https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:21:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic/page/2#post-2236874 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 03:50:21 +0000 rachylou 2236874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At this point I’m not considering toppers as a style component. They’re pure function. I have a long cardigan that’s living at work and one at home. </p> <p>Jumpers are another story. They’re strictly for being out and about and I wear a layering tee under that never sees the light if day.</p> <p>Blazers… the stars have to align… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic/page/2#post-2236833 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 23:02:20 +0000 Tanya 2236833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late here, but wanted to share my strategies as I layer a lot and enjoy it.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>First, there is a clear distinction between what I call toppers and then outerwear. Toppers for me are blazers, jackets, cardigans and such - items that serve as third pieces/completers, are full parts of the outfit and are meant to be kept on indoors.&nbsp; &nbsp;Outerwear are coats, puffers etc, items that one removes indoors.&nbsp; Occasionally, in milder weather, topper can serve as outerwear, but usually they are separate.&nbsp; &nbsp;Before pandemic, I wore the third piece/blazer etc. to work more often than not, so my strategies are all related to that.</p> <p>For actual outerwear, I quickly realized that I need two groups in terms of fit, ones that work over blazers and ones then don't.&nbsp; I prefer look of sleek, form fitting coats (especially at the waist), but those don't work over blazers.&nbsp; When I layer over a blazer, I needed a cocoon coat, wrap coat with adjustable waist tie etc.&nbsp; I had to accept that not everything is going to work over everything, and to purposefully decide in advance, when buying a coat, what my intentions are so that I can get the right fit and cut through the torso.</p> <p>For the third piece/toppers, which I think is what you are asking about, the situation is a bit complicated.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have three generic outfit formulas: top (blouse, shirt, sweater etc.) + pants, top + skirt, dress.&nbsp; &nbsp;All of those can be with or without a topper, often blazer.&nbsp; &nbsp; I also divide them by the fact what I want to be the star of the outfit, the topper or the underlayer.<br />Often I dress around blazer being the star of the outfit, in which case layering tops are super simple -usually ribbed knits in various materials (from cotton through cashmere), mostly crewnecks, that are basically like upgraded t-shirts.&nbsp; They underlayer can also be a simple button-down shirt or solid silk blouse, but I am generally not bothered by double collars.&nbsp; If the top is the star, usually when I have a printed silk blouse or sweater with interesting details, I try to wear them in weather/conditions where they would be enough worn on their own, but prepare for possibility of being cold at my desk. Often the topper is some kind of shawl/pashmina, a simple loose cardigan, a vest etc.&nbsp; I will layer a thin Heattech type tee under the top if it is likely not warm enough for the weather but I want to wear it on its own.&nbsp; Dresses are almost always outfit stars, but I do need support act toppers for them pretty often, and here I go for the vibe: moto jackets to dress them down, blazers to keep the mood dressy, etc.&nbsp; I also tend to generally think along the lines of longer blazers/toppers with pants, shorter ones for skirts &amp; dresses, tough lately I have been experimenting with longer blazers with dresses, but only because that is a current trend.&nbsp; &nbsp; Sometimes a blouse or more "star" like top will work well under a blazer, too, but that is more a happy coincidence.&nbsp; The necklines of the blouse&nbsp; in such cases are high/like turtleneck, or collarless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic/page/2#post-2236802 Sat, 06 Nov 2021 20:19:46 +0000 The Cat 2236802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If a scoop neckline feels bare, but a scarf too much, how about a necklace? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236586 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 22:07:52 +0000 Anonymous 2236586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad it's not just me Helena!<br /> Well the big butterfly scarf would work wrapped over the sweater in Finds, if I can remember where it is... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236530 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:41:35 +0000 kkards 2236530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>100% to&nbsp;pashminas &amp; shawls, especially for unpredictable temperatures. I keep a black/navy alpaca and a cream cashmere at my desk year round. I also have other wool and cashmere shawls that I’ll bring to the movies or out to dinner (when those were both things) and to travel.&nbsp;<br />I also layer and have a a lot of plan Jane long sleeve knits, mostly v necks and scoop necks that work well under sweaters, blazers and other toppers.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cuyana.com/accessories/scarves/alpaca-scarf/10040909.html?dwvar_10040909_color=beige">https://www.cuyana.com/accesso.....olor=beige</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236527 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 16:08:40 +0000 slim cat 2236527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My new-ish puffer is slightly big on me and usually worn over jackets ( work dress code ) - I can layer vest under it if I'm on the day off running errands. I have 2 sporty vests ( synthetic and goose down ) and one fav cotton from BR in black ( looks nice enough zipped up but starting to look a bit worn out - no chance of duplication &nbsp;;( &nbsp;).