https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:10:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2372199 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:39:46 +0000 Sal 2372199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenni, Angie and Brooklyn.&nbsp; I will report back once it arrives.&nbsp; If it does not work with the dresses it should work with some pants and jeans, or I can sell again.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2372177 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:40:00 +0000 Angie 2372177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad you don't need to panic, <b>Sal</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>I had a jacket much like that - the pricey ivory one you linked to - &nbsp;and loved it! Where it fell short, is that it was too much like a coat - not a jacket. &nbsp;I didn't feel right wearing it indoors at restaurants or working indoors with clients. I vote get more of a JACKET that feels right indoors at work too :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2372152 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 03:58:06 +0000 Brooklyn 2372152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I have 2 wrap cardigans from that brand. Got them on sale last year. Not sure if your’s is the same type. They are cotton, thick and good quality. My major issue with them is that the sleeves are a bit batwing, which makes it difficult to wear a jacket over the top. They are quite cropped too, but that would probably be an advantage if you want to wear it with dresses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2372147 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 02:32:43 +0000 Jenni NZ 2372147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh well Kowtow is such a well known and sustainable NZ brand! I have looked at their pieces and been a bit interested at times, probably not quite my style, and expensive. But getting second hand will definitely reduce that upfront cost. My few thrifted pieces usually get amazing cost per wear as well.<br /> Hope it works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2372146 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 01:57:00 +0000 Sal 2372146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz!&nbsp; Sometimes these finds are serendipitous!!</p> <p>I made a second hand purchase in the weekend - it's yet to arrive.&nbsp; It's a lilac wrap cardigan from NZ brand Kowtow - I think it would work with at least one of the dresses, and will also work with wide leg pants.</p> <p>I fall into the trap with both jackets and boots of thinking that I only need "one" pair but in reality these pieces have longevity and get plenty of use.&nbsp; The upfront cost can be high.&nbsp; In reality I need three smart work jackets, three more casual spring summer toppers plus winter coats and puffers.&nbsp; I am sorted for the winter wool coats, the work blazers - but not the summer toppers and next year I need a new puffer.&nbsp; This gives me a long term wish list to work off........and I think sale, consignment or second hand is good for these pieces that don't tend to wear out ....</p> <p>In saying that my gold bomber did wear out.&nbsp; That got a lot of wear and lasted well as a second hand Zara piece costing $10.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371984 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 22:12:19 +0000 Suz 2371984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad I found that little Paul Smith jacket (it is linen and wool, unlined except the sleeves) and has bracelet sleeves. I could never in a million years have afforded it -- but it was on consignment for some ridiculously low price, and evidently not worn or very little worn, and has proved a godsend for the last 5 years. Some years I wear it once or twice; other years, I wear it dozens of times. It works as a high summer evening or AC cover up -- and also works in spring.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess what I am saying is that if you do see something that you like, don't hesitate to snap it up, and don't worry if it doesn't get a ton of wear its first year out. Mine did not. The weather and occasions just didn't cooperate. It was ony the following year that it came into its own.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371983 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:51:03 +0000 Sal 2371983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz and Star. Going to wait a bit - and be patient. This jacket is more expensive than I would prefer. I have options that can be worn already - I don’t need to panic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371961 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 11:14:40 +0000 Star (Lise) 2371961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal,&nbsp;</b>I don't want to be a party-pooper but I have checked out these type of jackets too, not IRL, online.&nbsp; In theory they seem fabulous but after a while I started seeing a straight jacket from the mental ward...&nbsp; OR&nbsp; a chef's jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371959 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 03:11:48 +0000 Suz 2371959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a beautiful and interesting jacket that could have longevity due to its collar, its asymmetrical closure and its neutral colour that would work with everything.