Toppers are problematic

Anonymous

I know many of you love toppers, but I really struggle with layering!

High necklines make me feel like a big block with a topper- so I've bought scoop necklines. They feel right with a topper, but bare without. Scarves? Fuggeddaboudit it! Just more clutter!

Asymmetry, like this sweater below, or wraps, just don't really look right with any topper. Buttons + toppers feel cluttery, ditto collars.

My tunics need long toppers, my shorter tops are fine with shorter ones. Not to mention coordinating colors for them all...

Then coats need to be extra big to go over the lot, unless I want to carry the topper in my bag.

Layer-lovers, what are your topper strategies?

#STsannualcoldweatherrant#1

3 years ago

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

April

Veteran

I confess to not much of a strategy. If I'm layering, I more or less always keep the under layer plain and close-fitting. And yes, that means I generally give up the possibility of removing the topper.

I have no ideas on the coat issue. Have yet to find a coat that fits over a blazer without feeling like a sausage casing.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Strategies, you say? What’s a strategy?

I like layering, think I do ok at it. I generally don’t wear blazers, scarves, or asymmetrical tops, so that knocks out three of your issues. As for length, yes, sometimes it’s best for tops & toppers to be the same length, but mismatching them can also be a good look. I generally wear monochrome tops with patterned bottoms, so if I take a topper off, I still have something going on. Adding a topper often brings me into the wild world of pattern mixing with the bottom. My suede jacket is the only outerwear with sleeves narrow enough that I worry about layering. At one point, I could scarcely get my bare arms into it.

Your hashtag made me laugh. I challenge you to count them all this f/w/spring.

3 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My solution to slightly awkward neckline/topper pairings is usually (to paraphrase Portlandia), put a scarf on it! So I’m much more of a scarf fan then you are. My top necklines tend to be pretty simple — not asymmetric for the most part and I don’t do cowls or many drapey necklines — so I just pick a coordinating topper for a given top and go with it. I’ll wear toppers with any neck style — V-neck, crew-neck, button-up (although collars can sometimes fight). I find boatnecks often play nicely under toppers, and I also have a fondness for collarless styles of blouses (along the lines of the Finds below) for ease in layering too.

I don’t do tunics, except for one beautiful print top that I wear occasionally, and I have long and short toppers, so I never feel like I lack the proper length.

And as for coats for layering, I have a couple of warmer winter coats with a cocoon shape and generous dolman sleeves, so they can easily be worn over blazers or bulky sweaters.

I <3 layering!

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Halogen Halogen V-Neck Top

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3 years ago

Irina

Veteran

I wear shirts with collars under my collarless toppers and crew neck thin sweaters under regular blazers. All of them are OK on their own if I had to take off a topper.
Unless there is a special occasion that requires me to wear a blazer, I don’t wear them under outwear. Only one of my wool coat that is slightly oversized allows me to layer a blazer under it comfortably.

3 years ago

Liz

Veteran

I think of tops in terms of stand-alone tops and layering tops. Stand-alone look OK on their own without a scarf, cardigan, jacket, etc. It's a real bonus if they have a neckline and hem shape/length that also works for layering.

I choose layering tops for their necklines and colors, specifically to go under a topper. Examples: chambray popover shirt, navy long-sleeved t-shirt, blush long-sleeved popover blouse. It's a bonus if these fit well enough and are good enough to look OK if I happen to take the topper off.

Like Janet, I don't do tunics, cowls, etc., unless I plan to treat them as a stand-alone top that will not be worn with a topper.

3 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I layer almost daily, especially in colder weather or if it gets cold at night. What Janet said. I have mostly crew neck tops which are fine. The only problem tops are boat necks that get bunchy in front, so I do not buy them. Lately I have been favoring long cardigans or dusters as toppers and can be worn over any length. But I really do not mind the look of a shorter topper over a longer top. No strategy, except that every outfit, especially dresses, must have a topper that can be used with it. Even in summer.

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Funny about the cowls. A certain ylf conspiracy theorist must be whispering in my ear while I sleep, because I don’t have any right now, but I think of them as a neckline that works really well with toppers, especially blazers.

3 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

Good thread. I struggle with this too. I recently got 2 lightweight winter coats with very open necklines, no option to button up at the neck. Obviously scarves are the answer, but if it's not really cold then it's turtleneck or boatneck under such layers, I think.

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

For work I buy sleeveless sweaters and short sleeve tops that layer neatly under blazers. Silk for summer and cashmere for winter. For casual, I layer the same tops with cardigan alternatives, jean jackets and lightweight utility jackets. I have a few heavy pull over sweaters to wear with jeans and those get paired with fun vests like faux fur. I buy outerwear jackets like trenches and wool coats that are large enough, usually I size up, to wear over blazers and thick sweaters.

3 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks all! One issue is I am always putting on or taking off the topper, and I don't really know if I need it from one day to the next. Though I have a variety toppers for me are utilitarian, I think of them for warmth but prefer to be without. The non topper version is what I think of as the main outfit.

The most recent coats I bought with layering in mind, meaning long and sized up, but it means my smaller and shorter coats don't get worn except in milder weather.

I'm ready for Spring!

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

Since you seem to be miserable, maybe try a different strategy and see how it works? I hated layering long sleeve tops and shirts with jackets and sweaters in winter and have given you my solution; I guess another solution would be warm enough single pieces. Can you put a silk or Heat Tech undershirt under your single piece and make it stand on it’s own? So you could just throw on an outwear coat?

3 years ago

cat2

Veteran

*** outerwear coat.

3 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I struggle too Suntiger. So no real strategies.

I am fine when I know what the day will bring eg a sweater/dress with a coat or tee and a blazer. Those would be my most common winter layers. I am not good at coats over jackets or very creative layering- and am not drawn to it for my style.

