Alex Marie Blouses

Everything You Need to Know Before You Shop

Alex Marie blouses have become a wardrobe staple for many women looking for feminine, romantic, and elegant tops. As a leader in women’s fashion, Alex Marie offers a wide selection of blouses with gorgeous details like ruffles, lace, embroidery and unique prints.

But with so many beautiful Alex Marie blouse styles available, how do you choose? This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know before buying your next Alex Marie blouse. I’ll cover all the key details from styles and fits to fabrics and care instructions. Read on for tips to find your perfect Alex Marie blouse!

What are the different styles of Alex Marie blouses?

Alex Marie blouses come in a variety of silhouettes and designs to suit any body type or style preference. Options include:

• Peasant blouses with smocked bodices, puff sleeves and front ties
• Wrap blouses with surplice necklines and waist-cinching silhouettes
• Lace-trimmed blouses with delicate sheer overlays
• Ruffle blouses with rows of flirty ruffles down the front
• Flowy chiffon blouses with floaty elbow-length sleeves
• Printed blouses with unique floral or paisley designs
• Cropped blouses with a modern, above-the-waist cut
• Off-the-shoulder blouses with a flattering shoulder-baring neckline
• Button-up blouses made from soft woven fabrics
• Embroidered blouses with eye-catching beaded or sequined accents

No matter your style, there’s an Alex Marie blouse to complement it. The variety of necklines, sleeve lengths, shapes and details gives you endless options to mix and match.

Where can I buy Alex Marie blouses online?

While you may be able to find select Alex Marie blouses at department stores, the best selection will be online through the Alex Marie website or retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve and Amazon.

The Alex Marie website offers the entire collection of blouses so you can see all the latest styles. Free shipping and returns are available. Alex Marie also has a store locator on their site to find physical stores that may carry the brand.

Major online retailers like Nordstrom, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue also stock a large assortment of Alex Marie blouses. Amazon has certain styles available with free Prime shipping and returns too.

For the biggest selection in new arrivals, sale items and hard to find past season colors and prints, shopping directly from Alex Marie online is your best bet.

How do Alex Marie blouses fit compared to other brands?

The overall fit and sizing of Alex Marie blouses runs fairly true-to-size though some silhouettes may fit slimmer or looser. Here’s a quick fit overview:

• Wrap styles and cropped blouses have a more body-hugging fit that accentuates your shape. Size up if you prefer a looser drape.
• Flowy peasant tops and blouses made from chiffon or crepe have an oversized, relaxed fit. Stick with your normal size for the right amount of drape.
• Lace overlay and embroidered blouses have a slimmer fit through the bodice but flow out at the waist. Order your regular size for the best fit.
• Button-up woven styles have a slightly boxy, roomy fit. Size down if you prefer a more tailored look.

If you fall between standard size ranges, I’d recommend sizing up as the slimmer fit of some Alex Marie blouse styles can run smaller. Check product descriptions for fit notes too.

Compared to brands like Free People, Anthropologie or Madewell, Alex Marie blouses have a very similar feminine, figure-flattering fit. Sizing is consistent with these brands in most cases.

Are Alex Marie blouses suitable for work?

The feminine, delicate styling of Alex Marie blouses make them a great option for work in certain professional settings. Many styles transition easily from desk to dinner too.

• Button-up Alex Marie blouses in solid colors or subtle prints work well for the office. Choose ones made of matte fabrics like crepe, satin or chambray.
• Embellished blouses with lace, ruffle or embroidery details can also work for business casual offices, especially when worn with dark pants or skirts.
• Look for wrap styles, peasant blouses or chiffon tops with longer sleeves and high necklines for conservative workplaces.
• Flowy fit and flare shapes that nip in at the waist complement dress pants or pencil skirts.
• Cropped and off-the-shoulder Alex Marie blouses are likely too casual for traditional office environments.

Stick to solid, dark-colored bottoms and minimal accessories to keep Alex Marie blouses office-appropriate. Proper undergarments are also a must to avoid unwanted transparency issues.

What materials are used in Alex Marie blouses?

Alex Marie uses high-quality fabrics like chiffon, crepe, lace and washed silk to create the elevated look of their blouses. Some specific materials you’ll find include:

• Chiffon: Sheer, lightweight and floaty silk-like chiffon drapes beautifully on Alex Marie’s peasant and babydoll blouses.
• Crepe: A staple for work blouses, crepe has a matte finish and structured drape. It resists wrinkles too.
• Lace: Delicate lace trims the necklines, sleeves and hems of many Alex Marie blouse styles adding feminine detail.
• Washed silk: Alex Marie’s washed silk has a subtle sheen and luxe feel. It works well for both casual and dressy blouses.
• Rayon and polyester: Smooth rayon and polyester fabrics provide shape retention at lower price points in some Alex Marie designs.
• Cotton: Woven cottons give button-up Alex Marie blouses a crisp, polished look. Cotton voile and poplin are commonly used.

