Layering a sleeveless knit pullover or “shell top” over a button-down shirt was an extremely popular combination ten years ago. Just to be clear, I mean layering something like the Chelsea28 Textured Mixed Knit Shell below over the white poplin shirt. The visual effect is boyish and preppy. 

I think the drop in popularity might have been related to the shell tops and shirts being a lot more fitted back then than they are today. This caused a little discomfort. And the tightness of the shell top made the shirt creep up, which is annoying. You often found yourself pulling the whole lot down. 

With today’s fashionable fluid and oversized fits, the combination is a LOT more comfortable to wear. First, you don’t need to wear a button-down shirt that is tailored at the waist. And second, the boxier cut of the shell top makes the layers looser and more forgiving all over. The updated combination looks and feels fresh.

Furthermore, you can use all sorts of items as the shell top layer. A leather shell top like the one here is a great option, as is the peplum version of that style. The V-neck is especially flattering on a shorter neck and larger bust. And don’t feel that you have to stick to a high contrast white shirt for the under layer. By all means throw in a blue shirt, a patterned shirt, or create a low contrast with a black, grey or ink shirt. Using softer blouses instead of crisp, stiff shirts is another way to go.

The three combinations below show more variations on the shell top, all of which are layered over a fluid white shirt. The first is a chunky cowl neck cropped sweater shell. The second a loosely knitted and distressed muscle style sweater shell. And the third, a roomy diagonal sleeve sweater. A sequined or lace shell top are more fun options.

Many of my clients are wearing the updated shirt and shell top combination and enjoying the increased comfort factor. They might not wear a button-down shirt on its own, but are happy to wear it with the additional layer of a shell top. Using soft silky blouses are equally popular for the underlayer.

It’s a super combination to wear to the office with trousers, leather pants, or with jeans for a more casual vibe. It looks fab over a pencil skirt with heels too. The wrinkles of the shirt don’t show through to the roomier fit shell top, and it’s brilliant not to have to wear a tailored button-down shirt. The best part of all: no more tugging to pull the layers straight. 

I used to wear the fitted version of the shirt and shell top combination many years ago, but tired of the look. Now that fits are fluid, I’m back to wearing it. The Chelsea28 Textured Mixed Knit Shell was a recent purchase at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I enjoy wearing it over a fluid white shirt with relaxed blue boyfriend jeans, white skinnies, black cigarette pants, or a black lace pencil skirt. The combination feels fresh for my style, and is excellent for our current mild Fall weather. 

Over to you. Do you enjoy layering shell tops over shirts? Have you tried using different pieces as the shell top? Do you use a shirt or a blouse as the soft layer? Or is this combination too preppy for your liking.

Club Monaco launches an interesting accessories line, Neiman Marcus buys Mytheresa.com, & Other Stories is coming to the United States, and more style news from around the world this week.

• Jean Paul Gaultier will show his very last ready-to-wear collection this month. Afterwards the French fashion house will be focussing entirely on haute couture and fragrances.
• Vera Bradley is branching out into leather bags with a new nine-piece collection for Fall.
• As an extension of its annual conscious collection, H&M is bringing out a new Conscious Denim line in October.
• Neiman Marcus Group has bought luxury shopping site Mytheresa.com.
• H&M’s higher-priced sister Brand & Other Stories is coming to the United States.
• Club Monaco just launched an accessories line called “The Pieces”, that brings together bags and jewellery from independent designers from around the globe.

Fun Fashion Quote

A fashion quote instead of a fashion fact this week, with Emma Thompson’s take on aging:

It’s a different patch of life, your 50s… If you look after yourself and you’re healthy, then you’ll have the energy to do things. But not to recognise getting older for what it is? I do think the infantilisation of our generation is one of the huge issues of our time. People wanting to be 35 when they’re 50 makes me think: why? Why don’t you be 50 and be good at that? And also embody the kinds of choices that are sustainable at that age… I see people starting life over and over again. And you want to say: just go deeper into the one you’ve got. Because you can skim very easily. It’s set up for that because we’re such a disposable society. And I think that relationships are regarded as more disposable than they were, and that’s short-sighted of us.”

