At 64, I Want a Pretty Blouse That Works With the Trousers I Already Own

When I look at a blouse these days, one of the first things I notice is where the hem falls. I like a top I can wear over trousers without constantly adjusting it.

Lana's longline cut is designed to extend below the hips. In the photographs, the gently flared lower half gives it a softer outline than a straight, short shirt.

That's the sort of shape I can imagine with cropped trousers and flat shoes for the shops or lunch with a friend.

The print helps too. Small wildflowers climb up the soft grey background, with little touches of red and pink. It's cheerful without asking to be the loudest thing in the room.

I would compare the measurements with a blouse I already own rather than assume the same size will fit the same way.

Some mornings I have no desire to spend ten minutes working out what goes with what. I want to put something on and get on with the day.

The photographs show Lana with white cropped trousers and trainers. It looks like the sort of outfit you could wear for a walk, a visit to the shops or an unplanned cuppa.

There's no need to add a jacket just to make the blouse interesting. The flowers do that on their own.

The V-neck adds a little openness at the top, and the sleeves give some coverage without making the whole outfit look formal.

To me, that's the appeal: a top with personality that doesn't require a whole new wardrobe to go with it.

One. The V-neck. It gives Lana a different look from a high-necked tunic. I'd check where it sits and whether it's a neckline I'd feel happy wearing.

Two. The pockets. The product description includes practical pockets, and you can see them in the worn photographs. Somewhere to rest your hands or put a small everyday item is a rather useful detail.

Three. The length and sleeves. Lana is described as a longline shirt with long sleeves. I'd compare the measurements with my own tops, especially at the bust, hips and sleeve length.

And I'd look at the actual fabric and floral pattern up close rather than judging everything by one photograph. The little details can tell you whether something feels like your kind of clothes.

None of that is glamorous advice. It's just the sort of checking that saves a disappointing parcel arriving at the door.

I always look at the price before I let myself get too attached to a pretty pattern.

Lana is currently listed at A$69.95, in Grey and in sizes S through 3XL. I'd check the current price and exact size options on the product page before ordering.

I would want a blouse at that price to work for more than one occasion: the shops, visiting family, lunch out or one of those ordinary days when I still fancy wearing something nice.

Because a longer blouse needs to sit comfortably around the hips, I'd pay particular attention to the size guide and where the hem will fall on me.

I would also check the delivery and return conditions before paying. There is no point in buying something that looks lovely if the practical details don't suit you.

If you told me you'd started wearing the same two or three tops every week because they're easy, I would understand completely.

Comfort matters. But I don't think that means we have to give up on pretty prints or clothes that make an ordinary day feel a little nicer.

Lana caught my attention because of the extra length, the V-neck and those practical pockets. It looks like the sort of blouse you could reach for without giving the rest of the outfit much thought.

I can't promise it will be right for your shape without trying it on. I'd check the measurements and think about the trousers I'd wear with it.

And if it isn't quite your style, I'd have a look through the other Long Blouses. It's nicer to choose something you actually like than to settle for something merely sensible.