WiW: Understanding Longer Toppers. - YouLookFab Forum

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WiW: Understanding Longer Toppers.

AM

Veteran

I am new to YLF and in early stages of considering silhouettes. I'm headed for a week long business trip (pretty casual) so it gave me the opportunity to plan several outfits and reflect. I know I prefer longer toppers (cardigans, jackets). So, I have few questions:

1. Do you have specific measurements for toppers that you know works best for your proportions? And how did you come to know those measurements?
2. If you are a collector of longer toppers, do you have a wish list for inspired toppers: gray menswear jacket, black blazer, equestrian, military, etc.?

And happy to hear your insights into these outfits. Thanks!

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28 replies

Latest reply was from AM

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love long jackets and coats. No rhyme, reason or rules, I judge by putting it on and looking. My favorite of yours here is #3 - gorgeous!

abc

Veteran

The first forum member that comes to mind is firecracker but Janet also has a long jacket that's nice.

I don't have any as they don't work with my proportions or body type (I think). Something that is cropped or regular length looks better on me. My height plays a factor too, at 5'5" as well as being on the cusp of reg/plus size. So for all of those reasons long toppers don't work for me.

These look great on you, though!

Is it a personal preference or do you not think regular or cropped jackets do you any favors?

carter

Veteran

Another huge fan of long toppers. I have a "must be at least this long" target for blazers butnothing more specific than that.

Check out some of Gryffin's posts. She's the reigning long jacket queen.

AM

Veteran

shevia: I am also drawn to this outfit. All black, black leather, and the jacket's lines are very appealing. It is a "newer jacket" - and I'm really trying to understand why this outfit makes me the happiest.

abc: I really like to elongate my look as I am 5'4". And I have issues. I like to cover my butt. My weight fluctuates and these seem to feel good at my low weight and my higher weights. I also think I prefer the drama of a longer line. I'm glad you asked this question. I need to think on it. I was told by another fabber that I have long legs (and I am definitely short waisted). I'm wondering if the longer line helps to reinforce my leg length. Still not sure. But really studying this.

carter: And what is your "must be at least this long"? And why? I will definitely check out Gryffin's posts. Thanks!

carter

Veteran

You had to ask. It has to hit below my widest part. It's been awhile since I've bought a blazer/jacket, but I think it's 28". If I go shorter in a blazer or a cardi, I want it to be up around the top of my hips. For some reason, most blazers end at or just above my widest point. Not good.

frannieb

Veteran

Love all your long jackets. I like them and have a white one I never wear that I need to start wearing. Like Shevia no rhyme or reason just tried on and it looked good

Joy

Veteran

My favorite of your photos is 6. I like a long coat to just cover my skirt or dress. That means about 41-43 inches from the back middle to hem. Otherwise, like Carter, I want my rear covered or to hit above my hips.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oooh! I hope gryffin pops in. She is Forum Queen of Longer Toppers.

Love these toppers on you, especially 1 and 3 and 6.

Are these outdoor or indoor coats/ jackets?

As others have said, the lovely Janet also rocks a long jacket/ topper, and so does tall and beautiful Sveta.

I consider longer indoor toppers a bit difficult to wear, and risky to buy. Partly that's a matter of practicality, because I have to layer them under heavier weight coats for a large part of the year. That said, I do have an almost knee length cardigan that I enjoy wearing a lot. So much so that I become frustrated when I have to remove it if going out, because it dangles from beneath my puffer coat.

I also love a longer coat (i.e. outdoor topper). Practical and good looking!

I have never really bothered to figure out the measurements that work for me best. I think it is a question of proportion so what works for one will not work for another. I know that gryffin and I are nearly the same height/ size. (And, coincidentally, we're both about your height -- 5'4"!!)

Yet she is flattered by a longer topper, and feels her best in one (as you do) -- while I find longer jackets somewhat less flattering on me than a short (high hip length) jacket. I am pretty sure that's because my legs are on the short side for my height. Only slightly -- but enough to make me feel a bit self conscious about lengthening my torso visually.

