Layering over "tops with interest"

For several years summer layering was simple for me. I had relatively fitted tees or tanks, over which I wore a cardigan, cropped, to the waist or long. Or a summer sweater fitted easily over the tee.

Now I rarely wear simple fitted tees or tanks and I am wearing tops with the following features:
- statement sleeves
- split backs
- longer tunic style
- bold patterns
- high- shape hems

I think I have "sugar eye' for interesting tops now, and have realised that the short sleeve fitted tee is not so flattering on my shape.

My spring/summer toppers don't work as well over these tops at all. I have a couple of cropped jackets that work over the high low hems, and one long cardigan that sort of works with long tunic tops.

Now it is warm it is not a worry, I don't need another layer as much. But through October and November I felt "off". I wonder if I need to get two or three more basic knit tops for these months, primarily for the purpose of wearing with a topper.

Have others found the same issue?

7 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, I've struggled with pairing the right kind of topper to tops that aren't just a basic tee as well. I don't think it matters too much if tops show below jacket hems, but proportions need to work though. Perhaps you could include some pics of your not-so-basic tops and your jackets so we can all brainstorm possible topper pairings before you go buying knit tops? Would you be happy going back to a plainer knit top style now that you've enjoyed more interesting tops?

Sal

Veteran

Here are two, both these tops have a back split (joined at the top but not at the bottom). I never layer over these, but they are perfect early summer/spring tops.

I do have a couple of tops that work okay with a topper(see 3 and 4) and I would probably move towards these sorts of tops rather than the cotton tees I used to wear. Maybe it is just as simple as building up these essential tops rather than going for statement ones for a while?

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chewyspaghetti

Sometimes I layer under my more interesting tops rather than over....or in addition to.

El Cee

This past fall I paired my summer sleeveless and sheer long sleeved tunic length tops (both solids and prints) with cropped denim jackets and knit or leather moto jackets. The moto jackets seemed to work particularly well with asymmetrical tops and longer tunics, and they could be worn over statement sleeves because the arms are roomy enough. (Mine do not have tight sleeves like the ones in the pics.) A bomber jacket might also work well -- even roomier in the arms. I do not have photos of my own outfits -- but here are some examples.

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binkle

ElCee's ideas are nice, especially the structured lapelled jackets. I've also tried, with a blouse with full, detailed sleeves and cuffs, a snug fine-knit sorter cardigan, worn with the sweater sleeves pushed up, but with the blouse sleeves at full length.

Cococat

I don't get the chance to layer so much here...although I would like to because I like the look of a topper...but it needs to be very light.

I've been wearing my shawls quite a bit, particularly the black one because it's cotton. I simply tie it around my shoulders or clip it so that it falls loosely. It doesn't suit anything complex or heavily printed but I quite like the look of it. It may be a bit too 'boho' though..I do have my boho tendencies.

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Joy

My summer toppers that work best are jackets like those El Cee mentioned. A new bomber style was a workhorse last summer. I would like more light weight bombers.

Brooklyn

I like knit Blazers and Moto jackets for transitional wear but they are surprisingly hard to find. Shortish but not cropped. About hip length. Like 4,5 and 6 in El Cee's photos. I think that length is pretty versatile for teaming with longer and shorter tops. And if you get neutral colours, they should go with statement tops. (Although statement sleeves can be difficult.) I have a couple of jersey jackets by Metalicus that I wore a lot during Spring but I am on the lookout for a more structured but still lightweight jacket.

Greyscale

I've also shifted away from plain tees (I still wear a lot of them, but fewer). The silhouette I like most is like images 5 and 6 - a few different lines. I have a drape-front tweedy jacket and a few cardigans that work well for this.

The other thing I struggle with is toppers over shirts with structured, larger sleeves. I finally found a bomber jacket with slightly dolman-style sleeves so it'll at least fit over the shirt! But it's not a perfect solution.

Thanks CS - I have to wear camisoles or tanks under these tops, and I could probably wear a long sleeve top under the coral one, I had not thought of that thank you!

El Cee, I have a leather moto, which might work with one or two of them, and a couple of other shortish jackets. I like some of these images, especially 4-6...maybe I need to get more adventurous!

Binkle, thanks, that is another good idea.

CocoCat, those shawls are just lovely. I like boho too, especially when it is warm. I have a kimono that is another nice layer, but I do tend to wear it with very plain tops underneath. Again maybe I should try some pattern mixing!!

Joy, I like bomber jackets too. I only have one, and it is very much a gear one...I do sometimes wear it with jeans, but it looks sporty. A simple more classic one could be a good addition next year.

Brooklyn, you have some fab jackets. I did add a cream one a couple of weeks ago, and I should look out for a grey or blue neutral one too. I have realised I have statement jackets and statement tops, and none of them really go together.

Greyscale, thanks for chiming in. The sleeves are harder than the hem. There isn't really a perfect solution except keeping that in mind when purchasing these pieces.

Thanks for including some pics. I haven't read any of the other replies, so without looking at what others have said..... I would be tempted to try motos, bombers and short-ish blazers. I think Aida wear's interesting tops and often wears a shorter moto style jacket and I love the combo. The neat structured silhouette of a moto adds structure to the longer looser top shapes. Go for light neutral tones.

lyn67

A denim, a biker, or a moto jacket will always work! I think it is rather about keeping things in different textures to the texture of the tee and if possible, more structured than a simple knitted cardi....

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