Cap sleeves can look unflattering, especially when they are extra short and tight. That’s why I’m quick to suggest sleeveless or elbow length as the more flattering option. Or I suggest what I call “diagonal sleeves”, although I have also seen the silhouette referred to as a short dolman sleeve. 

Diagonal sleeves are a mix of a short and a cap sleeve. They’re like an oversized cap sleeve with a much looser fit around the upper arm. The hem of the sleeve creates a long diagonal line across the bicep, which is how it gets its name. The drapey fit and longer length of the diagonal sleeve make it easier to wear than a short tight fitting cap sleeve. The diagonal lines also minimize the size of the bust, especially when the neckline is V-shaped or scooped. Furthermore, the diagonal integrity of the sleeve has a more interesting and structured visual effect than a wide short sleeve, which can look a little frumpy. 

As seen below, diagonal sleeves work with an assortment of necklines and fabrics. Some top styles are more roomy than others, and the sleeves vary in length. Something for everyone. Have you tried diagonal sleeves, and do you find them flattering?

Over at The Genteel, Amanda Coen reports how several devout, young Orthodox Jews are offering personalised contemporary clothing that respects cultural traditions.

It turns out that the young rabbi mentioned in the article also happens to be an apprentice tailor at Savile Row’s Maurice Sedwell, who keeps a tumblr blog with menswear inspiration shots. Very dapper looks!

Photographer Sarah Shamsavari’s recent exhibit “London Veil” features a series of women wearing colourful hijabs tied in lots of different ways. With this project she wanted to “steer clear of the debate surrounding the hijab, and instead focus on her subjects’ individuality”.

Fab Links from Our Members

Deborah found this guest post on Already Pretty quite confronting, and added: “I am ashamed to say that I never considered that I am in fact privileged that I can dress the way I want, in public, and without fear”.

TraceyLiz had fun browsing these music festival looks throughout the years, starting with Woodstock.

White shirts and points. This photo of Audrey on her points absolutely blew Angie away.

Annagybe enjoyed the BBC article about Matthaeus Schwarz, a 16th century accountant who for forty years recorded in detail what he wore by commissioning watercolour paintings of himself. The original fashion blog perhaps?

“It’s tempting to dismiss fashion as mere fluff. Until, that is, we start to decode its many meanings and marvel at what it reveals.” Caro agrees wholeheartedly with this quote from a blog post on the woman in the red dress at the recent Istanbul protests.

Vildy recently read up on American designer Claire McCardell, creator of the “American look”, who introduced affordable and stylish sportswear looks. She also popularized flats for women, and, inspired by men’s clothing, used rivets.

Short, boxy, collarless, “Chanel-esque” tweed jackets like the first two styles shown below are not an easy style to wear. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fitted the silhouette onto clients, only to return it to the rack immediately because it wasn’t that flattering. 

I have found though, that body types with short necks and broad square shoulders generally wear collarless jackets extremely well, and therefore stand a better chance at making this style of topper work. It’s harder to generalize about the bust because I’ve seen an assortment of sizes fit the bill, especially when the front of the jacket is left open. Furthermore, collarless jackets tend to work a whole lot better on a longer neck with long hair that is left down, thereby adding structure to the neck and shoulder-neck point.

If you like the idea of wearing a fairly short, collarless tweed jacket, but can’t seem to make proportions work, try a variation on the style like one of the four silhouettes below. These shapes seem to create flattering lines on many more of my clients. The silhouettes are more tailored and a little longer, which makes all the difference on most body types. Showcasing a little shape is conventionally flattering, and the increased length prevents the body from looking “chopped in half” or overly short waisted. Some of the necklines are more structured on the shoulder and around the neck, which makes the rest of the jacket drape better on the body. Wearing a column of colour underneath the topper has a further flattering effect.

I don’t mind the boxy part of this type of topper, but I look dreadful in widely cut collarless style jackets because I have a long neck, short hair and narrow shoulder line. But as soon as there is a “Mandarin collar” cut closely to my neck, the silhouette looks a whole lot better. The added coverage on my shoulder-neck point is the necessary structuring ingredient that makes all the difference. 

Do you wear boxy, collarless jackets? If you don’t like them boxy, will you wear them sans a collar? Or have you found the Chanel-esque tweed jacket hard to fit, full stop.

Nordstrom is known for its pricier labels and designer wear, but you’ll find more affordable items within most wardrobe categories. These pieces are $60 at full price. 

1. Chinese Laundry “Easy Does It” Flat: If you don’t mind wearing very flat shoes, I found this adorable pointy D’Orsay in a lovely rose gold quite comfy. The leather is not super soft, but not bad at all. 
2. Sole Society Penelope Sandal: A darling kitten heel with the on trend ankle strap. Pretty comfy and not too wobbly. Also available in cognac and tomato red. 
3. Expressions NYC Faux Leather Minaudière: A fun graphic parcel to carry for day or night. Also available in blue and pink. 
4. Jessica McClintock Zigzag Mesh Minaudiere: A patterned parcel for Team Pattern Mixing. 
5. Pleione Caliente Floral Print Sweatshirt: A fun piece to wear over a skirt or pair of shorts. Check out the back. 
6. Topshop Love Sweatshirt: Eye-catching!
7. Michael Kors Leather Belt: Dressy wide belts are a rarity at the moment, especially in colours. Here’s one in green and purple.
8. A.J. Morgan Glitz Sunglasses: A little soft sci-fi silver or gold eye candy. 
9. Kische Chiffon Peplum Top (Plus): Romantic, breezy and feminine. 
10. Sejour Three Quarter Sleeve Sweater (Plus): An Eileen Fisher-esque style sweater for a third of the price. 

Browse the end of season sale and you’ll find plenty more below $60. I can scarcely believe that Fall fashions will be upon us very soon.