<br />In general complicated necklines are too tricky for me - so no real advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236427 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 02:50:25 +0000 Jaime 2236427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question and I am so out of practice with jackets I am only here to learn. Maybe in a couple of weeks I will be able to experiment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236404 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:35:01 +0000 Zaeobi 2236404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you considered a more multifunctional topper that can be born different ways instead, depending on your fancy? I'm thinking of DIYing this, because there's no way I'm paying £40 for a synthetic fabric with press stud popper closure snaps attached. Also, the colour choices suck for me (&amp; therefore likely for Deep Autumn you, too), but here, lol: <a href="https://www.lululemon.com.hk/en-hk/p/customizable-snap-scarf/prod10190156.html?dwvar_prod10190156_color=48097" rel="nofollow">https://www.lululemon.com.hk/e.....olor=48097</a></p> <p>Anyway, click through on 'Spiced Chai' to see all the different ways it can be worn - that first photo in 'Heathered Copper Brown' looks simple enough, but I love doing that with a belt added, over a thick blanket scarf, to keep warm without any arm bulk. </p> <p>Lol you sound like my DH, for whom I had to buy a puffer gilet - otherwise he would prefer to freeze (lack of central heating here means A/C continues, even in the winter...) rather than feel like his movement is restricted. I do sympathise though - my solution has been to keep my silhouettes fairly uniform in winter, so that they'll all fit under coats etc. I personally like wearing a longer tunic/ dress with a shorter/ cropper topper, though! I wear lots of colourful clothes, so usually my coats are more neutral - recently thrifted a chocolate brown leather jacket with a 'cropped bomber' hem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236399 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:17:36 +0000 Helena 2236399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've come to the conclusion that, for the most part, I layer for temperature, but not for style. Unnecessary layers annoy me, no matter how good they look! (On me that is - love the look on others!) So no solutions but I can commiserate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236395 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:32 +0000 DonnaF 2236395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My two Nic + Zoe toppers get my most wear followed by cardigans along the lines of those shown. On me, these all are about 3/4 to 7/8 length. The lack of a topper collar keeps down the underlayer fight. I generally need a collar, turtle, or cowl neck for warmth. If collarless I need a scarf. For the past couple of years I have been wearing kerchiefs because they don’t get in the way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236394 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:58:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2236394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the hair keeping you warm! Mine is easy to flip out of whatever collar I have on. I get it about shopping during a different season—sounds like packing for a trip to a different climate. It’s hard to imagine that it’s really like that.<br /> Looking forward to the butterflies &amp; other toppers </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236393 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:50:10 +0000 Anonymous 2236393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have a couple big pashminas, a tan one and a teal one, as well as a butterfly print that feels seasonally confused. I used to use them a lot. Will need to find them again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236379 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:18:53 +0000 Anonymous 2236379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all! I think the trouble is that I often shop for cold weather things in October- when I'm not wearing a topper. Cause once it gets cold enough for layers, I don't want to take the lot off to try things on! </p> <p>Layering under would be ok if I, or my offices were predictable in temperature. Sometimes just a blouse is fine, but sometimes I need a layer. Sometimes I need a coat indoors! </p> <p>I should do a fit lab when I have time!</p> <p>Re: my hair, I just put it up when it's really hot. It looks too severe or something when it's up. Plus, it keeps me warmer in winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236378 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:16:06 +0000 Carla 2236378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since I run cold, I adopt toppers pretty early in the season, and they see a lot of rotation until it gets really hot. &nbsp;I wear my hair up, so need something to keep my neck warm. &nbsp;That’s where scarves come in. &nbsp;I don’t generally wear my scarves long and trailing, but wound and tied about my neck. &nbsp;Yesterday I wore a v-neck T under a collarless topper, wrapped a silk square twice around my neck and tied it off on the side and was done! &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you wear your long hair down. &nbsp;I could see how that might conflict with necklines (and toppers), and make scarves seem like too much. &nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236376 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 23:12:32 +0000 CarolS 2236376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for those who see the topper as part of the outfit, the solution tends to be to aim for simpler tops that combine with the topper to create the top half of the outfit. That's how I tend to look at it.</p> <p>I'm a bit more challenged to think about the topper relationship when the topper is secondary to the outfit. What would it be like if you had a couple of big shawls in your wardrobe neutrals and or colours -- then you could carry them back and forth in your bag or even wear as a scarf with your outerwear in colder weather. Easily on and off as needs change. Goes over longer and shorter tops equally???</p> <p>Not sure if that's any help at all, but it's all I've got. I hope you find something that feels right for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236356 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:36:41 +0000 Sal 2236356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Toban - simple necklines are the best.&nbsp; For me (broad shoulders and slightly short neck and a bust) it can all feel very crowded around the upper torso with collars, scarves, hair etc...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236354 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 20:29:55 +0000 Toban 2236354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pre-pandemic I wore toppers all the time at work and I have many simple (plain and patterned) tops that I wore under them. Lots of v-neck and scoop neck, but I would “fill” the space with a statement necklace to feel less bare. I generally did not wear toppers over buttons or asymmetric tops. I would generally only remove topper in my office and when commuting and running after work errands. So no real solution other than I find keeping the top simple under toppers works best for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236349 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:57:53 +0000 Anonymous 2236349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, jackets or cardigans- so the intermediary layers not coats.<br /> I think it's mainly coordinating the necklines that is challenging. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236343 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 19:28:02 +0000 Angie 2236343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suntiger</b>, do you mean jackets and not outerwear?