New Sweet Pea style: trapeze tunic

May 4th, 2009

I’m still a fan of Sweet Pea’s top collection. The brand is best known for their mock wrap and empire cut styles, which look good on several body types. The forgiving stretch of the fabric and the ruched integrity of their silhouette folds over curves instead of clinging to them (ideal for camouflaging muffin top). If you can find a pattern that you like, the tops are well worth a try because they’re lightweight and made of durable, non-crease nylon mesh. Easy to launder, flattering to wear and fun for Spring and Summer. A pretty flop-proof solution for us all.

Sweet Pea keeps things fresh by offering plenty of new styles each season. The silhouette that caught my attention was an A-line sleeveless tie-back tunic style. It’s slightly trapeze, pleated under the neck and made of one solid piece (no colour blocked hem borders which cut your long lean line). This style is good on small to medium bust size rectangles, inverted triangles and hourglasses. Loose, cool and forgiving around the midsection. It will even work on some adorable apples and pretty pears if you alter the length.

The neckline is not ideal for large bust lines or short necked lasses (V-necks are better). But don’t give up before trying because you may be surprised at the result. Add a long beaded necklace to this style to draw the eye up and down and emphasize the vertical.

These tops are fab under a cropped cardigan and white jeans, or on their own with clamdiggers. I like how they’re voluminous and tailored at the same time. Makes for a nice change to the multitudes of empire cuts and wrap styles (we need a little break from the defined waist). If these patterns are not to your taste, hang on. Sweet Pea is bound to offer alternatives throughout the season.

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Tip: I’ve successfully doctored several Sweet Pea tops because the fabric does not fray. Cut a sleeve or hem to length at home with a pair of sharp scissors and Bob’s your uncle.


 

23 Replies

Posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 6:56 am
sinead

I love these! It seems like it would help small shoulders look bigger- is that right? And for a pear shape, would you hem so that it isn’t hitting on the widest part, or just make sure it hits below that?

I’ve been looking for some cute, patterned, sleeveless tops for the annual Austin visit- I’ll give these a try.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Christine

I do have a bigger bust, but I might try this style anyway because I like it so much. Would it look all right with a skinny pair of walking shorts? It looks so comfortable for summer, and I love Sweet Pea tops because they’re so comfortable and forgiving.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Patience

Thanks for pointing these out, Angie. They are right up my alley!

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 7:46 am
jwomack

I discovered Sweet Pea on this forum and love their stuff. I just bought a sleeveless wrap style on Ruelala and absolutely love it. I will definitely try the new style here — thanks Angie. I have worn mine with white jeans and clamdiggers already so I feel great now that Angie has put her stamp of approval on my outfit choices.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Jennell

Sweet Pea tops look adorable and comfortable. I have yet to try one as I am an “older pear”. I think I may give it a shot, if I can find one that suits and wear it with white jeans.
Can you suggest a site online that has a good selection??
Thanks:)

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 8:07 am
lwc

Thanks for the informative post, Angie!

I like the style, and have tops on my list of things to shop for next.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Joy

Angie, this post is so exciting! I’ll need to add an elbow-length sleeved cropped cardi in public, but I have high hopes that these will work for me, especially with the higher neck. They are on my list to try next shopping trip.
It’s also exciting about doctoring the tops with a sharp pair of scissors. On my favorite SP top, the too-long sleeves flare at the wrist and don’t stay pushed up.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 8:53 am
san

I like this new style of SP top. I like seeing the longer hemline.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Shana

Angie, I too discovered Sweet Pea thanks to you and this forum. I’m not sure if this particular model will work for me as I am short necked and big busted but I am happy to see that this line is continuing to expand their offerings. So far, I have only purchased one faux wrap top which works really well and I have a different style, a knotted v-neck, on its way to me. I suspect that it will be too long and I had intended to ask the question about trimming it at home (since the edges are all unfinished) so I am happy that you have already answered my question!

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am

OOHH I haven’t seen these- I love Sweet Pea! Thanks!!!

