Ask Angie: Structured tops for summer

shiny

Angie, I think it would be very helpful to do a post about structure options for summer/hot weather. I always think of jackets as having structure, that's the no-brainer. So I would love to see a blog post with specific examples of what to look for in fabrics for structured tops, when wearing a jacket is out of the question.

For example, is a Sweet Pea top considered one with structure? Or only wovens? What about knits? I think I read on another blog recently that a knit can be "structured" if it is heavier? Would this be like a ponte knit? Would a knit with spandex be considered structured? Or is structure less about the fabric, and more about the style?

What are the key words we should be looking for in the online descriptions when we clothes shop?

Inquiring minds want to know!

16 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from crwilson

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good topic, Shiny. I shall put a post together if others are interested too.

Sweet pea tops are absolutely regarded as structured in my book – even when they are slightly empire cut. Woven tops are often structured, but also not so. I wear both. This grey silky top with the pearls in the pic below is NOT very structured, but it’s still tailored. Hope that makes sense:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....loral-pin/

Structure is about BOTH fabric and style. And also what you wear with it. You can keep the rest of an outfit very structured, but wear an unstructured top and STILL look put together.

16 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I am interested in this topic as well, I would welcome a post.

16 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I'll definitely be reading that post too (well, I read all your posts, but you know what I mean-)

16 years ago

Christie

Active Member

Since dressing my top half is my challenge (broad shoulders and ribs, small bust, undefined waist), I'd also love to read more.

16 years ago

merry77

Active Member

With all the discussion in Hannah's casual thread about the need for structure, this would be very helpful. And summer options for work in hot climates are also needed.

16 years ago

sinead

Active Member

I would love more help with this. As I start to find my style by shopping, I'm keeping the age-appropriate mantra going (structure, polish, quality) but I find I get thrown by what structure really is. For a while, I thought it meant only woven fabrics. Now I see that isn't the case.

I've been thinking layers would work as structure- but I'm not sure. And not the greatest idea for hot weather. Looking forward to a post about it- hopefully with examples to help out those of us who are in "Fashion 101".

16 years ago

Anonymous

Yes count me in on being very interested in defining what is structured. Being close to 55 I am very interested in looking more polished without looking like I am trying too hard.
If any of you watch the show Two and a Half Men you see their mother sometimes who to me looks like she is wearing structure but trying too hard. I think she wears the St. John brand skirt and jacket suits as found in Nordstrom's.

16 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

"Structure" + "summer" = my biggest challenge! (Throw in a large bust and it's a trifecta!)

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love how you're speaking up, ladies. I like to find solutions to your challenges. There are no problems – only opportunities :0)

So, off the top of my head: Structure = Tailoring. But this does NOT necessarily mean defining the waist, even though that's the easiest way to add structure to an outfit. A trapeze jacket can be structured on the shoulder and bust line, but voluminous on the waist. Wear it with streamlined pants and you’ve added structure. So don’t limit yourselves to tops as the item of clothing that requires structure – think of the outfit as a whole and how you can add structure to it. Hope that makes sense.

16 years ago

crwilson

Veteran

I'm so glad this thread was posted - definitely need help in this area. And Angie, I'm glad to hear that we can add structure without necessarily wearing fitted tops. My midsection is getting squishier and squishier, and I want fabric that skims over it. I might have to try a vest to cover without too much warmth.

16 years ago

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