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you'd need to try it with your dresses, though. I would worry a bit about proportions with skirts and dresses (though it would work with sheath styles, I suppose), and for me, the wide-on-the-bottom sleeve with the band detail might make it feel less like an indoor jacket than true outerwear. Loose sleeves can't easily be scrunched or pushed up, should you want to do that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371952 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 01:14:03 +0000 Sal 2371952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did see that this jacket is instore locally - which might work.&nbsp; It is casual and could work.&nbsp; It is not cheap but I think it's almost got longevity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371948 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 01:02:32 +0000 Jaime 2371948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many good ideas here that I feel overwhelmed! I like the idea of something neither denim nor leather, which seem less versatile for going from casual to cocktails to a work event. (Another story if you get more than one of course.) I am picturing something like Angie's Aritzia jacket above in a different color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371939 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:04:50 +0000 Sal 2371939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all.&nbsp; Some good ideas here&nbsp; - and I do agree that I may need two - and that's okay because they have longevity.&nbsp; A knit jacket or tweed is appealing to me - I don't want black because I have a black tuxedo blazer that works for night.</p> <p>I would consider a cardigan or shrug but often don't find them really good on me, especially the styles around now.</p> <p>I will check out Johnny Was and the Iconic and Hartleys - all good calls!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371894 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 16:01:58 +0000 Angie 2371894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm nodding along with <b>Lisa, Bijou, Brooklyn</b> and <b>Suz.&nbsp;</b>I'm suggesting a toffee, tan, green or red for colour!</p> <p>These are the non-denim jackets I wear over my dresses and with skirts when they need a topper: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371891 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:53:14 +0000 Suz 2371891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you that weather conditions can make the thing you didn't need last year an absolute necessity this year. And with <b>Brooklyn </b>that it can be difficult to find a topper of this type that fills all holes at once without skewing too "office" or too "casual." So juxtaposition is my friend.&nbsp;</p> <p>I tend to wear my denim jackets to "dress down" dresses, skirts. And my non-denim toppers to do the reverse. Below are the toppers I wear in spring/ summer -- 2 denim jackets with very different cuts (one more fitted, one oversized but cropped) and two shorter jackets. One is from Zara (a good place to check at retail), and one was bought second-hand.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have had some luck with Scotch and Soda in the past, right? Maybe look there? And when you are in the US (how exciting!) it will be autumn so you might have to go to places like The Rack to find spring stuff.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371881 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:24:27 +0000 Anonymous 2371881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I come back to toppers. &nbsp;Last year it was denim jackets. &nbsp;Before that it was blazers. &nbsp;Next it may be the floral bombers I have been ignoring. &nbsp;Dresses are hard because they need short toppers on short bodies. &nbsp;I make sure each dress has a topper that gets hung with it. &nbsp;That topper is usually a cardi that can be stuffed in a bag. &nbsp;I always wear a dress or skirt to church. &nbsp;The church has horrible frigid air conditioning and early mornings can be cold.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371878 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:09:03 +0000 cat2 2371878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was thinking something along the lines of Brooklyn’s pics. In the Spring I like boucle or tweed fabric or knits that go with multiple colors, or a light neutral like cream with some texture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371865 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:31:02 +0000 RobinF 2371865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hard time with sleeveless dresses for the same reason. I usually just throw on a cardigan and don't feel fab.&nbsp;</p> <p>I was thinking along the lines of what Brooklyn showed - a tweed or Chanel-esqe short jacket? Love the idea of texture.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371849 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:48:19 +0000 Brooklyn 2371849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Bijou that it can be tricky to find lightweight jackets that do double duty: work and casual, especially with dresses (or skirts). To me a work appropriate jacket paired with a work appropriate dress is always going to produce an outfit that skews office wear-ish. The same jacket might produce a great casual look with jeans but to make a (work) dress look casual I think you need a casual jacket. So maybe look for 2 different styles of jacket?</p> <p>Another thought I had was a knit jacket. That could potentially work for office and casual.</p> <p>I like textured jackets for Spring: tweed, boucle, linen. I’m not a big fan of matte black jackets in Spring. I think a textured black jacket or houndstooth would look lighter. Here’s a few jackets I found that I would point out to you if we were shopping together :)</p> <p>Pics 1-2: Portmans.