Toppers for a fluid collared button-down top?

MsLuna

Happy holidays everyone! It's good to finally have a break between my work/school/life schedule to see how everyone's doing!

So I have a question. I'm looking to minimize my wardrobe and I absolutely love wearing fluid button-down shirts such as the Express Portofino shirt. I wore them on their own through the summer and the warmer fall months, but I don't like the way they look when layered underneath the jackets/blazers that I own. I know a classic one-button tailored blazer works well, but I'm wondering if there are other alternatives?

I tried the shirt on with a moto jacket and a couple draped jacket styles and I just can't make it work. I also tend to wear these untucked because I mainly wear jeggings/leggings in the winter months because I tuck them inside long winter-appropriate boots and tend to wear tunics during this time as well.

Thanks!

12 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from cciele

Windchime

Veteran

Have you tried themwith light knitwear such as a vneck sweater or sleeveless vest? I wear both of these over some fluid button downs on colder days. I also have a couple of (not sure of correct term) open front cardigans--no buttons-- which work with this kind of shirt. I layer a cami underneath for adequate warmth when needed.

12 years ago

MsLuna

Veteran

Sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately I don't own those kinds of sweaters because I never find them in the colour I want. It seems to me that the only way to make this work is to wear something long. I'm trying to find a way so I don't have to box away this style and wait for spring to wear them.

12 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

I don't know how you feel about faux fur, but I love the look of fluid tops under fur vests. Another option that might work, is layering under a tank/sleeveless top if you have some that aren't too summery.

12 years ago

MsLuna

Veteran

Faux fur is a good idea. I actually like the look, though I haven't been as lucky finding something I like (the story of my life!). As for vests... Would you be able to show me an example of a look that isn't too preppy or classic? One reason why I avoided vests is because it emphasizes my belly and it has a very preppy vibe (I add more romantic and tough to my modern classic base look).

12 years ago

Jewell

Veteran

Your post just reminded me of why I snatch up good vests whenever I come across them- they can be hard to come by. To avoid the preppy look, I'd say stay away from traditional pullover sweater vests. Go for something open, preferably without a collar so it doesn't interfere with the collar of your shirt. I've included a pic of my fur vest over fluid top look and another pic I found on the web featuring a different type of vest. You might even try something military-inspired or in denim for a great contrast against the dressiness of the Portofino shirt.

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12 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Jewell's pic made me think that perhaps a long swingy type of sweater (I can't think of what they are called) would look nice with the jegging/boot and fluid shirt for a more casual look.

12 years ago

MsLuna

Veteran

@Jewell: Thanks for the pictures! And that IS a nice look on you! I'm always on a lookout for more rugged (RATE) vests as this is more of the look I'm going for. I might go for the military-style as well. Thanks for sharing!

@dianthus: Yup - I'm considering a long swingy sweater as well - I guess I'm just trying to look for one that I really like. The right amount of drape and something that's not too flimsy. I'm minimizing my wardrobe, so I'm looking to buy for quality as well.

Ladies, thanks for all your suggestions!

12 years ago

Elly

Veteran

Have you thought about wear layers under your shirts? Even though I am busty and broad shouldered, I often can fit a snug heattech type top or merino tee under floaty blouses (even if I have to leave 1 more button open at the neck. Then I can scrunch or roll the sleeves or not (adds RATEness imo) and wear the blouse I like without a major style compromise.

12 years ago

carambola

Veteran

Angie recently linked to a cowl neck over a silky button down. Would that work for you?
http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/.....-pullover/

12 years ago

MsLuna

Veteran

@Elly: Great idea! I'm busty/broad-shouldered and full of tummy and I could layer a short sleeve shirt underneath the floaty top. I tend to button the blouse a bit lower, but I don't mind having the shirt (or cami) peek from underneath (most of my fluid blouses are opaque, not see-through). I also tend to roll the sleeves because I tend to wear the floaty blouses slightly RATE-ish

@carambola: That's a good idea, but unfortunately, pullover sweaters over any shirt seem to emphasize my belly a lot. It might work on another Inverted Triangle who doesn't have too rounded of an abdomen.

12 years ago

cciele

Veteran

I'd wear a cropped jacket (denim or military style). Cute shirt!

12 years ago

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