The search for a loose-sleeved topper - ideas?

One of the threads about toppers / third pieces reminded me of a dilemma that I encountered again this morning.

I have a lot of tops with short, structured sleeves. My jackets all have fitted, narrow sleeves, and they don't fit over those tops. I have one giant bat-wing cardigan that works, but it is far too warm for most days.

Since I run warm, this sort of topper wouldn't stay on all day, but I might wear it in the morning at my desk and definitely on my way home from work when it's quite chilly here year-round.

I'm looking for inspiration on possible toppers. Long sleeves. Blazers or light outwear, perhaps sweaters. Tailored or soft. Dolman sleeve jackets were everywhere a few years ago, and that seems ideal, but I haven't run across as many recently. (My style preferences: black or dark grey. Natural fibers. Edgy or classic but not feminine.)

Any ideas?

Some examples of my problematic shirts are in photos below.
1. Helmut Lang boxy wool top - sleeveless, but with structured armholes
2. Banana Republic boiled wool top
3. Vince dolman sweater
4. Banana Republic cotton shirt with big sleeves
5. Reed Krakoff woven wool shirt (major thrift score!)

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10 years ago

carter

Veteran

Great question! I struggle with toppers too. Although it'll be too hot here the next several months to worry about it, I'd love to have it solved by Fall/Winter. I've resorted to only wearing sleeveless tops under blazers and sweaters because the sleeves always seem to fight. However, the thought of taking off my blazer in Nov/Dec to reveal a sleeveless tops always sends me back to the closet to change.

annagybe

(website)

Wide sleeve kimono jacket?
Poncho?

Maybe stalk this:

http://totokaelo.com/apc/cherb.....avy/N16299

Greyscale

I searched more and found a few examples:

Eileen Fisher linen jacket - not available in my size
http://www.eileenfisher.com/Ei.....5HL-J3342M...

Aritzia denim jacket (in Finds) - on the casual side, but great.

Aritzia

simile jacket

View Info

Top Pick

That's lovely, Anna. I don't know why I didn't think to check Totokaelo or La Garconne. It seems right up their alley.

Edit: Just saw this at La Garconne. *swoon*

http://www.lagarconne.com/stor.....Wool-Gabar...

Rambling Ann

If you don't need sleeves on sleeves for warmth, some ladies on the forum have been rocking some interesting long vests as well.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You need a cape/poncho/kimono style topper. Anna is on the right track.

Thin White Duchess

Active Member

http://www.emersonfry.com/topper-coat-black

I have this coat in a heavy fall/winter fabric. I love it!
I have this same problem, too, and have been eyeing this version for the same reason.

That Emerson Fry topper looks perfect! I would probably prefer the heavier winter fabric - though I'm realizing this is the wrong season to search for anything wool. Is this the version you have or are there other winter versions? I can't tell if this one is knit or woven.
http://www.emersonfry.com/topp.....ebble-wool

Style Fan

The Emerson Fry topper looks gorgeous. A good place to look for poncho is Etsy.

Incidentally, I ducked into Goodwill earlier today (with toppers in mind) and found a vintage full-length opera cape, pure wool, for $20. I didn't buy it, but maybe I should have! The shoulders were a size too big (but barely noticeable). If it had been perfect I'd have bought it, for costume use if nothing else.

The EF topper I bought is a dark blue tweed. It's no longer on the website. But I ordered both that blue one and the one you linked to to try at the same time -- the one you linked to is like a VERY heavy sweater, very nubbly grey heavy, tight knit. I thought it had a bit of an art teacher vibe. If you try it, I recommend you size down to minimize that vibe. That might fix it. I just went with the blue instead. They have free returns- you might just have to pay 8.50 for shipping.

DonnaF

Last year, I bought a Top Shop kimono/cocoon shaped topper that's big through the armholes. Of course, it is no longer available. The fabric is thick and heavy, so one would think it would be hot, but it's not because it's so very loose -- so keep that in mind when searching out toppers. It also tend to shift around on my shoulders, possibly because it's a bit big or maybe that's just the nature of the style. I'm not sure, however, that a kimono/cocoon style would mesh that well with your tops. Oh, and vests don't necessarily come with huge armholes either.

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