WIW: Neutral drapey topper (mostly failed) experiments

I love the Neutral Spring Drape ensemble, and realized that I had enough drapey topper items in my wardrobe to try it several ways and try to get back in to taking daily pictures.

So, while many of these didn't really work well, it's good for me to see that, and I figure I may as well share.

#1 skinny black jeans (rolled to show ankle), gray tunic, lemming leather jacket, ankle-strap ballet flats. I think this one is a success.

#2 drapey stripes under drapey vest, skinny jeans and flat oxfords. I'm not sure whether this one works.

#3 same as #2, but without vest. Better?

#4 cream poncho over long sleeved stripes and skinny jeans. Not working for me - not sure if I need to style the poncho differently or toss it - suggestions?

#5 I realized that a drapey topper could be a scarf, so I wore it with a cream sweater, skinny jeans and boots. I think this one works too.

#6 black sweater with drapey gray ruffled vest. I don't think this is my style - it felt off all day. I think the vest needs to be purged.

#7 drapey tan vest over grey and flared jeans. Silver shoes. I think the shoes are too light to go well, and though I like the color mix, I don't really feel like this was a success.

Looks like it's time to step up my getting-dressed game again. Which is perfect, because my closet needs editing

Which of these drapey toppers deserve a place in my closet? I think the lemming jacket still does, and maybe the black vest in #2.

What do you think of the stripey top? Are any other toppers keepers?

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8 years ago

Anonymous

I think your drapey outfits are lovely

#1 definitely works, I agree. I actually don't mind #2 as well as #3, though #3 is perhaps a cleaner look. In #4 with the poncho...which I really like BTW..why don't you spin the poncho around a little to create some asymmetry at the hemline? I actually really like the ruffled vest, but if you aren't feeling the style yourself, then let it go. #7 doesn't look bad either. Maybe add a long pendant over your sweater?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great to see you post again, Amy. I echo what Diane said. I don't see any fails. I like #1 best of all, and #2 and #3 next. YES, I like the stripey top.

Sara L.

Veteran

Fun outfits! I quite like the poncho outfit actually. I agree on the ruffled vest - if it doesn't feel natural, it's time to find it a new home. I really like the striped top. The light shoes in #7 work for me, but cognac or tan would look good also.

amiable

You all are so kind - thank you!

I like the stripey top too (never mind that fact that I've spilled chocolate on it ever single time I've worn it), but I didn't feel like it looked very flattering in the picture.

The cream poncho has sewn-together "sleeves" preventing me from rotating it, but I think I'll undo the sewing, because I too was wondering if I'd like it more rotated.

Thanks for the suggestions!

rachylou

My faves are 1 and 4. And the shoes in 1! I think I'd like a deeper neckline on the stripes top.

deb

Amy, so nice to see you. I am wearing the lemming jacket a lot this spring. I like all of your outfits.

cobaltblue

My favorites are 1, 2, and 5. I also like 6 but can see how the ruffles might be annoying. Rotating 4 sounds fun, or maybe even layering more drape over the top, like a scarf.

Aida

Hi Amy! I like #1, #3 and #7 best here; #1 is soooo good! Smart idea to try and rotate the poncho, I think that would help a lot. Also try that over properly slim pants (like the black pair in #1 or a pair of flares that's fitted on the thigh) because it's so voluminous you really need something sleek below. The light shoes in #7 definitely work to my eye!

Sal

Hi Amy

I like the first looks alot, especially 1 2 3...1 is my favourite!! I also like 4 and 5. I love the boots and scarf in 5.

I think you are right on 6 - not your style. It is too fussy- my Mum made me try on a similar top today and I had to say no.

7 has potential - I feel the long vest either needs more fitting trousers or a heel. I like the wide leg jeans but with these silver shoes I would wear a sportier vibe on top...even a puffer vest, or the tee on it's own or a shorter sweatshirt. I also think the colour palette is confused - the camel vest and the silver seem like they belong in different outfits. I like the long line vest and think it would be awesome with a striped tee, or plain tee and skinny or straight jeans.

Jaime

#1 looks great. Love the jeans length with those shoes. I like the striped shirt too. The poncho is too big, pale and blocky. I you want to keep it you might need some long pendants to break it up. Toss the ruffle vest, I think you need pointier or at least longer shoes peeking out of your flares. I would keep the black vest in #2 too. HTH!

Joy

I like 1, 3 and 7 and 4 has promise.

Brooklyn

I like 1, 2, 3 and 5 a lot. For the poncho I would try it with a more high contrast top underneath eg a black or navy top that has fitted sleeves (like a skivvy). Then a dark coloured long pendant over the top. I do like the poncho. I agree the vest in no 6 does not seem like your style. I prefer the vest in no 7 but the colour mix is a bit muted IMO. I would try a different colour top underneath. Either something darker like navy or a lot lighter like winter white.

texstyle

I think #1 is fantastic and #4 and #6 are good but maybe just need a little tweaking. Maybe a necklace in #6 or some other little bit of shine...

Mamavalveeta03

Thanks for being willing to put yourself out there! Here's my assessment: #1 AWESOME! Fresh and fun, plus sexy. #2 & 3 I love the stripes, but I'd substitute the leather jacket from #1 for the vest...adding the jacket really makes it look finished. #4 I love the poncho, but I'd put a contrasting button-up shirt underneath, such as a chambray shirt or a black tee and add a long chunky pendant, plus wear your taupe suede boots...this look calls for some drama! #5 Really good, just need to have the scarf looped a bit for style. #6 Toss the vest and put on that black leather jacket and a black belt with an unobtrusive silver buckle. Same for #7. You can make these work and ROCK them! That jacket should be a "workhorse" piece for you. Great job

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