K/R: two black/white tanks and two red cardigans

I have a couple of black and white tanks from White House Black Market that I bought to go under my WHBM cream and black cropped trench coat. One is a floral pattern, and one is a geometric sequin pattern. Not sure--do either of these look good enough to keep? Is the sequin tank way too dressy for work and/or MOTG? It's a cool pattern but it feels more like a "party" top. It's also a little stiff and scratchy on the outside due to the sequins (The sequins are only on the front, BTW).

And my red cardigan saga continues (like Mo, I am perpetually searching for that elusive perfect red cardigan). 8-11 is from WHBM and has silver snaps down the front. 12-14 is an Only Mine cashmere cardigan on sale at Nordstrom. Excuse the dress pics--I now realize that both of them are too long to wear with that dress! So this cardigan would mostly be for pencil skirts and jeans. Which one should I keep, or neither? I'm leaning toward the WHBM because it matches perfectly with a skirt I bought there, and I love to be matchy-matchy that way:
http://www.whitehouseblackmark.....#038;size=

I also saw this Kate Spade red cardigan, but it's $198 so I didn't order it. Not sure if that would be any better.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ka.....1517B1882A

1-3. Floral tank with black lace trim
4-7. Geometric print sequin tank
8-11. WHBM jewel neck red cardigan
12-14. Only Mine cardigan
15. Hibiscus skirt that I have, that would match the WHBM cardigan
16. Kate Spade Caroline cardigan

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14 years ago

Travelgal Nicole

Veteran

I really like the tank in #4. And the red cardigan goes so well with the polka dot dress.

Gorgeous.

Kirti

(website)

I like the pattern on the sequinned tank better than the floral one and IMHO it doesn't look too 'party'. Is it very scratchy though? Cos that would be a deal breaker for me. I like the cardi

goldenpig

It could be a little scratchy if I wore the sequin tank by itself and my arms were rubbing against the outside (like if I was swinging my arms as I walked). But I think I'd almost always be wearing a jacket or cardigan over it so it shouldn't be a problem.

Which cardi do you guys like--the first one? And you think it looks OK with the dress? Unbuttoned or buttoned at the top, which is better?

Thanks for the feedback!

ManidipaM

I like the floral top even more than the geometric, but both are lovely and, more importantly, you look great in them! The geometric IS party perfect, but it doesn't look too OTT glittery either, if you're okay with a bit of daytime sparkle and especially if you know you'll have a jacket or cardigan on top.

That skirt... I just had visions of adding those tanks to it! Not sure whether they are the right lengths or how you feel about that much pattern matching; just a thought I wanted to throw out.

I think the first cardi is definitely a neater shape (the other one's edges show a slight tendency to curl) and I like the silver buttons and the three-quarter sleeves better than the other one. I personally think open looks nicer, since you did ask, but I see nothing wrong with it fastened at the top either.

missvee

I like the graphic print of the sequin tee, and the length of the first cardi, buttoned or unbuttoned. That Hibiscus skirt is a real showstopper, so I'm just wondering if you should try the Kate Spade cardi as well, before you make up your mind. I like the higher neckline on the KS and it looks like a nice length too.

fauxpas

Active Member

I'm only going to comment on the red cardigan since I feel your pain about looking for a perfect piece. The other items are all pretty cute so just depending on how many black/white combos you need! I love the red color on you and think a red cardi would be a fun, but staple, for you. However, I don't think the cardigan fits well. It seems a little too long in the torso for you---like it needs to be shorter to have the cropped look that would allow you to wear it over longer tops and tanks (and dresses) while showing off your waistline---OR longer, like top of hip length so that you could belt it or wear it long and slouchy and open. That is my opinion---I say keep looking for that perfect length!

Dashrashi

Can I just say that I thought, from the first picture, that you had cut your hair into a long, piecey, oval-shaped bob, and I thought it looked AMAZING?

Anonymous

I vote to keep both tanks to wear under that trench, although, if you choose one, I like the sequined one best. I also feel your pain at trying to find the right red cardi (for me it's a red jacket). The silver snaps on the first one will limit it's use. It seems too casual to my eye to wear with the polkadot dress, for example. It could be dressed down better with a denim jean jacket.
Do you have a long cold season to wear cashmere, thinking of the investment?
Red is definitely gorgeous on you. I vote keep looking.

Sveta

I like how the sequin tank looks and it does not look too dressy in the pictures - especially if paired with more casual pieces like denim or knits. However it is hard to judge from the pictures online... Also I would be concerned with the scratchiness: if it is uncomfortable I would not wear it much. This was an issue for me with sequined tops: it is hard to find a comfortable one.
As for the cardigans I don't see much difference between them, the first may be a bit shorter than the second one but they look a lot alike to me. I would go with the feel of the fabric and its content here.

CocoLion

I prefer the geometric tank to the floral one, it looks like it's got better fit. I don't think the sequins are OTT for you lifestyle, daytime sequins are a hot trend after all.

As for the sweaters, I like the WHBM one better, it looks a little more stylish than the other one.

You look so amazing in skinny jeans, I envy someone who has long, straight shapely legs like you!

catgirl

I prefer the geo top with the pattern and higher neckline, but sequins are a dealbreaker for me personally - they always snag on things or fall off or are itchy...

None of these cardis look quite right to me. I do feel your pain. Are you not looking at v-necks at all? I find crewneck cardis annoying to deal with in terms of collar lines. However, that's because I only wear certain types of necklines.

Jem

I LOVE the first tank! And, I like the first cardigan.

elpgal

I love the sequin top; you can layer it under other things as well. The only thing that gives me pause is which of your capsules it would fit into - are you comfy in it for work and/or MOTG?

Una brings up an important point about the cardi neckline. She's right that V-necks are so much easier to wear and style. I've sworn off any more round neck cardies for that reason.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I actually think the cardigan neckline looks great on you, but I agree that the fit isn't perfect. (Love the trench, BTW.)

The floral tank just seems a little blah to me - there's nothing wrong with it but it's not exciting either. The geometric sequin one is supercool, and I think it would be great for daytime with a cardigan and jeans or a skirt, assuming it is comfortable enough.

Jyoti

The geometric sequin tank is AMAZING. I would totally wear it everywhere, and I think sequins have lately been very well incorporated into casual wear.

I like the first cardigan, especially unbuttoned. I do agree with Una that you should look into v-necks if this is a big piece for you! Necklines can really change an item.

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