Summer toppers.....(again) - boxy cardigan? UPDATE AT END - YouLookFab Forum

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Summer toppers.....(again) - boxy cardigan? UPDATE AT END

Sal

Veteran

I feel like this is an area where I am a super slow learner......

It used to be easy in the days of fitted tees with a cardigan over the top. Then tunics with long cardigans also were easy (didn't really suit me but layering was easy)

I always struggle with toppers over dresses almost to the degree I have given up. But I could do an outfit lab. I like jeans, camisole and blazer. But what to wear with wide leg pants on a cooler night. Or even with shorts?

My thinking is that summer (holidays and vacations) will all be about outside events (this is common here, but Covid will make this more likely). So outdoor dining will be the norm. I think a new topper might be good - it has to be versatile to look at least "okay" with a dress. I have a few options (as below plus thicker blazers, hoodies and sweaters). But for those days that it is changeable and mostly hot, but you want a layer with you?

My thought is that a chalk/light neutral cotton cardigan could be a safe bet to add to my collection. I know some forum members have loved these, others have struggled. I think the vee neck would be good on this one, I like the natural white, and it is organic cotton.

Thoughts in general for this style and for me. Or other ideas? I don't want - a denim jacket or a moto jacket.

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22 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Kaelyn

Veteran

I think you're on the right track with the organic cotton--it'll breathe well and should be cooler than a lot of synthetic materials, even if it has longer sleeves. I really struggle with summer toppers, too. FWIW, I'm thinking about trying vests next year; I have a denim one that I like, and I want dressier ones to incorporate into my smart casual capsule.

lozz_oz

Veteran

Sounds like a possibility. An outfit lab with photos will confirm whether the look works for you. Is this item on its way to you?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am one of those people who struggles with cardigans — they always make me feel a little frumpy. Maybe they’re not sharp/structured enough for my style.

I found that a light utility jacket is a great casual denim jacket alternative — structure but lightweight. Mine look good with dresses and skirts too. Maybe something along these lines?

Kensie Fitted Utility Jacket

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Style Fan

Veteran

I am a fan of the boxy cardigan; I bought one from Tradlands in the Spring. The utility jacket that Janet suggested is also a great idea, mine is shorter than most, and that seems to work well with dresses.

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks Stylefan - I thought of you with the cardigan. Yours looked great.

Thanks Janet - that could work too. We have changeable weather here so light layers can (some summers) be helpful. I used to love a cardigan but recently have also struggled. I have one to wear lounging at home that is very useful but it's very basic and really only worn when I don't head out.

lozz-oz - not ordered as yet - it may be in stock locally. Yes I would need to try it on over a variety of things - I want a go to, not a statement.

Kaelyn - they are hard!! I am fine if I know I will be wearing a topper and dress accordingly, but when things are a bit uncertain and I want to wear a light weight summer option, a light topper really helps. I don't mind if it is only 7/10 with eight things under, rather than 10/10 with only one.

Our coastal climate is very changeable - warmer than the UK, but similarly unpredictable. Some summers I rarely need these pieces as it is hot - some summers I rarely take them off!! I suspect cafe and restaurants will be pushing outdoor seating all summer, and we always do lots of summer BBQ and dining al fresco.

CarolS

Veteran

FWIW Sal, thinking of your modern day Charlies Angels vision, what about a wrap style cardigan that comes to the hip? I think the style would suit you incredibly well and work well over dresses because of its wrap nature.

Here's the link to my google search for 70s cardigan
And here's a modern day version I found online. The colour might not be for you, but this kind of style?

Sally

Veteran

I love boxy cardigans and if I had the figure that suited them, I'd wear one like that in a heartbeat. I tend to wear mine longer but thats just because I don't like anything hitting at my waist. As Janet suggested, a utility jacket can be a good topper as well. I find I often need a light topper even in summer so having a mix is good. But I am one of those people who get cold easily (I am still cold!)

Sal

Veteran

That's a good idea Carol- that could be fun. I will see what I can find in a wrap style.

Thanks Sally - I am not sure that a boxy one will suit me either... cardigans and busts are not always a great match. I don't think long ones will work with midi dresses though not wide leg pants.... I am open to a utility jacket though.... I think these sorts of pieces have good longevity and get pulled out every year! NZ Summer..... (it is a cold spring)

Joy

Veteran

I like loose waterfall cardigans or jackets of linen, woven or knit for summer toppers. Also, if being outside in the evening may mean small biting insects, I like flowing poncho-like tops that catch the breeze, especially if they are linen or a handkerchief weight cotton. Sometimes an unlined cotton jacket will do but they are usually too warm and better suited to spring or fall.

Kaelyn

Veteran

Ahh, I relate so much! Not coastal where I am, but hot weather lasts for so much of the year and it's hard to tell when it's finally going to *stay* cool in the fall, so I've had to learn to be really flexible with my layers. Right now, it's pretty dang hot during the day but chilly in the morning and sometimes evening. Year to year is pretty stable (and unfortunately, getting hotter thanks to climate change) but day to day it can get pretty wild in the spring and fall.

Jonesy

Veteran

Boxy cardigans are definitely in right now, so there are lots to choose from, and I really like the one you are considering. I would second Janet's suggestion of a lightweight utility jacket.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’m not a fan of the chunky cropped cardigan for me. They don’t make me feel fab. So I’ll make a couple of alternative suggestions.

1. I’ve been contemplating a long cardigan in a fine knit. Midi or maxi length. I think they look great with wide leg pants and with midi or maxi dresses. And jeans. And they give a nice long line. I want one without pockets (pockets make the vibe a bit too lounge wear-ish) and preferably side slits (I think they are elegant).

