I went to the Peckham carboot sale on Sunday, which, since it joined the cohort of London carboots, has gained its place as a cool-girl hot spot and a casting director's dream. I can back this up, because as I was browsing someone's rail, two tall, well-dressed guys were behind me, literally being scouted by another well-dressed shopper who happened to be a model agent.
This is all to say carboot sales are rivalling runways for spotting trends and being ahead of the curve on what people will be wearing this season. One of the stalls, bustling with people of all ages, elbows touching and rummaging through piles of fabric, belonged to a woman who was selling stacks and stacks of vintage white cotton tops and linen blouses. They were all slightly different from one another and in varying condition, sporting pretty, romantic details: dainty button-up fastening, delicate lace trim, or a slight puff sleeve.
It's no wonder the stall attracted a crowd of treasure-hunting fashion magpies. This timeless blouse lives and breathes effortless summer style and has never really gone out of fashion. I thought of a white button-down blouse that a friend had picked up for me at a French flea market during her visit back home last year. The feminine silhouette and crisp white cotton reminded me of the bohemian white blouses that French icon Jane Birkin swore by. Birkin's delicate white top and blue jeans, toting a wicker bag, were her pared-back uniform, which never failed to look cool.
For 2026, the styling options are endless. Think of a white blouse as a neutral basic, like a plain white tee or a pin striped shirt. By design, a white blouse top is just so wearable. You can offset the ultra-pretty vibes with a pair of sporty shorts or durable bermuda shorts. Or, lean into the boho-ness with a tiered, asymmetric ‘00s skirt and ballet pumps.
The early morning wake-up call and rummaging required for a carboot sale, or hopping on a flight to France to browse a flea market, might not be for everyone, so thankfully, there are plenty of options on the high street that emulate the vintage feel. Brands like Sézane, With Jéan and Free People nail the look, but we've spotted this linen scoop neck blouse from New Look that rivals them all and is currently on sale for under £20. It features a lace trim and dainty button detail, and my favourite feature, the thin bow tie at the back to adjust the shape.
If you're looking to live your best French-girl summer, shop our roundup of vintage-look white blouses. Then, scroll Skyscanner for last-minute cheap flights. Just us?
New Look White linen rich lace scoop neck short sleeve blouse
New Look White linen rich lace scoop neck short sleeve blouse
Minka Dink London Poppy blouse
Nobody's Child White Puff Sleeve Lumi Blouse
Brora The organic cotton camisole
Kimchi Blue Mabel Smock Blouse
Damson Madder Mabel lace insert blouse
River Island RI x Molly Smith White beaded ruffle smock blouse
River Island RI x Molly Smith White beaded ruffle smock blouse
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
