop, a woven tote. The Rochelle Lace Short Sleeve V-Neck Top works beautifully here — its short sleeves and V-neck sit cleanly against a high-waisted trouser waistband without bunching, and the lace detail reads as effortless rather than over-dressed. Tie your hair loosely, add a straw hat if the sun demands it, and you have a complete holiday outfit that requires no further thought.
Look 2 — The Smart-Relaxed. Tuck a tie-front blouse into a tailored midi skirt in cream or pale khaki. The knot at the waist creates definition without a belt, while the textured fabric keeps things from sliding into corporate territory. Finish with block-heeled mules and a structured mini bag. The Ruffle Hem Tie-Front Blouse, with its ruffle hem and front tie, is made for this formula — the slight volume at the hem adds movement as the skirt falls, and the tie sits naturally at the natural waist for a flattering, editorial proportion.
Look 3 — The Evening Edit. A broderie or lace-trim blouse over a simple slip skirt in champagne or white is the quietly confident evening look of the summer. The contrast between the textured top and the fluid skirt does all the styling work. Swap sandals for barely-there heeled mules, add a delicate chain necklace and a small clutch, and you are ready for a terrace dinner without having changed out of what felt like daywear. Elegant Lace Silk Blouse slips into this formula with particular ease — its silk ground gives the lace trim a luxurious finish that photographs beautifully in evening light.
Colour, shoes and layering notes. White-on-white tonal dressing reads as intentional and grown-up in July — do not shy away from pairing your ivory top with an off-white skirt or cream trousers. For shoes, the rule is simple: the more relaxed the outfit, the flatter the heel. A broderie blouse is equally at home over a sleek bikini top as it is over tailored separates, making it the single best layering piece to pack for a coastal trip. When temperatures drop in the evening, a longline linen blazer in a natural tone slips over any of these looks without disturbing the silhouette.
Shop the OLANE broderie edit
Every piece below is part of OLANE's July women's summer tops edit — each one offering a different interpretation of the lace and broderie trend, from the easy wearability of the Slim-Fit Deep V Midi Sleeve Tee Slim-Fit Midi Sleeve Tee for those who prefer a pared-back approach, to the more overtly feminine Elegant Satin Lace Trim Blouse with its satin ground and lace trim detail for evenings that ask for a little more. All are priced at €39.99, all are ready to travel.
Carry it beyond July
The best thing about a considered summer white top is its longevity. As August softens into September, your broderie blouse moves seamlessly under a fine-knit cardigan, over a narrow trouser in deep rust or forest green, or tucked into a plaid midi skirt for the first cool days of early autumn. The texture that made it feel coastal in July makes it feel quietly luxurious by October. Buy it for the holiday — keep wearing it long after the tan has faded.