I do choose simple light knit tops to layer or woven tops. Not too much fuss. Woven also - for me I struggle with shirts.

The tops below all work pretty easily under jackets.

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3 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, do you mean jackets and not outerwear?

3 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, jackets or cardigans- so the intermediary layers not coats.
I think it's mainly coordinating the necklines that is challenging.

3 years ago

Toban

Veteran

Pre-pandemic I wore toppers all the time at work and I have many simple (plain and patterned) tops that I wore under them. Lots of v-neck and scoop neck, but I would “fill” the space with a statement necklace to feel less bare. I generally did not wear toppers over buttons or asymmetric tops. I would generally only remove topper in my office and when commuting and running after work errands. So no real solution other than I find keeping the top simple under toppers works best for me.

3 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I agree with Toban - simple necklines are the best. For me (broad shoulders and slightly short neck and a bust) it can all feel very crowded around the upper torso with collars, scarves, hair etc...

3 years ago

CarolS

Veteran

I think for those who see the topper as part of the outfit, the solution tends to be to aim for simpler tops that combine with the topper to create the top half of the outfit. That's how I tend to look at it.

I'm a bit more challenged to think about the topper relationship when the topper is secondary to the outfit. What would it be like if you had a couple of big shawls in your wardrobe neutrals and or colours -- then you could carry them back and forth in your bag or even wear as a scarf with your outerwear in colder weather. Easily on and off as needs change. Goes over longer and shorter tops equally???

Not sure if that's any help at all, but it's all I've got. I hope you find something that feels right for you!

3 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Since I run cold, I adopt toppers pretty early in the season, and they see a lot of rotation until it gets really hot. I wear my hair up, so need something to keep my neck warm. That’s where scarves come in. I don’t generally wear my scarves long and trailing, but wound and tied about my neck. Yesterday I wore a v-neck T under a collarless topper, wrapped a silk square twice around my neck and tied it off on the side and was done!

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you wear your long hair down. I could see how that might conflict with necklines (and toppers), and make scarves seem like too much.

3 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks all! I think the trouble is that I often shop for cold weather things in October- when I'm not wearing a topper. Cause once it gets cold enough for layers, I don't want to take the lot off to try things on!

Layering under would be ok if I, or my offices were predictable in temperature. Sometimes just a blouse is fine, but sometimes I need a layer. Sometimes I need a coat indoors!

I should do a fit lab when I have time!

Re: my hair, I just put it up when it's really hot. It looks too severe or something when it's up. Plus, it keeps me warmer in winter.

3 years ago

Anonymous

I do have a couple big pashminas, a tan one and a teal one, as well as a butterfly print that feels seasonally confused. I used to use them a lot. Will need to find them again!

3 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I hear you on the hair keeping you warm! Mine is easy to flip out of whatever collar I have on. I get it about shopping during a different season—sounds like packing for a trip to a different climate. It’s hard to imagine that it’s really like that.
Looking forward to the butterflies & other toppers

3 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

My two Nic + Zoe toppers get my most wear followed by cardigans along the lines of those shown. On me, these all are about 3/4 to 7/8 length. The lack of a topper collar keeps down the underlayer fight. I generally need a collar, turtle, or cowl neck for warmth. If collarless I need a scarf. For the past couple of years I have been wearing kerchiefs because they don’t get in the way.

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3 years ago

Helena

Veteran

I've come to the conclusion that, for the most part, I layer for temperature, but not for style. Unnecessary layers annoy me, no matter how good they look! (On me that is - love the look on others!) So no solutions but I can commiserate!

3 years ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Have you considered a more multifunctional topper that can be born different ways instead, depending on your fancy? I'm thinking of DIYing this, because there's no way I'm paying £40 for a synthetic fabric with press stud popper closure snaps attached. Also, the colour choices suck for me (& therefore likely for Deep Autumn you, too), but here, lol: https://www.lululemon.com.hk/e.....olor=48097

Anyway, click through on 'Spiced Chai' to see all the different ways it can be worn - that first photo in 'Heathered Copper Brown' looks simple enough, but I love doing that with a belt added, over a thick blanket scarf, to keep warm without any arm bulk.

Lol you sound like my DH, for whom I had to buy a puffer gilet - otherwise he would prefer to freeze (lack of central heating here means A/C continues, even in the winter...) rather than feel like his movement is restricted. I do sympathise though - my solution has been to keep my silhouettes fairly uniform in winter, so that they'll all fit under coats etc. I personally like wearing a longer tunic/ dress with a shorter/ cropper topper, though! I wear lots of colourful clothes, so usually my coats are more neutral - recently thrifted a chocolate brown leather jacket with a 'cropped bomber' hem.

3 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This is an interesting question and I am so out of practice with jackets I am only here to learn. Maybe in a couple of weeks I will be able to experiment.

3 years ago

slim cat

Veteran

My new-ish puffer is slightly big on me and usually worn over jackets ( work dress code ) - I can layer vest under it if I'm on the day off running errands. I have 2 sporty vests ( synthetic and goose down ) and one fav cotton from BR in black ( looks nice enough zipped up but starting to look a bit worn out - no chance of duplication ;( ).
In general complicated necklines are too tricky for me - so no real advice.

3 years ago

kkards

Veteran

100% to pashminas & shawls, especially for unpredictable temperatures. I keep a black/navy alpaca and a cream cashmere at my desk year round. I also have other wool and cashmere shawls that I’ll bring to the movies or out to dinner (when those were both things) and to travel.
I also layer and have a a lot of plan Jane long sleeve knits, mostly v necks and scoop necks that work well under sweaters, blazers and other toppers.

https://www.cuyana.com/accesso.....olor=beige