I’m thinking about getting this Veronika Maine one in green. It’s a good colour for me. They also have a polo neck version.

I have pants similar to those shown with the white cardigan and I can see the cardigan and pants would go together. I am contemplating black but I am slightly concerned the overall look will be too dark for summer. It’s a pity they don’t have a tan version.

That’s me.

For you, I think the colours of the VM may not be right either. The white is very optic. And I know you are trying to avoid black. I also think a v neck style would suit you better, because you could belt it for a different look.

So it’s probably not the right one but it’s a style that you might want to consider.

2. I’m also looking for a linen blazer to wear with shorts and midi skirts and jeans. I have long flare jeans for Spring. I’d like to wear them with a graphic tee and blazer. No decisions on that yet. But it is still early days for summer shopping. Our lockdown is ending in a couple of weeks so I’ll be able to venture out to B&M then for a better look.

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nuancedream

Veteran

Although they're not my style, kimonos can be great summer toppers. They are lightweight and many come in prints that can add visual interest without requiring too many layers. Short sleeve and open knit cardigans can be hard to find but they're so useful in the summer.

lyn67

Veteran

I couldn't live without my denim or short/military chore jackets for layering over flowy dresses, A line/pleated midi skirts, wide legs and the kinds. Then, I also chopped off an old white denim jacket for a vest, too-and have some short sleeve/short waist thin cotton cardis as well (for layering on spagetti or sleeveless come the big heat).

I also love the new deepV neck short waist boxy cardi like you show just knitted for the same silhouettes in fall/winter.

Anonymous

These are my summer toppers. I just wear them on and off inside in ac but they're all Very lightweight. I've also worn my company vest over my sleeveless things in ac. Haven't done it lately, cause I'm off scarves, but pashminas work too.

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Relaxed Lightweight Slub-Knit Zip Hoodie for Women

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Bijou

Veteran

When I read your post the first thing I thought of was 'denim jacket' - I have 4 and mainly wear these as my summer toppers!

This is something I have struggled with prior to finding my denim jackets. I like to wear dressy dresses but as soon as I add a blazer of cropped jacket, it starts looking like I am off to the office rather than a casual affair.

My two non denim or moto toppers that I will also wear in summer with dresses are the rust coloured soft jacket and light pink cardigan - depending upon which one I wear, it makes for a different look.

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Tanya

Veteran

I second the idea of the utility jacket you have already received. If going the cardigan route, chunky cropped version is certainly a possibility, but another version that has been trending, due to the '90s influence, is fitted ribbed ones, that to me work well over summer dresses (a few below).

Linen jackets are great in the summer, and they don't have to be blazers, they are available in more casual cuts. I wore two a decent amount this summer, one is shaped like shirt/shacket, and the other like denim jacket (only shaped, it is so much lighter). Shackets are also trending.

Banana Republic

Cropped Cardigan Sweater

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Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan

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Rib-knit Cardigan

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Striped Shirt Jacket

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Jean Jacket in Textured Good Linen

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

If you don’t mind the styling of a denim type jacket, just the fabric, Tommy Bahama makes a really good linen version. I had it in a bright blue that was pretty but I never wore — if it had been a neutral I would have kept it. Just another idea of the cardigan doesn’t pan out.

https://www.tommybahama.com/en.....p/TW510640

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Anonymous

I like the lightweight jacket suggestions too, for the structure they add to casual summer outfits.

Linen cotton blends work very well for me in summer knits, the linen gives a little crispness, doesn't hold water the way cotton can and stabilizes the shape with less weight and bulk than cotton.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cotton cardi sounds good. So does a utility jacket. How about a short cotton bomber?

Levi's Women's Zip-Detail Bomber Jacket

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Levi's Women's Zip-Detail Bomber Jacket

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Levi's Women's Zip-Detail Bomber Jacket

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Sal

Veteran

Thanks Angie - a cotton bomber could work well- I like the bomber shape.

Thanks Phoebe- interesting re the linen and water- I hadn’t thought of it that way!

Janet and Bijou- I have owned one denim jacket that I liked - but often they feel tight or constructive- or too boxy. I would be open to a different fabric or maybe I should just try some more on. I might just not have found the right one.

Tanya - I loved those fitted cardigans in the 90s. I could try one again but not sure if they would work over sleeves? And a casual linen jacket might be really good- lots of shackets here over winter this year.

Back soon.

Sal

Veteran

Suntiger - good point re pashmina or scarves, they can work well to have in your bag. I have a couple that could definitely work!!

Lyn - a chore jacket might work on me. And I should be more open minded on denim jackets I think...

Nuancedream - I have one kimono jacket that I love - it is timeless (I think I have had it seven years now. But as it is patterned it doesn't go with everything (although it might work with more than I think?)

Joy - I don't find waterfall cardigans easy to make work, I had a couple and I didn't ever feel great in them. They are useful but one of those pieces I tend to leave to others.

Brooklyn - yes a long cardigan could work too. Those colours aren't right but a soft grey, chalk or even a blush might do so. I need to try a few things on - boxy tends not to work on me - so maybe I am dreaming in thinking I will suit a boxy cardigan...

Jonesy - thanks. I think a short try on session is in order. I can fall into the trap of thinking I need "one cardigan to rule them all" whereas in reality I do have other things that could work with the dresses such as the gold bomber and even my caramel pashmina.

I have a clear weekend and might try some in - store browsing. This is an area I always struggle with.