Flared trousers and jeans like bootcuts and wider flares made a comeback this year. And judging by what I see coming down the runways for Spring 2015, they’ll gain momentum next year. I bet this makes Team Bootcuts very happy. 

I’ve put together three looks, each with a pair of bootcut bottoms, a wrap front blouse, a topper, and booties. The rendition on the left is business casual, while the others are smart casual. I’ve used neutrals but by all means throw in some colour. 

Here are the components: 

Bootcuts: You’re after a pair of trousers or jeans that are tailored on the thighs and flared at the hems. The width of the hem will vary depending on your style preferences. My clients have found black, grey and denim flares the most versatile. 

Wrap Blouse: The modern wrap front blouse wraps in front like the classic version, but is a lot straighter at the side seams, thereby creating a boxy fit. Choose one in a knit or woven to work with the flared bottoms. Wear it untucked and fluid. Tapered sleeves and a fairly close fit on the hips provide subtle structure, as does the tailored fit on the thighs of the flares. Versions with high-low hemlines are fun too. 

Topper: Choose between a checked blazer, a moto jacket or faux fur vest. You could also add a moto vest, denim jacket or current cardigan. If wearing a topper indoors is not your thing, pop on a trench coat for outside and simply wear the blouse on its own with the flares. 

Booties: Almond or pointy toe heeled booties work best with flared hems because the longer toe shape peeks out from under the hems to create outfit interest. Wear pointy toe pumps if booties aren’t your thing. Finish off the look with a bag of your choice, jewellery as desired, eyewear, a watch and a big smile. 

I’ve used solid wrap blouses in these ensembles, but patterns are just as fab. Combine a pattered wrap blouse with a solid topper to change things up. Check out my pinboard for extra inspiration on how to refresh flared bottoms for Fall.

I never stopped loving the dress (or longer tunic) over pants look, I especially like the more dressy renditions for myself. Ashley’s two fantastic outfits yesterday, really got me in the mood to wear this silhouette more often again. So I’ve rounded up some looks that might appeal to you too:

• Verily’s Mastering the Art of Fall Layering With the Dress-Over-Pants Look.
• Frock with subtle A-line over slim-fit pleated trousers.
• Architectural lines with cropped pants.
• Colour block with lots of white. 
• Dark column of colour with metallic sheen. 

Fab Links from Our Members

Have you ever wondered why women’s clothing sizes are all over the place? HiggsMistress thinks Sarah Andersen of Sarah’s Scribbles nails it here.

Now that Fall weather is arriving LadyLilac has been playing more with her scarves. Scarves Net always gives her more ideas.

Citygirldc recommends Sylvia’s blog post on What Is Style.

Marlene owns a couple of pairs of on trend track pants, and found inspiration on how to wear them over at Kendi Everyday.

Angie liked Sally’s tips for Managing a Massive Closet Purge.

Shevia thought this Bill Cunningham clip spotlighting shirts seen at New York Fashion Week was wonderful.

Photographer Yassine El Mansouri launched a week-long video and photography project to ask what our wardrobes say about us as individuals… and about the clothes in the back of our closets.

With all the plaid love going on, Suz thinks we need to get our terminology straight.

Annagybe likes this analysis of Burberry Prorsum’s take on the denim jacket. She agrees it’s more J. Crew, but adds that she can now wear her fitted denim jacket again.

Vildy is interested in the connection between silhouette, status, and belonging, and liked this article in The Guardian stating that:”Silhouette defines fashion at its most primal level. You can use clothing to convey status in three different ways.”

Laura (rhubarb girl) found “Tracking Down San Francisco’s Top-Secret Denim Factory” was interesting in connection with the challenges of American manufacturing, and the growing trend of small brands that serve niche markets and may fund via Kickstarter.