Now & Then: The History of the Poet Blouse

A blouse made for male poets that today’s modern woman wears.

The iconic loose fitting, full-sleeved blouse with ruffled front and frilly cuffs, most commonly known as a Poet Blouse has been around ever since the days of Byron. Originating from traditional dress worn by male artists and writers like William Blake, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron in the late 18th to mid 19th century Britain, the poet blouse is most commonly worn by women today who desire a little romantic flounce.

Apart from an androgynous moment in the early 1980s when the U.K. spawned feverishly handsome bands like Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran who revisited the look, it’s fairly difficult for the modern man to pull off. With exception to modern day gothic charmers, and Hollywood elite like flamboyant comedian Russell Brand and typecasted pirate Johnny Depp, this is a look reserved for women.

Express your romantic side in this modern poet style blouse from frei designs, a Chicago-based women’s clothing line created thoughtfully with ethically produced raw materials.

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Rowena Ritchie

Rowena is EcoSalon’s West Coast Fashion Editor and currently resides in San Francisco, CA.