Some of it depends on the jacket, too. Unconstructed jackets are the worst for me -- I have some bad memories of myself in longer 80s toppers. Oy!

Having said that, in theory I love the proportion of long over short or long over lean, especially with tailored pieces, and I would like to experiment with it more in future, perhaps. The only thing is, I would always need to wear a bit of a heel to carry it off.

Ann in New England

Another 5'4" chiming in. Well, not really chiming in--just lurking, really. I have wanted to buy a long charcoal cardi, but wondered if my height was going to work with one. I did order the Eileen Fisher long wool cardi, but in the end I felt it was just too long. And no petites to be found. But your great photos have re-ignited my search for the perfect long topper.

AM

Veteran

carter: "It has to hit below my widest part" -- yes, i believe that this is true for me. My upper thigh might be my widest part or at least a part that I don't want to draw attention to. Thanks for sharing, even when painful. But it was very helpful in considering my upper thigh. Fun stuff. Ugh.

frannieb: Get that white jacket out! And I'm glad to know about no rhymes or reasons! I have enough spinning around in my head.

Joy: And is this measurement often given on specifications for clothes when shopping online? "That means about 41-43 inches from the back middle to hem." And I am definitely a rear covered girl!

Suz: Looking forwarded to learning from these other long coat lovers. They are a big part of my wardrobe.

These are all indoor jackets except for 5/6 (same light weight quilted jacket in both pictures).

Your comment: "I consider longer indoor toppers a bit difficult to wear, and risky to buy. Partly that's a matter of practicality, because I have to layer them under heavier weight coats for a large part of the year." -- yes, that is definitely something to consider in the cooler months. I have a very long gray wool double breasted with a very slight military styling that goes on top of everything. You MUST find a jacket to wear over your knee length cardigan. Put it on your list, long term or short term. A coat that would work over longer cardigans was a major criteria for my winter coat. I also have a puffer that goes to the ground -- so again, works with whatever long cardigan I wear.

Crazy that we are all about 5'4"!!

And have you experimented with lots of mid-thigh, knee, calf lengths cardigans and toppers? And what is an uncontructed topper? I'm such a novice...

Why would you always need to wear a bit of a heel to carry it off?

AM

Veteran

Ann in New England: Wearing my gray cardigan over chambray really made my love my gray cardigan even more. I actually have a couple at varying lengths and styling. I love a cardi. Continue your search. And good luck!

Deborah

Veteran

My preference is probably for shorter toppers (as in blazers and jackets) but I do have some draped long cardigans and a couple of heavier long jackets. Generally I find anything longer than my knee just swamps me. But I think that is due to many things and not just my height. I am shorter than you:)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

AM, I feel I need a bit of aheel to carry off a longer topper because of my proportions. A heel lengthens my leg line.

By "unconstructed" i mean one that is boxy, loose, without much tailoring. Especially if the sleeves are loose. It will overwhelm me.

I can't say I've experimented with lots of longer toppers of various lengths. Like Deborah, I think it would be a rare below-knee one that would work on me, and even knee-length is pushing it for me. Especially if we are talking indoor toppers vs. outdoor coats. Although even a below the knee coat can easily overwhelm me -- one reason that I currently do not own such a thing. (My longest coats are knee length.)

Staysfit

Veteran

I purchased one this year and I am relatively tall at just shy of 5'9". It comes to about the same length as most of my skirts, maybe an inch shorter. I like wearing it with pencil skirts. For some reason, I haven't tried it with pants. I have one cardigan that is longish, but not as long, it covers my rear, and maybe goes a tiny bit further. I wear it less frequently, so maybe the longer length is my favorite.

I am not worried about covering my butt, I don't have much of one to cover, but like anyone a topper looks odd on me if it stops at my widest point.

