What style persona wears drape and unstructured looks?

I have really fallen for drapey open cardigans at NAS as well as some tunic style EF pieces. My style is mostly tailored and classic so I'm wondering if my interest in these new looks is the start of a style shift, keeping up with trends or just a subliminal attempt to hide my baby weight which has been slow to come off.

I've attached some Finds that describe the look I'm talking about. I like all these looks and would wear them to work but probably not on days where I have a lot of presentations or meetings.

What are your thoughts and feelings on drape? Is it part of your style persona?

Nordstrom

Barefoot Dreams 'Bamboo Chic' Drape Front Cardigan

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Caslon Drape Neck Zip Cardigan (Regular & Petite)

$68.00

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Karen Kane Crop Cardigan

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Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Lincoln' Faux Leather Drape Front Jacket

$88.00 $57.90

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Nordstrom

Karen Kane Twist Front Stretch Knit Tunic Top

$88.00

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Halogen High/Low Cashmere V-Neck Tunic

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Nordstrom

Barefoot Dreams 'Bamboo Chic' Drape Front Cardigan (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$92.00

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Eileen Fisher V-Neck Stretch Knit Top (Regular & Petite)

$178.00 $69.97

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Two by Vince Camuto Mix Stripe Tee

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10 years ago

Neel

Veteran

I think every persona can wear drapey tops and jackets depending on the structure. I would wear the drape front faux leather jacket in a heartbeat because it is drapey with a tough edge. I call my style sporty casual.

Your finds however remind me of Deborah and I think I would call her style arty with edge (because of her footwear choices and edgy pixie). So it really depends on how you style them I guess along with your own personality.

Helena

Hi, in the pictures you've posted, the drape is combined with more tailored pieces; for example tailored tees and skinny jeans ... so I think you are still in classic territory; perhaps "soft classic" might be a good tweak to your descriptor. Very pretty in any case!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You're heading towards Arty Territory. I hope that Diana, Firecracker and Debs chime in too. It's easy to combine these silhouettes with structure, Suja.

I wear unstructured looks all the time - like today - I'm in a shapeless sack dress. But it's above the knee and has tapered sleeves for structure. I prefer a straight angular drape for my own style, but love round arty drape on others.

Suz

What Angie said. I love fluid and unstructured looks, but toppers with drape like these don't look so good on me. So I go for straight angular drape where I can. I love the drapey look on others and keep trying to find the one piece that will work on me, LOL.

Diana

Yeah, definitely Arty. Although I think there is a place for drape in most style personas. (Maybe not true Sporty types, I guess...). It could also go boho very easily, or urban (if you go for more architectural, angular drape). And you could of course combine it with classic pieces as has already been mentioned.

So... how you implement it is up to you. Personally, I do need to add a little structure and some sharp lines, otherwise I feel too soft and round. This has a bit to do with my body type though, as I am pear shaped with a roundish shoulder line. So, I prefer things with some structure at the shoulder because I don't like to accentuate the rounded shoulders or my slouch. I also often like to show some leg, either in a skinny pant or shorter hemlines, when I'm wearing something very drapey. I have a long leg line so I find this pretty easy to accomplish. I also have straight hair with a sharply angled cut, which helps keep things from becoming too soft as well.

By the way, I have the KUT jacket you linked above. I think it's a great combo of drape and structure, and I'd recommend you give it a try while it's still on NAS discount.

High five, Suz. xo

Diana, I hereby crown you Queen Arty Drape. xo

Here are some photos for you.

Alana in Canada

oooh Diana--Queen arty drape indeed. I absolutely love that blue top in #6. Stunning colour. Interestingly to me, I prefer the looks without a topper--so 3,6, and 8 are my faves.
I have been looking and looking at these sorts of items and wondering how to wear them. Thank you so much!

Anonymous

I'm not an expert, but sometimes draping can look classical (like a statue of a Greek goddess) or even a bit romantic and luxurious, depending on the fabrication.

Claire is right (as usual..). Mo does that kind of classical drape really well.
And Vix does a sort of boho version.

Suja

Wow, thanks everyone.

Torontogirl- I think you hit on why I think it appeals to me. It looks pretty and feminine is one of my descriptors. So I'm thinking this isn't a new descriptor, just a little extension of an existing one.

Angie- I think of your look as highly structured but maybe I am just going off of your most recent outfit posts. I can't recall any time that you wore drape. But I'm also not sure of the difference between fluid drape and angular drape.

Diana- I love your drapey looks. They have enough structure to "mainstream" to my eye. I will definitely take inspiration from your outfits.

Suz, I'm curious why you think draped cardigans or jackets don't look so good? It seems like a super forgiving shape but it doesn't seem like it would look bad on someone slim with nothing to hide.

Yes, Angie--possible blog post, perhaps? Just what is the difference between a rounded drape and an angular one?

So, just as an example, I would guess that the cardigan on the left is round, and the cardigan in the middle is angular--but what is the EF? both?

As well, can some people wear both--or does it pretty much divide into either or? Any way we might be able to predict which one might work on ourselves?
Does the shape of the drape affect overall perception of volume? Or does that have to do more with fabrication (ie, a leather draped vest = less perceived volume than the same in jersey.

Chalet 'Mary' Burnout Jersey Cardigan (Plus Size)

$108.00 $53.98

Allen Allen Open Front Slub Knit Cardigan (Plus Size)

$98.00 $48.98

Eileen Fisher Scrunch Neck Stripe Sweater (Plus Size)

$268.00 $133.97

abc

Oooooh I needed this post. I've bought a few pieces lately that move me in the same direction but to be honest I'm trying to figure out the same things Suja and Alana mentioned.

Can we (pretty please) get some compare and contrast visuals going on angular drape? Seems like an oxymoron in some ways.

I know from my recent experimentation I need the angular type just am not sure how to execute.

Thanks in advance.

Jaime

Interesting! I love drapey looks too but, for myself, tend to shy away from open drapey sweaters and jackets because I find they widen my already relatively wide upper body. On the other hand, I was immediately attracted to the striped tee you posted. Would love to see some angular vs. rounded drape visuals too!

Joy

I' m like Suz in that draping on my curve-challenged shape does nothing for me. It looks like fabric hanging from a 2X4. It can hide too much. I think angular drape depends quite a bit on the fabric to create a shape rather than forming a formless lump. If one has curves, they are enhanced by draping and give it a pleasing shape. That said, I do have some draped tops that I like, but they are all sleeveless, which adds structure. They are worn with slim bottoms for more structure. It is not part of my style but sometimes a little can add variety. I am attracted to drapey pieces and have to be strong to resist the appeal, knowing that they will be hard for me to style.

greycat6

Would love some visuals comparing rounded and angular draping. I struggle with this one as well. Love the drape look on others but it never really feels right on me. For some reason, I feel like it enhances my pear curves in ways they don't need enhancing.

Will be watching this thread with interest.

btt

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