<br /> Pics 3-6: Zara.<br /> Pics 7-8: MNG @ the Iconic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371840 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 08:33:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2371840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually what colour is “camel”? Hartley’s has a Chalk brand Rhodes jacket in “bark” that could fit the bill? On sale for $100? If you like it they might send one to the Hamilton branch for you to try?<br /> I’ve been searching all my fave places for you but not much luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371839 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:50:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2371839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sort of need is when I often visit outlet stores because the items don’t need to be too much on trend. I have got 3 fab spring/summer jackets using that method- floral bomber, black/gold bomber with sheer sleeves, and cobalt jacket. Sadly a favourite one (Blackstone Clothing) has been bought out and moved to Papamoa!<br /> Caroline Sills has an awesome floral bomber which I saw in the outlet store in Devonport recently- if not so similar to my one I might have got it. It’s available online at a good price but final sale… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371838 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:44:57 +0000 Bijou 2371838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In my experience, Spring to Summer weight jackets are tricky and I find that generally I will have work appropriate jackets or casual jackets, it's hard to get one jacket to do everything. Johnny Was is a brand that I like for its dressy boho feel, so that is where I would look for a casual jacket that could also go to work. For something more corporate, a tweed jacket is a useful classic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371834 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:01:53 +0000 Star (Lise) 2371834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh I prefer the Avex Les Filles, cut and colour.&nbsp; The style is perfect for your needs IMO.&nbsp; You can dress it up or down.&nbsp; &nbsp; Difficult to compare them though&nbsp; because the Mango is buttoned up and the ALF is not.&nbsp; <b>Sal </b>I do remember you having this question before.&nbsp; Maybe thrifting is the answer if you cannot find the colours in retail.&nbsp; What about a pretty bright green?&nbsp; Never sure of the right name, some call it emerald while others call it kelly.&nbsp; You look so fab in that type of green, and green is so Spring-y.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371832 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:23:01 +0000 Sal 2371832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lisa!&nbsp; I am likely to be in the USA for work in two weeks so have the potential to do some US shopping... (Chicago and Illinois).</p> <p>Looks like Nordstrom could be worth a visit, I like those Mango ones.&nbsp; I like the denim but not the print (for me).</p> <p>It's something I always struggle with - some years it becomes warm enough quickly that the jacket is not needed, other years they get a lot of wear.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371831 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 02:52:28 +0000 Lisa 2371831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're in luck because I see a lot of cropped boxy jackets right now.</p> <p>I put a few options in the finds. The two black one's are classic styles, just cropped. The Open Edit does come in other colors.</p> <p>The red's I think is the tomato red (brighter red) color you are thinking of?</p> <p>For spring, pastels always come to mind. The sage and lilac could be very pretty with the black and purple dresses.</p> <p>And I have a thing for sleeves, so I couldn't resist including the cropped denim jacket because those sleeves are drama! And the lighter denim will look lovely against black and purple.</p> <p>Good luck with your jacket shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-am-a-slow-learner---help-with-toppers#post-2371830 Thu, 10 Oct 2024 02:37:27 +0000 Sal 2371830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sure I have asked this previous years, but I have a wardrobe hole.</p> <p>I have the three dresses in the finds below, all that would benefit from a lightweight topper to allow me to wear in the spring.&nbsp; The black and the patterned one are new, the lilac is older.</p> <p>My current jackets are also in the finds:&nbsp; I wore the cream with the solid black dress last week and it worked well.&nbsp; I could see the black tuxedo with the patterned dress.&nbsp; I do not own any cardigans or denim jackets or moto jackets.&nbsp; I do have other blazers but they aren't right (colours or length).</p> <p>What sort of topper would you see me wearing over these dresses for work or after work drinks or evening parties with a cooler breeze?&nbsp; I expect that it might also work with jeans and a tee, or over a blouse?</p> <p>I am a slow learner because it is a frequent gap that I struggle to fill.&nbsp; My old gold satin bomber was brilliant, the denim jacket got 30 wears but I never adored it.&nbsp; I have been looking for a slightly boxy jacket that hits at the waist, in a camel or tomato red, or maybe bright blue denim?&nbsp; Everything here is neutral - lots of sandy linen and black right now, and I would prefer something different.</p> <p>Thanks in advance.</p> <p> </p>