I love all your long toppers. They suit you well.

Anonymous

I wear toppers at two lengths. The first and favorite is a longer silhouette. In this case, the tips of my fingers brush the bottom of the topper. The second is one I wear less often. The length coincides with my waist (about two inches longer).

I have recently become intrigued with the longer cardigans. It is possible that this might become a third length in the near future.

Oh, I took pictures of myself and I could judge how something looked on me much better in the pictures than just looking into a mirror.

kerry

Veteran

I'm originally a shortish pear (5'4") who has morphed into an apple-y hourglass (with weight gain). As a pear, I'd rarely wear longer toppers but with my current apple belly I love longer toppers. My wardrobe needs are very casual so I don't wear long jackets but have several long cardigans. I like how they collapse a bit on the body. My minimum length is about 30 inches so I know it'll cover the rear view. I only wear my long cardies with slim bottoms (cigarette pants, ponte pants, skinny denim and leggings). This silhouette still surprises me sometimes as a natural pear. The only way I think this works with my heavy/short legs is to balance the volume/length on top with boots. With an ankle boot - I need a roll for structure. With a mid-calf or tall boot, the boot seems to lend enough heft. I also tend to go low-ish contrast between my long topper and bottom to give a longer line to short frame. And yet, I don't always stay low contrast with my boots. Not sure why I think it works. Maybe it doesn't

gryffin

Veteran

Hi AM - I also perfer long jackets, as Suz said, and as you know they are very difficult to find. I've been encouraged so some of the big designers add more to their collections - so I am hopeful. I have many types of blazers - these are mostly from the old days. I am 5'3" and a slim rectangle. I do have different sweet spots on fit:
1. Regular blazer - 28-29" so it just covers the butt. The Gibson riding jacket has the back length (1) and the new boyfriend style is the Theory selata (2). Your everyday blazer
2. Long Blazer - Theory Marcela(3) is my current iteration. You've got 33" in length. The only disappointment is the jacket is one button and very fitted so it's not idea of the coat/dress option this length can afford
3. Light toppers that can be worn as blazers - the current most available style. This was an act of desperation that has suprisingly worked out well. The AT (4)snowleopard and Kate Spade Franny (5)have an elegant swing coat vibe and are a nice swap up.
4. Longer Blazers - EF tweed notch collar (6) and VC Long black blazer (7). You've got to be more careful with this length. Narrow legged pants, leggings with dresses look best. I personally don't care for too short with longer jacket
Personally I do follow the long over lean rule. But since I wear a lot of leggings/tunic-dresses, skirted leggings, and if I wear pants I favor a narrow cigarette style so this is a non issue for me. For me it's just a long uber elegant style. I do like long cardi's too. 33" is great again with a long narrow jean. I also bought the EF icons maxi cardigan which is ankle length and sweeping. A fun choice wit dressy ankle pants or jeans but always a very narrow inner layer. Hope that helps!!

ETA: Love all your renditions. My favorite is number 2 because I love an equestrian vibe - probably because I used to ride and I do think it's forever informed my taste in clothing. Also to my eye, it's the most versatile length. Enjoy all your lovely toppers!

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Anonymous

At 5'5" , anything near and below the knee needs to be a fit and flare cut in a topper. Straight and long makes me feel short and dumpy. As if I need more help in that department. Plus it all ends up getting tangled about the knees when walking anyways. I love a longer jacket or sweater - but find they have limited seasonal use - can't usually wear comfortably under a coat (too much going on) so they end up being those 3 weeks a year pieces for me. Which is fine but limits how many one can have.

Anonymous

I love all these, you have great style. I've always liked the panache of the long topper, though I own just a couple as I've never been quite sure they work for me, so not the best person to weigh in here. My faves among your looks are 2,3 and 5/6. I really like the shade of red trousers in 4, and it definitely works, I'm just partial to the 'column of colour' look in the other pics.

