There are some trends better off left in the ’70s. We can think of several, but we’re not going to name them here for fear that someone will resurrect them and start mass-producing them again. Honestly, we can learn from history.

But we’ll participate gladly in the renewed zest for the peasant top, those gathered, often billowy blouses that flatter nearly anyone and cover a host of little sins. Worn over khakis or trousers, they take you to work (we like this Alberto Makali tunic at Nordstrom ($165, above), with

its three-quarter sleeves and sophisticated color scheme); with cute capris or a flippy skirt, they take you to a beachfront café for lunch (we nominate Juicy Couture’s coral scalloped cotton flutter-sleeve top ($118 at Bluefly, above left).

Peasant tops can be on the short side, like the silk-printed trim blouse at Banana Republic ($69, above right) or Topshop’s scallop Cornelli smock ($50, above left). There is often embroidery or lace (or both) around the neckline, shown in a Charter Club embroidered peasant top ($30, was $40, above right) and Rampage’s drop-waist peasant top at Macy’s ($31, was $44, below).

While we love the solids, like the smocked crepe top at Old Navy ($26.50, above left) or the Bailey 44 peasant top at Nordstrom ($145, above right), we also like peasant blouses that have a bit of a boho

flair. The Lisa lace top by Joie in cotton at Shopbop ($188, above left) is all innocence and light, while the INC International Concepts bell-sleeve paisley mesh tunic ($44, was $59, above right) has a more wordly vibe about it. Roberto Cavalli’s tie-dye chiffon blouse at The Outnet ($840, was $1,680, below left) is chic and lovely; Antik Batik’s Ozzy embroidered top ($144, was $360, below right) has a bit of the same feel and a suggestion of the same line.

We love the feel of the Sunner sundial silk Filmore flutter sleeve tunic at Bluefly ($189, was $315, above left); it looks like sunshine and hides last night’s dessert. We’re also flirting with the embroidered V-neck Alice + Olivia Dakota top at Shopbop ($297, above right), just because it would look so great over jeans and leather boots. And while we’re not quite sure what to say about this T-bags stripe-print cami top at The Outnet ($82.50, was $165, below), we thought we should show it to you anyway. You’re better off prepared.

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