High thread counts and light finishes give these fabrics a luxurious drape and movement. Alex Marie also uses many knit fabrics to create tops and tunics with stretch.

How do I care for my Alex Marie blouse?

Many Alex Marie blouse fabrics require delicate laundering and special care. Here are some top tips for keeping your blouses looking fabulous:

• Check fabric care labels and follow washing instructions to determine if dry cleaning is needed. Hand washing is often recommended.
• Wash dark Alex Marie blouses separately to avoid color transfer. Turn items inside out first.
• Use a mesh garment bag when machine washing to protect embellished blouses from snags.
• Avoid high heat tumble drying. Line dry or lay flat instead to prevent shrinking.
• Iron on low heat if needed and cover embellished areas with a cloth. Test on an inconspicuous spot first.
• Pre-treat any stains on washable blouses with a diluted detergent solution before washing.
• Take embellished or lace blouses to the dry cleaner for professional cleaning.
• Store Alex Marie blouses folded or on hangers to avoid creases. Use fabric covers for long-term storage.

With some extra care, your Alex Marie blouses will maintain their beautiful shape and detail season after season.

What outfits pair well with Alex Marie blouses?

Half the fun of Alex Marie blouses is mixing and matching them with the rest of your wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite outfit ideas:

For Casual Looks:

• Tuck an Alex Marie peasant blouse into distressed jeans with wedges or sneakers
• Layer a lace Alex Marie blouse under a denim or leather jacket with cutoffs
• Wear a printed Alex Marie wrap blouse half-tucked into a midi skirt with flats
• Pair an off-the-shoulder Alex Marie blouse with wide leg pants or culottes
• Tie an Alex Marie chiffon blouse at the waist over leggings and booties

For Work Outfits:

• Balance an Alex Marie blouse with a sleek pencil skirt and pumps or loafers
• Layer under a blazer with ankle pants and ballet flats for an office-ready ensemble
• Create contrast with a satin Alex Marie blouse and black trousers
• Add a pop of color with a bright Alex Marie blouse under a suit
• Keep it professional with a button-up Alex Marie blouse, midi skirt and kitten heels

For Night Out Styles:

• Make a statement with an embellished Alex Marie blouse, faux leather leggings and heels
• Go for drama with an off-the-shoulder Alex Marie blouse, maxi skirt and wedges
• Add romance with a lace Alex Marie blouse paired with distressed white jeans and booties
• Contrast an oversized Alex Marie peasant blouse with a bodycon midi skirt and strappy heels
• Give a cropped Alex Marie blouse elegance with a satin midi skirt and mules

Alex Marie blouses can take you from casual daytime looks to chic evening outfits seamlessly. Get creative mixing colors, textures and silhouettes.

Are there any sales on Alex Marie blouses?

Luckily for budget-conscious shoppers, Alex Marie blouses do go on sale quite frequently. Here are some tips to score deals:

• Check the Alex Marie website for sale and clearance sections. Sort by blouses to easily browse all discounted styles.
• Sign up for the Alex Marie email list to receive notifications about sitewide promo codes and flash sales.
• Look out for Alex Marie sales around major holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Discounts can range from 25-50% off regular prices.
• Shop Alex Marie blouses at retailer sales events. Nordstrom, Revolve and others discount Alex Marie items during bi-annual sales.
• Check resale sites like Poshmark, Mercari and eBay for steeply discounted second-hand Alex Marie blouses. Vintage pieces pop up too.
• Buy off-season Alex Marie blouses on clearance when stores shift over seasonal inventory.

With some strategic sale shopping, you can stock up on gorgeous Alex Marie blouses without breaking the bank! Patience and flexibility on colors/prints pay off.

How do Alex Marie blouses compare in price to other brands?

Alex Marie blouses range from around $50 to $250 with most styles priced between $100 to $150. This positions Alex Marie as an upper contemporary brand that’s more expensive than fast fashion but priced lower than designer labels.

Here’s how Alex Marie blouse prices stack up to other brands:

• More affordable than Anthropologie or Free People: Alex Marie blouses are about 20-30% lower than these brands which typically cost $150-$300.
• Similar to Reformation or ASOS: These brands also offer trendy blouses from $50-$200 putting them on par with Alex Marie’s prices.
• More expensive than Madewell or Old Navy: For basic solid blouses, Madewell and Old Navy have options under $100 so they are cheaper than most Alex Marie styles.
• Lower priced than Joie, Alice & Olivia or Equipment: These luxury contemporary labels generally start around $200 and go up past $300, surpassing most Alex Marie blouses.

