Colors and prints this season

I am thrilled for those who are finally getting all the earth tones and warm colors, but dang, there is really not much out there in non-basic tops that appeals to me. Not even in NYC! Everything seems to be colors that don’t suit me, or ditsy floral prints. Or I’d find a nice color and the cut would be something with big floofy sleeves or the like. LOL Oh, or a super chunky or heavy sweater, which is also not my thing.

I have been hoping to find one or two patterned tops that are not just plain basic styles to refresh for fall/winter, but I’m coming up empty. I’ve found some solid knitwear tops in colors that I like (finds below), but they are very simple/classic solid color pieces. I was hoping to inject a little more personality into my top collection in the form of something that layers well under a jacket. A patterned popover or blouse would be nice but nothing too long or tunic-ish.

I have several old plaid button-front shirts, so I do have plaid well
represented. I suppose it’s not all bad that I’m not finding tops this season, since I have gotten a couple of new jackets and pants/jeans.

Zara

Mock Neck Sweater

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Boden

Elina VNeck Sweater -

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Boden

Supersoft VNeck Tee -

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Nordstrom

UNIVERSAL STANDARD Rhine Colorblock Cuff Top

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5 years ago

SarahD8

Veteran

Ah, bummer. It’s easy to repeat the “you can’t buy what’s not there” mantra but it kind of stinks when you have to live it.

The tops in finds look right on the money for you. Can you jazz things up with scarves? All of these look like they’d be great with your new McQueen.

Janet

(website)

Oh, everything looks good with the McQueen! I wore it yesterday.

I do use patterned scarves to liven up simple solid-color ensembles, but sometimes I just want to have a good printed top to do the job on its own. I have this star print blouse and the koi print top, which I thoroughly enjoy, and I’d love to find something else along those lines in a more fall-ish color palette that works for me.

Bloomingdale's

Karen Kane Printed Tie-Front Top

Custom Find

by Janet

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I think the second wave of Fall and Winter might be more of what you’re looking for in terms of colour.

Oh, that’s something I hadn’t thought of, Angie. I will keep an eye out.

Suz

I'm struggling to find the patterned tops and even scarves that I'll want, too, Janet. I have quite a lot of solid tops but could use a few prints to marry together these new colour capsules I'm experimenting with and it isn't easy for those of us who are cool-toned. Luckily I truly don't "need" much because the closet it stocked with things I can wear, but the right print would make a big difference to wardrobe options.

I hear you on the H&M shirt, by the way. I also let mine go mainly because I had worn it so often I tired of it and then I wasn't feeling the long tunic shape of it (though I often wore it tucked). But I do still have the scarf ,and that might help a bit. It blends cool and warm tones in an interesting way.

rachylou

Angie beat me to it of course! But I was going to say it’s early days, more will hit the stores soon.

LaPed

I got a Boden catalogue in the mail the other day and noticed a lot of jewel tones in their holiday collection, and a bunch of dark moody florals (though maybe smaller scale prints than you'd prefer). I'm with Angie in thinking that things will veer away from earth-tone-everything as the holidays approach. My own inclination for the holiday season is black and/or navy with gold accents. I'm not usually a gold person, but that might be my nod to the warm-tones trend heading into winter. Not necessarily gold hardware, but things like brocade, metallic knits, etc.

For myself, I will be glad when the boho top trend subsides. I don't need to see another peasant neckline, gathered sleeve, or pintuck for a long time!

La Ped, I agree on the boho tops! No more ruffles and gathers and peasant cuts. I have not been feeling the couple of tops that style in my own wardrobe and am thinking of passing them on.

Suz, I will keep an eye out for a good replacement top for both of us!

Joy

Yay, La Ped! My last three tops are boho. No more, please. I need a long sleeved top in a print that includes rust or orange, olive, and a smidge of mustard on a navy background and preferably not a floral. I have been looking for a print or scarf that combines tomato red and chocolate brown or navy with browns. So far no luck.

smittie

Yes, I hear you about colours.
Well there’s always black!

The Cat

I find myself nodding in agreement to much of what has been said here.

This fall, I am looking for a midi skirt in a non-neutral COOL colour (like magenta, burgunder, lilac/purple/violet, teal, or deep green), but so far the search has been unsuccessful.

Angie, I feel at least a bit encouraged by what you said about "the second wave of Fall and Winter." When can we expect that wave to come? By November, December, or later?

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