Pants, jeans, shorts, and skirts can be hard to fit. Fabric and silhouette are important. Drape, stretch, width, darts, pleats, pockets, and structure must be suited to your figure. The right rise and inseam length can make a big visual difference. 

Zone in on silhouettes and brands that typically work for you. They might be a curvy or straight fit. A petite, regular, or tall size. A short or long length. Lengths can be shortened. Waistbands can be taken in. Elastic waists are more forgiving.

Sometimes you can achieve a better fit by going up or down from your usual size. Pressing bottoms back into shape can create a better fit post laundry. Update your bottoms capsule with the right size and fit if your proportions or needs change.

A month ago we shared that the forum will become a premium feature on July 15. If you are thinking of joining, then this post is a reminder to sign up before then in order to participate for free. Members who sign up after July 15 will need to pay a subscription in order to post in the forum or send private messages.

If you’re a signed up member already, nothing will change for you and you can continue to participate in the forum without paying a subscription.

Tops in slippery fabrics like silks, satins, viscose and polyesters layer more easily under long sleeve jackets or sweaters. The jacket and sweater sleeves glide over the slippery fabric of the top, making the topper easier to put on and take off. By contrast, there is much more friction when you layer a long sleeved cotton or linen shirt under a sweater or blazer.

This is especially noticeable when the jackets are tailored. For example, layering my silk blouses under my tailored blazers is extremely fast, easy, and comfortable. The slippery fabric of the blouses also creates great ease of movement when I’m working with my clients in a blazer all day.

Here are some specific combinations from my wardrobe. Yes, the pattern and colour mixing here is hectic, but I enjoy the clash.

Of course, wearing sleeveless tops in any fabric under jackets and sweaters is frictionless because your arms are bare. And very fluid and oversized toppers and sweaters with wider sleeves are easy to pull on and off, regardless of the fabric of the top underneath. But if you don’t want to wear a sleeveless top under a tailored topper, slippery sleeved tops are an alternative solution. A slippery jacket lining can reduce friction too.

We are nearing the end of Spring and Summer retail season in the northern hemisphere. There is lots on sale, and not much more coming in. Transitional and autumn collections are in the pipeline, and before you know it, we’ll be talking holiday attire. But first, a hot Summer lies ahead for most of us. And for some, it’s a long Summer. Stock up now, and make sure you have what you need.

Onto top picks that are winners on clients, and have good reviews. Browse the colour and size options.

1. DKNY Puff Sleeve Mixed Media Henley Top

The bodice of this top is made of gorgeous knitted fabric that feels lovely against the skin. The woven puff sleeves have an architectural vibe and hold their shape. The V-neck isn’t too low, and stays put when you bend down because the top is fitted on the midsection. I was tempted to get the citron, and I don’t wear V-necks. It’s a very neat and tidy neckline with a shallow V-opening. By the time my pearls filled the gap, I saw a flattering effect.

2. Nic + Zoe Tops

Nic + Zoe tops are frequently offered across petite, regular, and plus sizes. The patterns are fairly unique, the fibres natural, and the quality consistently good. These sweaters and tops were winners. Most of the Summer sweaters are very lightweight, gauzy, and not much different to wearing a tee. The tanks are thick, substantial, and effectively cover bra straps. Notably, the white tops aren’t see-through so no need to wear a camisole. I like that the tops are covered yet breezy, thereby offering sun protection.

3. Halogen Sweatheart Tank and Cardigan

Here’s a lovely version of a twinset because the sweatheart neck sweater tanks have gauzy long cardigans to match. The tanks fit well, and aren’t revealing in front or on the sides. Easy bra strap coverage too. They are fitted and forgiving. The cardigans are loose and fluid. There are extra colours in the cardigan. It’s a great idea when you need to cover up a little with a cardigan (e.g. in air conditioning), but can peel off to a sleeveless top too.

4. NYDJ Major Wide Leg Capri Jeans

These are different and super cute despite their bad review. They look just like the stock photo, and are not wider. The fabric is great, and the length is particularly suited to petites. Their waist is wide, so if you tend to prefer a fit with a wide waist – try these. Otherwise, you’ll need to alter the waist.

5. Boden Catriona Cotton Crew Jumper

These cotton-rich sweaters feel AMAZING against the skin and I have the stripe. A cotton, polyamide and elastane fibre cotton makes for the coziest sweater I’ve worn. A gently fluid fit. This type of Summer sweater comes in handy when it’s cooler by the water, at the beach at night, on a chilly morning, or when it’s freezing at the office because of indoor air-conditioning. Or buy ahead for cold weather because these lightweight sweaters are yummy.