Recently my sister, who shops at Like Twice, got an offer from them that let her ‘recommend the site to a friend’ and the friend got a credit plus 40% off their first purchase & offered it to me. I thought this was a great opportunity to try to find a pair of well fitting grey trousers (they’re basically an online consignment shop but offer free return shipping & free shipping on any purchase over $50), as trousers are my fitting nemesis. In addition to ordering lots of pairs to try on (and 2 ended up working! yay!), I looked for lightweight toppers too. I have lots of summer weight cardigans, but only one summer weight jacket, and I thought I’d be nice to have another one.

After trying them on, and getting my sister’s advice, I’ve ruled out all of the toppers I don’t like. But that leaves 3 taupe ones. And by coincidence, on my last thrifting trip, I picked up another taupe summer weight topper. I like them all for different reasons, but it seems fairly ridiculous to have 4 taupe toppers. On the other hand, I’m not a closet minimalist, and I do like taupe. I can afford to keep them all. So I’m asking your your opinions on fit/versatility: I’ve photographed each topper in the kinds of outfits I’d use it in (boxy blouse + shorts, boxy blouse + slim trousers, fit & flare dress).

Up first is a Banana Republic linen/cotton blend swingy jacket. I love the round neck, the peplum, and puffed sleeves on this, as well as the fiber content and general quality feel & classy look it has. Considerations: the bracelet length sleeves (I prefer full). I don’t believe it looks that good over the dress. However, the thrifted taupe one I’ve definitely keeping (which isn’t a k/r, just here for comparison in photo 6), has a very fitted waist that I really like w dresses and skirts but wouldn’t wear with shorts. So not working with dresses isn’t a deal breaker. (Photos 1-5)

Next is a Gap cotton knit jacket (it’s kind of a jacket/cardigan hybrid, I suppose). I love the full length sleeves, the raglan shoulders & general detailing (buttons! pockets!), and comfort of a knit jacket (I don’t own any). Considerations: how does the high/low hemline look? It’s also far more casual than the BR jacket. Granted, I live a casual life. (Photos 7-10)

Then there’s a Banana Republic silk/cotton/viscose blend cardigan. I love everything about this; it’s super soft, the buttons are lovely, and it’s a crew neck (my preferred style). Pretty sure it’s a keeper unless you all hate it, as I’m willing & eager to 1 in/1 out with my current much lower quality warm weather taupe cardigan. It’s here for completion sake, but feel free to weigh in on it too. (Photos 11-14)

Thoughts, preferences, etc. are much appreciated, both on how the items look on me and what combination would work best in my wardrobe. Every time I go to package one up as a return, I can’t bring myself to do it, so I’m clearly very torn. If one was grey instead of taupe, I'd keep all 3 in a heart beat.

For those who don’t know my style, I’m very comfortable surrendering my waist and looking small up top doesn’t bother me either. I’m aiming for quaint, storybook kinds of outfits with a European folk vibe. In the past I was prone to compromise on fit, so let me know if any of these look sloppily oversized.

My apologies for the photo dump. I thought 3 angles and a couple different open/closed button variations too would be most helpful. Forgive my cami sticking out in some of the trouser shots: my camera battery was very low so I was trying to move quickly.