AM

Veteran

Deborah: It really shocked me to hear that you are shorter than I am. Nice to know. You're really creating some nice long lines.

Suz: Your comment: "By "unconstructed" i mean one that is boxy, loose, without much tailoring. Especially if the sleeves are loose. It will overwhelm me" - I'm thinking the boxier look isn't great on me either. It needs to be closer to my body. Good insight.

Staysfit: Your comment: "I like wearing it with pencil skirts." This is a bit of an eye opener. I don't really wear skirts but recently purchased an inexpensive pencil just to try some new. Like your post about trying something new... I will definitely try this. Thanks.

Sterling: Your comment: "the tips of my fingers brush the bottom of the topper" and "coincides with my waist (about two inches longer)" I'm going to look closer at wear these are falling on my body (and then secondarily with measurements. Thanks!

And I love longer cardigans.

And yes, hoping pictures will also help me get smart on these longer pieces. Thanks again.

kerry: Your comment: "I like how they collapse a bit on the body." Well said, and I completely agree. And you make some really great points. I'm going to take a closer look at how these outfits come together and what really makes for a great longer line. Again, great points regarding line, structure, volume, and contrast.

gryffin: I have a few of the pieces you've posted. Yes, hard to find. And many thanks on all the measurements and your suggestions. Very, very nice. I need to dig into these measurements

Love all the black and charcoal. Right up my alley. And I also like an equestrian style. Dabbled in riding myself but only very briefly. Really like this Gibson. Will need to check it out in more detail.

I just purchased a black boucle notched collar that looks a lot like the EF but more streamlined. Never heard of the designer: Gianni Feraud? Ticket was in lbs. Nice little find at TJ Maxx. I'm loving it. I have the EF maxi cardi but I think it might go back as i purchased the XS and it just doesn't quite look like it wraps around me completely. Bummed, I should have tried a Small.

You clearly are the long topper queen.

lisap: I always plan to have a big, long winter coat to go over these. It is definitely an orchestrated effort when it comes to the overcoats. I'm thinking more about line and just a little more tailored streamline overall (works for me) and perhaps even just a little more streamline around bust and waist but just a little flair from there. There might be something in the updated military silhouette -- which is actually the styling of my large gray wool coat. But it's big and goes over everything. I also have puffer to the ground that goes over everything.

Thanks all. HUGE HELP!

AM

Veteran

Here is a pic of the new Gianni Feraud coat/jacket. This looks charcoal but it's black.

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AM

Veteran

Aliona: Introducing the red is really on the edge of what I feel comfortable with. I'm all about 'column of color' too! And I like a very limited color palette. I can't have too many of these long toppers because most of my work is -- work from home. But longer cardigans are very practical for me. Thanks for the post!

gryffin

Veteran

AM - big high. 5. I'd happily take that charcoal beauty off your hands!! Big score! Sorry about the EF cardigan but if it doesn't fit properly you are better waiting for something else. Like you I but my coats to accommodate my toppers. - but that's a whole other discussion!!

AM

Veteran

gryffin: I think it is a beauty too. And these scores are sweeter given how rarely I see ones that I like. Sounds like that has been your experience. And I am so on the fence about the EF. I'm at a heavier weight and that happens to me. And then I get it off. I just started to get back into exercise routine/lower carb eating. So part of me says, this is your cycle -- the extra weight will come off and then the EF will be just fine. And part of me says, just take it back and when you've at your ideal weight -- there will be other pieces. And then another part of me says, do you know how stinking hard it is to find anything you like? I think it is going back.

gryffin

Veteran

AM - that's really difficult. I don't vary by more than a couple of pounds. But I do know this is atypical for the brand. It's fitted. Do you vary by a size? A larger size would be more a coat than blazer on me. I wear this as a blazer so I took my usual EF size which is xs. But I'm 5'3" small chested, usually size 4, size 6 designer like HL or Theory. This is fitted on me so if I varied I would definitely have needed to go up a size. There will always be other pieces, but it's a lovely jacket. Tough decision but it's a lot of cash to drop if it doesn't fit. Yes, it's a total bear to find these pieces. I do share when I find something because it's a major HEWI for me too. Good luck. There's no wrong decision, just the best choice for you at this time!

