Motley Motley Motley is the traditional costume of the court jester, fool, or the harlequin character in "commedia dell'arte". The harlequin wears a patchwork of red, green and blue diamonds that is still a fashion motif. The word "motley" is described in the Oxford English Dictionary as a cognate of "medley", although the unrelated "mottled" has also contributed to the meaning. The word is most commonly used as an adjective or noun, but is also seen as a verb and adverb. When used as a noun, it can mean "a varied mixture". As an adjective, it is generally disparaging — a
Jester blouse Jester blouse The jester blouse was a popular item in 1950s and early 1960s women's fashion. Fashion designer Louella Ballerino found an illustration of a court jester which inspired her to design her "sun and fun" fashions. The jester theme appeared in long pointed collars tipped with bell-like buttons, harlequin prints, and in the jagged points which occasionally outlined an apron overskirt. Ballerino created plunged-to-the-waist jester blouses in cotton or wool jersey topped sun backed dresses. In March 1961 Scotties sold a jester shirt made by Cromwell Mills at Bloomingdales and Filene's, It was red, white, and blue in color.