While not the cheapest, Alex Marie provides noticeable quality and detail at accessible mid-range prices compared to competitors. Significant sales can bring costs down too. Overall, Alex Marie blouses are a quality investment piece at reasonable prices.

Can I return an Alex Marie blouse if it doesn’t fit?

One of the advantages of shopping directly from Alex Marie online is that returns are free and easy if your blouse doesn’t work out.

Alex Marie accepts returns of unworn merchandise within 30 days of delivery. Refunds are issued to the original payment method once returns are received and inspected.

To start a return, login to your Alex Marie account to generate a prepaid return label. Pack up the unused blouse in original packaging and drop off at a carrier location.

For blouses purchased from third party retailers, return policies can vary. Most major retailers now offer free returns within a similar 30 day window, but always check individual policies first.

Know that Alex Marie blouses are final sale items during promotional sales. But with free returns otherwise, you can shop worry-free knowing you can get a full refund if sizing or style doesn’t suit you.

What sizes are available for Alex Marie blouses?

Alex Marie blouses come in standard numerical women’s sizes from XS to XL. Sizing breaks down as follows:

• XS: 0-2
• S: 4-6
• M: 8-10
• L: 12-14
• XL: 16-18

Most styles are available across this size range. Certain oversized or cropped blouses may start at size S.

While Alex Marie doesn’t offer plus sizes beyond XL, their designs are often very forgiving to accommodate curvier figures. Flowy peasant blouses, wrap styles with cinched waists and silky chiffon fabrics drape beautifully on bodies of many shapes.

If you fall between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up. Alex Marie blouses tend to fit slim and small in busty or hippy areas. Consult reviews and size charts to help determine your best Alex Marie blouse size.

Are there petite options for Alex Marie blouses?

Alex Marie doesn’t specifically categorize any of their blouses as petite but several styles work well for shorter frames.

Look for:

• Cropped blouses – These end naturally at the waist for petite proportioned gals. Avoid boxy crops that could overwhelm.
• Peasant blouses with smocked tops – The gathered smocked bust helps eliminate gapping while the looser shape accommodates a shorter torso.
• Wrap blouses – Wrap styles that crisscross and tie in front give you adjustability for a made-to-measure fit on petite bodies.
• Fitted button-up blouses – A more tailored, close-to-the body button-up creates a streamlined silhouette that flatters petite figures.

For the best fit, consider having cropped length styles tailored if sleeves or hems are too long. There are also many YouTube tutorials on DIY methods to tailor regular blouses for petite proportions.

How to style an Alex Marie blouse for a casual look?

Alex Marie blouses easily transition from day to night with just a few styling tweaks. For casual daytime looks, go for these easy pairing ideas:

• Add a denim, leather or utility jacket on top for a bit of edge. Choose a cropped style to show off the blouse details.
• Pair with your favorite jeans – slim, straight, cropped, flared or bootcut all work well!
• Skinny ankle pants or trousers keep things polished but relaxed.
• Lean into the boho vibe with cutoffs, maxi skirts or palazzo pants.
• Balance an oversized Alex Marie blouse with fitted leggings or bike shorts on bottom.
• Mix textures and patterns with corduroy, sweater knits or printed pants.
• Go for white sneakers, loafers, or slip-on mules to let the blouse be the focal point.
• Leave hair down and flowy or in effortless beach waves.

The key to an Alex Marie blouse casual look is keeping the rest of the outfit fuss-free. Let the blouse bring the feminine charm and simply style around it with your favorite laidback basics.

What are some alternatives to Alex Marie blouses?

While I’m personally a huge fan of Alex Marie blouses, here are some similar brands to consider:

• Anthropologie: Boasts an enormous selection of feminine and whimsical blouses at comparable prices.
• Free People: Great for romantic and boho peasant blouse styles with lots of lace and crochet.
• Johnny Was: Known for colorful embroidered blouses Often made in lightweight rayon.
• Rails: Relaxed chambray button-ups and washed silk blouses at mid-tier pricing.
• Reformation: Trend-driven wrap blouses and puff sleeves in sustainable fabrics.
• ASOS: More affordable prices for of-the-moment cropped and tie-front blouse styles.
• LoveShackFancy: Luxe silk blouses with intricate lace and embroidery details at higher price points.

While none are exact Alex Marie dupes, these brands offer similar silhouettes, details and quality worth exploring. Try various styles to find your perfect match!

How do I clean an Alex Marie blouse?

Alex Marie blouses require gentle care to preserve the gorgeous details. Follow these tips:

• Always check care labels and follow washing instructions. Hand wash only is common.
• Machine wash on a delicate cycle in cold water if gentle machine washing is approved. Use a mesh bag for protection.
• Stick to mild detergents free of dyes, bleach and fragrances that could irritate delicate fabrics.
• Avoid soaking or wringing out. Just gently press water through the fibers. Prolonged soaking can damage embellishments.
• Lay flat or hang to dry. Never put Alex Marie blouses in the dryer, even on low heat. Air drying prevents shrinkage.
• Iron inside out at the lowest suitable temperature to avoid damaging exterior beading, sequins or print.
• Get professional dry cleaning for investment pieces, especially silk styles prone to water spots and stains.

