Blouses are back on the fashion radar. Not the nasty shiny sort that shriek "Doors to manual" or "Any cashback?", but styles that are distinctly non-utilitarian. Think frills, fancy buttons, dainty pin-tucks, billowing sleeves and plunging necklines in wispy chiffons and you get the picture.

	Classy chic: Model wears a 'Kate Moss for Topshop' blouse

The autumn/winter catwalks were awash with prim, 1940s-inspired, satin numbers including designs by John Galliano for Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs and Luella Bartley, while others, such as Sportmax and Danielle Scutt, reworked the classic men's bib-front dinner shirt. All of which are fine on young, flat-chested models, but they look horribly frumpy on anyone over 30 who has a bust.

Interestingly, many fashion editors watching the recent spring/summer 2008 shows favoured slightly boho, Stevie Nicks-style chiffon blouses that flatter regardless of shape, height and age. Teamed with maxi skirts, masculine tailored trousers and the accessories du jour – huge sunglasses, belts, bags, necklaces and heels – they were front-row winners.

The greatest boost to the blouse's reclaimed status came when Kate Moss wore a star-print 1970s style by Jaeger to a recent product launch. Top marks to Jaeger for proving they can still cut it, and top marks to Miss Moss for showing us that blouses haven't gone the way of the dodo.

For a blouse that wows: The Dos and Don'ts

• Team billowing blouses with slimming tight jeans, pencil skirts and heels

• Wear a waistcoat over your blouse for a layered look

• Stop a blouse looking too girlie with leather gloves or a tough-looking bag

• Accessorise with buckled high heels, such as Catherine Deneuve's in Belle du Jour (if you can't afford Roger Vivier, try M&S or Debenhams)

• Rip out its lining — sheer is best; if necessary wear a camisole underneath

• Prepare for floral blouses: they are must-haves for spring 2008

DON'T

• Tuck your blouse in, John-Major-style

• Button it right up, or you'll look like a secretary

• Colour co-ordinate your bottom half with your blouse

• Wear a pussy-bow or high-buttoning style if you have a short neck

• Wear it under a prim cardigan; long chunky styles are more now