I'm afraid I don't have any new finds to offer, but I use the sheath/topper formula a lot, too, and find the following helpful--if they are permissible in your workplace:
-denim jackets: These tend to be cropped to begin with, which is why they appeal to me. I have denim in light and dark blue wash, white, burnt orange, yellow, and turquoise. Dressed up with neutral or coordinating pointy-toed shoes, good jewelry (pearls), and/or dressy scarves, denim reads office appropriate for me
-long cardigans: I recently stumbled onto this formula to streamline a fit-and-flare dress that is not my best silhouette. I have one paper thin and one thick long cardigan I will be experimenting more with this year by coordinating with prints and accessories (jewelry, scarves, shoes)
-jackets from broken up suits, including St. John Knits and Chanel-esque looks. I still struggle with incorporating my St. John jackets becuse they have shiny metallic threads, zips and buttons (rather than tweed, which is more current), but the fit and crop are sublime and the original price too expensive to cull (even though I bought all on sale). I always look for these in consignment shops, too--although I confess no luck as of yet. But just a thought, with encouragement to break up your suits.
-cropped cardis. Yawn, I know. But can you spruce them up with statement jewelry and scarves?
-*I wonder if your black/white bomber wouldn't work over a solid color, such as your red sheath, with black shoes and other coordinating accessories?
I, too, am interested in breathable cropped toppers, (still in a hot phase, so I need some natural fibers) so I will follow this thread. Thanks for asking!