With proper laundering, your Alex Marie blouses will maintain their like-new beauty for many wears. Handle with care!

Are Alex Marie blouses true to size?

Alex Marie blouses fit pretty true-to-size, however a few style exceptions exist:

• Button-up woven blouses tend to fit roomier and boxy. Size down for a more tailored look.
• Embroidered peasant blouses with smocked busts can fit small up top. Consider sizing up.
• Silky wrap blouses hug curves closely. Size up for a looser drape.
• Oversized and cropped blouse shapes are meant to fit loose. Don’t size down for your normal fit.

To determine your ideal Alex Marie blouse size:

• Consult the size chart on each product page and measure yourself.
• Read reviews to hear directly from customers on how the style fits.
• For bustier figures, size up – Alex Marie blouses err on the slimmer side.
• Stick with your regular size for classic button-up, lace and chiffon styles.

With so many feminine silhouettes, Alex Marie sizing varies slightly by style. Use all the resources available to find your perfect match!

What colors do Alex Marie blouses come in?

Alex Marie blouses are available across a spectrum of gorgeous seasonal colors:

Spring/Summer: White, black, sky blue, lemon yellow, lilac purple, blossom pink

Fall/Winter: Wine red, emerald green, sapphire blue, marigold yellow, dove gray, midnight black

In addition to these staple solid shades, Alex Marie has a knack for creating unique prints exclusive to the brand:

• Romantic florals with roses, daisies and wildflowers
• Whimsical fruit prints like lemons and cherries
• Painterly watercolor and ombre designs
• Artistic tile and mosaic patterns
• Paisley, damask and Liberty heritage prints

The color palette changes each season but you can always rely on Alex Marie for a vibrant range of rich solids, playful prints and pretty pastels. Peruse all the options online or in stores to find your perfect shade match.

How long do Alex Marie blouses typically last?

The high-quality fabrics and construction allow Alex Marie blouses to last for many seasons when properly cared for. Here’s what to expect:

• Woven cotton or chambray blouses maintain their structure for 3+ years with minimal pilling or fraying.
• Silky crepe blouses show wear after 2-3 years. They are prone to snags and holes. Avoid pulling!
• Embellished peasant blouses may lose beads, lace or appliques after frequent washing. Hand wash only for best results.
• Chiffon and georgette blouse are more delicate and start to show tears around 2 years.
• Thinner rayon and poly blends lose their shape earlier – about 1-2 years.

With gentle wear and care, an Alex Marie blouse should last at least one full year before signs of damage. Higher quality silks and cottons have staying power for 3+ years.

Are Alex Marie blouses suitable for formal occasions?

While Alex Marie blouses skew feminine and romantic, many styles work beautifully dressed up for formal events:

• Lace blouses bring elegance to occasions like weddings, showers and date nights. Keep accessories minimal.
• Embellished peasant blouses make a boho statement for garden parties, weddings and black tie optional events.
• Silky crepe wrap blouses tucked into midi skirts or dress pants exude chic sophistication.
• Satin button-up blouses look polished with suiting and translate well from office to evening.
• Velvet Alex Marie blouses transition nicely to holiday parties or New Year’s Eve with some sparkly jewelry.

Stay away from oversized, cropped or super casual Alex Marie styles. But with the right complementary pieces, Alex Marie blouses can be perfectly occasion-ready.

What is the history of the Alex Marie brand?

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Alex Marie delivers feminine fashion “made for women, by women.” The brand is centered around airy, romantic blouses with gorgeous detail.

Alex Marie was started by entrepreneur Alexandria Marie Baughn. Frustrated by the lack of sophisticated yet affordable blouses for her body type, Alexandria launched her own collection.

The focus from day one has been offering flattering, quality-made blouses in inclusive sizing at accessible price points. Alex Marie also prioritizes ethical production in its woman-run Los Angeles design studio.

In just over a decade, Alex Marie has become a go-to for contemporary blouses carried by major retailers like Nordstrom and Revolve. The brand continues growing while staying true to its feminine, romantic roots through each new collection.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the details needed to confidently shop for your next perfect Alex Marie blouse.

Their whimsical peasant blouses, tailored button-ups and silky wrap styles truly have a blouse for every taste. Just reference this guide to pick styles, prints and sizes optimized for your wardrobe needs.

Alex Marie takes the guesswork out of finding beautiful, quality-made blouses fit for all of life’s special occasions. Let their passion for crafting feminine fashion help you feel your absolute best!