Avant-garde layers attempt - does this work?

I have been smitten with Angie's avant-garde layers outfit idea post from January, but those EF pieces ( #1 and #2) are not in my budget. I have become a bit obsessed with finding the right pieces to recreate the look at lower price point, all the time while avoiding polyester. I think I have found such pieces in dark grey, H&M silk tunic and Express rayon-blend sweater, but I am not sure that this works, so looking for input. I am happy to return both pieces if this does not work.
In photos #3 and #4 you can see the tunic, it has long sleeves and high-low hem. #5 and #6 show the sweater layered over - they are virtually the same color so you can not see the texture of the sweater very well. I have pulled one sleeve of the shirt up to show how it would look it I were to remove the sleeves, which I am happy to do. I am also not sure if the tunic is a bit too long for the sweater and I might need to chop a couple of inches of the length both in the front and back - again happy to do that. The next three photos, #7-9, show the sweater layered over old CM light grey silk tunic that does not have a high-low hem. We have a higher contrast here so we can see the texture of the sweater. The tunic and jeans are close in color creating " a column of color effect. In all of these I am wearing baby wedges, but I am stalking a pair of higher pointy wedges (#10) that would further elongate the look.
So what do we think - does any of this work, with or without possible dark grey tunic alterations?

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10 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think your pieces are great but maybe not playing the best together. I'd go for much tighter or much looser pants. I think the texture of the piece under the sweater might be too heavy, and not shaped enough? And the tunic possibly too short? This look is really freaking tough in my opinion so props to you for trying! I don't know how to do it myself without the under layer being super bodycon.

Oh and EF can be found very Inexpensively used on ebay. Just know your size as she cuts very generously!

Tanya

Thanks IK, I really appreciatte your input. I am not that worried about the pants,as I have plenty of them in various shapes. I am actually concerned about the tops. Both silk tunics are pretty lightweight, but definitely not shaped, the cuts are pretty boxy. You mean that the sweater tunic is too short? That might be true, that is why I was suggesting shortening the dark grey tunic if that would help.
And also thank you for the ebay tip. Maybe I will get lucky and manage to find the original pieces from Angie's post there, though it might be too early for that now as they are both pretty new.

Gigi

You did a really good job finding pieces that would replicate the original, especially with the Express sweater! However, I think that the problem is with the length of the top layer--I think it needs to be longer rather than the bottom layer being shorter. The appearance of the EF garment is that of a tunic. If you start chopping your H&M tunic, you're going to lose the length you need to replicate the look.

If you got a larger size in the Express sweater (to make it longer), do you think the shoulders would be too sloppy? You might have to go a couple of sizes up.

The other problem (which I just thought of) is that both the garments that you bought might shrink with washing. And one garment might shrink more than another. I wonder if that is why the EF original has polyester? To make sure that one layer doesn't shrink more than the other? (FWIW, I share your aversion to the p-word.)

Lantana

I think this works best when the neckline is open to a V. I think you need that bit of skin showing. I like the idea of the textured sleeves with nothing under them. I think the silk tunic has a bit too much volume and is bunching under the top layer, maybe you could narrow it?
As IK says, this is a tough one with proportions and volume being critical. I think you can safely de-sleeve the underlayer but don't chop the tunic length yet! And don't give up because that textured sweater is just waiting for the right partner.

Jeanie

I like the version in #7. It has a more open neckline and is a interesting mix of neutrals.

rachylou

#5 thru 10 are working I agree about the open V.

Thanks ladies! It seems that the opinions are quite mixed.

I have already sized up in the Express sweater, and I think it is sold out by now, so I either get this one to work or return it.The silk tunic does come in one size smaller, so i can tr exchanging it for that size.

April

My eye is going to have to adjust to the straightness of this on you, Tanya, since I'm always so envious of your impossibly tiny waist.

I wonder if the sides could be taken in just a bit so the tunic is not quite so blocky? Still straight, not waist-defining, still fluid, but a touch closer to the body.

Transcona Shannon

I do not have a keen eye when it comes to fit on this type of layering but I find the version in pic #6 really pleasing. I like the tone-on-tone of the two tops and the fit of the two together. To me it most resembles the EF look in pic #2.

Lisa

I like the layering in #6 best here. Some great finds you have. I think the jeans in #3 are throwing off this top for me, with a tighter bottom, it may also be keeper. These long tops make you look twice as tall!

Diana

Well, I like it a lot but this is definitely my look. I do agree that the black tunic would be better without sleeves so that some bare skin is showing. Otherwise it's a bit overwhelmingly dark to me. Since I know you can't show a lot of neck, I think bare arms are a good idea. I wouldn't shorten the length at all.

Thank you all very much for your input!

It looks that there are lots of different opinions. I am not quite sold on these two particular items, and it might not be worthwhile doung a bunch of alterations. I haven't decided yet for sure, but I am leaning towards returning both pieces.

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