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236331 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 18:56:26 +0000 Sal 2236331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle too Suntiger. So no real strategies.</p> <p>I am fine when I know what the day will bring eg a sweater/dress with a coat or tee and a blazer. Those would be my most common winter layers. I am not good at coats over jackets or very creative layering- and am not drawn to it for my style.</p> <p>I do choose simple light knit tops to layer or woven tops. Not too much fuss. Woven also - for me I struggle with shirts.</p> <p>The tops below all work pretty easily under jackets. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236277 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:49:59 +0000 cat2 2236277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*** outerwear coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236276 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:49:11 +0000 cat2 2236276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you seem to be miserable, maybe try a different strategy and see how it works? I hated layering long sleeve tops and shirts with jackets and sweaters in winter and have given you my solution; I guess another solution would be warm enough single pieces. Can you put a silk or Heat Tech undershirt under your single piece and make it stand on it’s own? So you could just throw on an outwear coat? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236275 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:41:22 +0000 Anonymous 2236275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all! One issue is I am always putting on or taking off the topper, and I don't really know if I need it from one day to the next. Though I have a variety toppers for me are utilitarian, I think of them for warmth but prefer to be without. The non topper version is what I think of as the main outfit. </p> <p>The most recent coats I bought with layering in mind, meaning long and sized up, but it means my smaller and shorter coats don't get worn except in milder weather. </p> <p>I'm ready for Spring! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236247 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:51:41 +0000 cat2 2236247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For work I buy sleeveless sweaters and short sleeve tops that layer neatly under blazers. Silk for summer and cashmere for winter. For casual, I layer the same tops with cardigan alternatives, jean jackets and lightweight utility jackets. I have a few heavy pull over sweaters to wear with jeans and those get paired with fun vests like faux fur. I buy outerwear jackets like trenches and wool coats that are large enough, usually I size up, to wear over blazers and thick sweaters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236246 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:47:09 +0000 Laurie 2236246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good thread. I struggle with this too. I recently got 2 lightweight winter coats with very open necklines, no option to button up at the neck. Obviously scarves are the answer, but if it's not really cold then it's turtleneck or boatneck under such layers, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236241 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:33:19 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2236241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny about the cowls. A certain ylf conspiracy theorist must be whispering in my ear while I sleep, because I don’t have any right now, but I think of them as a neckline that works really well with toppers, especially blazers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236239 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:27:00 +0000 Anonymous 2236239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I layer almost daily, especially in colder weather or if it gets cold at night. &nbsp;What Janet said. &nbsp;I have mostly crew neck tops which are fine. &nbsp;The only problem tops are boat necks that get bunchy in front, so I do not buy them. &nbsp;Lately I have been favoring long cardigans or dusters as toppers and can be worn over any length. &nbsp;But I really do not mind the look of a shorter topper over a longer top. &nbsp;No strategy, except that every outfit, especially dresses, must have a topper that can be used with it. &nbsp;Even in summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236229 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:49:20 +0000 Liz 2236229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think of tops in terms of stand-alone tops and layering tops. Stand-alone look OK on their own without a scarf, cardigan, jacket, etc. It's a real bonus if they have a neckline and hem shape/length that also works for layering. </p> <p>I choose layering tops for their necklines and colors, specifically to go under a topper. Examples: chambray popover shirt, navy long-sleeved t-shirt, blush long-sleeved popover blouse. It's a bonus if these fit well enough and are good enough to look OK if I happen to take the topper off. </p> <p>Like Janet, I don't do tunics, cowls, etc., unless I plan to treat them as a stand-alone top that will not be worn with a topper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236218 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 13:06:46 +0000 Irina 2236218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear shirts with collars under my collarless toppers and crew neck thin sweaters under regular blazers. All of them are OK on their own if I had to take off a topper.<br />Unless there is a special occasion that requires me to wear a blazer, I don’t wear them under outwear. Only one of my wool coat that is slightly oversized allows me to layer a blazer under it comfortably. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toppers-are-problematic#post-2236210 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 12:37:31 +0000 Janet 2236210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My solution to slightly awkward neckline/topper pairings is usually (to paraphrase Portlandia), put a scarf on it! So I’m much more of a scarf fan then you are. My top necklines tend to be pretty simple — not asymmetric for the most part and I don’t do cowls or many drapey necklines — so I just pick a coordinating topper for a given top and go with it. I’ll wear toppers with any neck style — V-neck, crew-neck, button-up (although collars can sometimes fight). I find boatnecks often play nicely under toppers, and I also have a fondness for collarless styles of blouses (along the lines of the Finds below) for ease in layering too. </p> <p>I don’t do tunics, except for one beautiful print top that I wear occasionally, and I have long and short toppers, so I never feel like I lack the proper length. </p> <p>And as for coats for layering, I have a couple of warmer winter coats with a cocoon shape and generous dolman sleeves, so they can easily be worn over blazers or bulky sweaters. </p> <p>I &lt;3 layering! </p>