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 9:35 am

I love those! They look really comfortable.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Maya

I’m glad Sweet Pea is now offering less form-fitting styles. I liked their “usual” tops but I enjoy seeing some variety (though I can’t wear this particular top). I have a long skinny neck but a big bust and haven’t quite figured out how to reconcile those two things. Hopefully a similar style will come out a big chest…

Question:

I usually wear a size larger than usual in Sweet Pea (M instead of S). In a floatier, less fitted style like this, would it be advisable to stick to the same size or go down to my usual size?

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Cricket

Very cute! I have a pattern for something very similar. The pattern picture is of a woven cotton, and optional belt. What do you think of this style in a woven?

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 10:32 am

I’ve loved that neckline for a while, but never knew the name of it! Thanks! :)

And those tops are adorable! :)

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 10:44 am

If the length of the back tie worries you, just cut it to size. It’s one of the pluses of the fabric.

Sinead, spot on. This style is structured on the shoulder which is good for your body type. Look at the length of the top on these models. They are pushing 6ft and the style is quite long on them. I am 5ft 6 and it was even longer on me. It’s a great tunic length, and will possibly cover the widest part of your pretty pear frame. But you’re right, you don’t want the hem to cut you at your widest part when you are pear shaped.

Christine, Shana and Maya, by all means try this style. You are all a little fuller on the bust, but I think you might get away with the look because it’s sleeveless and breezy in a tailored way. Skinny walk shorts ARE clamdiggers, and they are exactly what these tops look great with. Hmmmm. Sizing is hard. Perhaps start with an S first, Maya. I have had this on clients in all sizes (myself included), and in some cases they wore their usual sweet pea top size, and in other instances sized down.

Jwomack, you have done me proud :-)

Jennell, bluefly has a good online selection, so does Macys and Nordstrom.

Cricket, it really depends on the integrity of the woven fabric. In a stiff, crisp cotton – not so great. In a draping soft silk or rayon blend – absolutely.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Lena

I’m very intrigued with this silhouette. I’m a pear, and I’m looking for comfy sleeveless tunic tops to pair with summer denim and clamdiggers. I’m also glad to hear the length can be altered easily at home. Thanks for the tip, Angie.

I’m kicking myself for not getting a green and white Sweet Pea sleeveless top last year. I wasn’t very sure about voluminous tops last year, so I passed. And now my eye has adjusted to the look and I’ll try again.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Cricket

Thanks, Angie. I’ve been wanting to try the pattern so will look for a softer woven per your recommendation! Silk does sound so lovely to wear.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

So pretty, and nice length too.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

I love the easy-to-handle fabric the most. It doesn’t need ironing after washing. The only problem I had with SweetPea tops is with darker colors. The color dies the belt section of my white jeans.

Posted on May 4th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Laura

Cutting these tops to size with a scissors is pure genius! Thanks for the helpful hint.

Posted on May 5th, 2009 at 7:24 am
Joelle

This style of top looks like a great option for me. Taking a break from the defined waist is a relief for those of us who have not got much of a waist! I like Cricket’s idea of making it a sewing project. Thank you for the fabric selection tips.

Posted on May 5th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Mai

Hmm, looks worth a try! Although I’ve seen Sweet Pea tops in stores before and the fabric kind of worried me – the texture was so strange. I guess I need to be more open-minded.

Also, I love the phrase “Bob’s your uncle.” I had a Biology teacher who used it all the time back in high school.

Posted on May 6th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Hello Angie. Do you know if Sweet Pea distribute to Australia? I’d love to know more.

These tops are lovely. The slight trapeze is so flattering on many of us women who struggle with our mid life tummies but don’t want frump! We sell a ’suzie top’ from here in Australia – slight trapeze, darted at the bust with a drawstring low scoop neckline and and a little sleeve (lower than a cap and with a little ‘puff’…so cute). It worked wonders for girls with a larger bust and shorter neck. My mum’s in her 60’s and looks amazing in hers.

Posted on May 7th, 2009 at 12:12 am

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