AM

Veteran

gryffin: Oh, if I could only vary by a couple of pounds. This is a goal but I have to be realistic about my history 10lb-15lb shifts. I hate it but at least I am able to speak about it.

Yes this EF piece seemed as you put it "atypical for the brand." It's fitted. And yes, I can vary by a size (or a size and a half).

I 5'3"/5'4" but larger chested. Ideal weight, like you, usually size 4, size 6 designer like Theory. What is HL? Oh, helmut. But I'm up a size and trying to swim 5 days a week to get this weight off. Isn't easy but I am loving swimming -- and to love an exercise is a completely new experience. I really have high hopes that my swimming routine will stick.

Bottom line: It is pricy. And there will be other pieces even if I have to burn the midnight oil to find them. And now that you have raised the issue of my larger chest -- this really might not fit if I am at my ideal weight. Thanks for your posts!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, as a couple of people have mentioned, I have fallen in love with a longer topper in the last year, and have looked but to no avail for others that fit me properly and are in a color and style that works for my wardrobe and my life. It's the BCBG jacket shown in my Finds, and the clean lines of it and the tailored waist really do work very well for me. The hem is angled, so it's hard to pinpoint the exact length, but I'd say it ends a few inches shy of my knee (I'm 5'7" but all of my height is in my legs). This seems to be a very flattering length on me, when combined with the tailored waist. I've worn that jacket with everything from flared jeans to skinnies to skirted leggings, and a variety of heel heights, and the proportions always seem to work on me.

I don't think that kind of length would be as successful on me in a very straight or cocoon cut -- I am pretty hourglassy, and I'm a little bigger on my lower half than my upper, so it usually behooves me to show my waist a little bit, either with a tailored fit or with a drapey or flowy fabric, so I don't just look like a big box. In fact, I've defaulted to short jackets for years because they are so much easier to fit on my short-torsoed, um, generously-hipped self! But when I find the *right* long jacket, it sure does seem magical.

I am careful with lengths because my widest part is my low hip/thigh. If a jacket or top hem is cut straight across that point (around crotch level), it usually looks really bad on me (i.e., Gryffin's second example would probably be a disaster). I have that Gibson jacket, and the curved hem works really nicely, but honestly, I don't think I've worn it since I got the BCBG jacket!

I am finding it difficult to actually locate any toppers that meet my needs that aren't strictly outerwear. I'd love to find something in grey or a great color, and in a fabrication that works with my casual life (nothing too suit-y looking). I'll be paying attention to your threads, since you seem to have a pretty great eye for these long toppers!

BCBGMAXAZRIA Arelia A-Line Coat

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AM

Veteran

Janet: Nice BCBG jacket! "I'm 5'7" but all of my height is in my legs" -- now you are making me jealous. Lucky you!

Your assessments on your own proportions are very interesting to me. I'm really trying to get a grasp on all these details and since I'm a neophyte -- when you say cacoon (for example) I start to pause and realize that I don't even have a good grip on silhouettes to have a better understanding. But, I'm getting there. I also think if I shopped more, bought clothes more -- and found more of these longer toppers -- I'd actually have a clear understanding of the finer points of what to look for in a longer topper.

I am so in the same boat of needing casual longer toppers as I'm a work from home gal with limited business travel/client meetings (on-sight). And I use them a lot for date nights.

And I will also look for your longer topper finds. I would use the actual "finds" on this site but not sure how to use them and really like my powerpoint documents with image collections. So, I'll probably continue to just post images with the item name. Baby steps on the technology front for me or I get overwhelmed.