WIWx3: Shirt and Shell Top (outfit lab)

I loved Angie's Monday post on layering a shell type top over a shirt/blouse, and promptly put it into practice the next three days. The outfits are similar: shell top + shirt/blouse +topper, skinnies and flat shoes. However, the colors and proportions are different and I would be very curious to hear what you think works and what doesn't. I am hoping to wear this a lot this fall and would like to fine tune in the beginning. All the comments are welcome!

#1/2: Tuesday 9/23 - a version in taupe and cream. Layered a chunky cream knit shell over Equipment silk kitty shirt.
#3/4: Wednesday 9/24 - high contrast black and white with red moto. Layered a longer and looser ponte/pleather shell over loose high-low cotton shirt. Also tried black ankle pants with black booties int he same outfit.
#5/6: Thursday 9/25 - soft pastel shades. Layered a cropped woven tweed shell over silk blush blouse. It was rainy today so the topper was an old trench.

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Zara

Pearl Knit Top

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Nordstrom

Equipment 'Adriana' Silk Shirt

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Amazon

Habitual Denim Women's Alice Skinny Signature Jean, Python/Dark Taupe, 26

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Banana Republic

Faux-Leather Stripe Black Ponte Top

$69.50 $34.99

Sale

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Neiman Marcus Last Call

10 Crosby Derek Lam Tiered Collar Button-Front Blouse, White

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Piperlime

Belle By Sigerson Morrison Cambell

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Express

Tweed Cropped Zip Back Woven Tank

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6PM.com

Cole Haan Gramercy Oxford Cap

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9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

You rock this look, Tanya! I think I prefer it with a more cropped shell, so that more of the bottom of the shirt is showing (so I prefer 1/2 and 5/6, and would like the shell in 3/4 to be a little shorter). The proportions seem more pleasing that way.

Zibbets

Fantastic! I love the verticals on 3/4…and I think I prefer the longer shell, so between Diana and me, you can't go wrong!

You have great layering pieces and a lovely, mellow palette. All of these are fab.

jackiec

I like 1, but then I love how it looks with the extra layer of the moto on top. Something about all those different textures and layers looks fab to me. Also love the black & white rendition. Last version is great too - it emphasizes your tiny waist You do this vest/shirt thing really well!!!

bj1111

hmmm, i prefer the looks with the shorter shells and the longer shell with the moto on top. you look super tall and very sharp.

ooo...that pink boucle coat over 5 instead of the cream...yum!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like 3/4 best because the proportions work really well on your extra long torso to my eye. Gorgeously killer black and white outfit.

I like 1/2 next. Xo

catgirl

I love all of these, of course.

I think the best layering combo is long under cropped under mid-length, which is why #2 works so well. It keeps the layers staggered instead of looking "stepped", if that makes sense.

#4, which is long under less cropped under more cropped, doesn't have the same pleasing effect to my eye, as it's progressively staggered layers. But it's Angie's favorite, so I'm probably messed up!

Thanks for posting. I appreciate the effort you put into these posts, which helps me learn vicariously!

bella

This is a quintessential Tanya look in my book, you wear it so well! I like the second outfit best I think because the roomy fit looks a tiny bit more contemporary.

Tanya

Thank you all very much for your replies!
Interesting that different canners prefer different looks, so I guess they can all pass.
I see that the last version is the least favorite one, I am wondering what could be improved: is the lengths of the crop shell and blouse or the fact that the top/shell is very fitted?

The last version is also my least favourite Tanya, but it's not a failed look at all. It looks the most disproportionate to my eye because your torso length is exaggerated. An oversized crop top would offset the length of the torso. It's the fitted silhouette that is causing the extra torso length. Hope that makes sense.

Ornella

Looove #1, love #2, not excited by #3. But I see Angie has chimed in already

I'm going to defend 5/6! I think I like I precisely *because* it highlights your long torso, which I think is terribly elegant.and yes, this is definitely a case of shirt-torso me wanting what I can't have, lol!

annagybe

My favorites are 1/2 and 3/4. With a slight edge to #4.

Lynne

Oooh, Tanya, I love this look on you! The pale neutrals are gorgeous. I'm looking forward to trying this look, and I have a lovely silk blouse with a damaged pocket that will have a new lease of life if I can find the right topper.....watch this space :).

TraceyLiz65

I love that you tried different lengths for a great visual... I love 3 and 4. I think the shortness and tighter last one really makes you torso look long and not in a flattering way... As for 1/2 I initially liked it before I saw 3/4..

Thank you all for your input, much appreciated!

I will conclude that the first two outfits worked but the third one not so much. That is fine, as the cropped top was bought to be worn on its own, and than I got the ide to try layering it over silk blouse. Sometimes those backfire, and that is fine, I will stick to wearing it the intended way.

celia

just to add my vote to outfits 1&2, they work exceedingly well on you.

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