May 17, 2021
I know that I describe this top as “textured” in order to be consistent with the way that I described things like cabled sweaters… What I’m looking for here is a warm-weather top with some visual interest – something more than just a tee shirt…
A print makes perfect sense for spring and summer, so don’t be terribly bound by the idea of texture!
Seersucker top – L.L.Bean; earrings – Sorelli; bag – H&M; white shorts – Banana Republic; sandals – Nine West
A simple pleated top in a pretty color can change the look of anything with which you wear it!
I actually saw a man on the street the other day in a seersucker suit, white shirt, pink madras tie and pink pocket square. Pink socks and white bucks…. He looked amazing!
Earrings – Lonna & Lilly; ruby coral seersucker top – L.L.Bean; skirt – J.Crew; sandals – 27 Edit; bag – Nine West
Even if you’re wearing shorts, a sweater can be about a million times more dressy than a tee shirt:
Sweater – Banana Republic; horn earrings – Akola; bracelet – Ritual Intention; shorts – L.L.Bean; sandals – Free People
Smocking DEFINITELY counts as texture! And while maybe only 3 or 4 of us could wear this top successfully, I wanted you to see it because of the beautiful fabric!
If you like Liberty London fabrics, keeps an eye on J.Crew, because they often feature their fabrics…
Smocked top – J.Crew; earrings – Lauren Ralph Lauren; bag – Mali + Lili; sandals – Olukai; linen pants – J.Crew
Here’s another case of making shorts look just a wee bit more appropriate for a range of activities; this is the kind of thing that I would wear to a work-related outdoor function…
Silk-blend sweater – J.Crew; earrings – Kozakh; bracelet – Kendra Scott; denim shorts – L.L.Bean; sandals – Munro
And I really like this last outfit – it’s not complicated, but it has a lot of interesting things going on. The handbag is almost certainly intended for evening, but I would cheerfully carry it during the day!
Earrings – Akola; polo – Mango; black linen skirt – J.Crew; sandals – Toni Pons; convertible clutch bag – Steve Madden
For those of you who want a look at the master list – here you go!
I’m looking at the concept of using these first 10 garments (and of course the entire 13 for the season!) as a checklist for a travel capsule wardrobe…
love,
Janice
p.s. Seven years ago I shared with you a lengthy review of a French-language wardrobing book; I’m STILL confounded by how this book doesn’t really live up to its potential…
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These are great suggestions for those of us who live in warm climates. When it’s too hot for a third piece or a scarf, which is most of the time where I live, it really helps if there is something interesting about your top. I like your necklace picks too – they definitely dress up a simple outfit and I almost always wear one.
Good morning VF friends. LL Bean has wonderfully cool seer sucker tops. The fabric is all cotton and the seer sucker lets the air flow through. I have had several of their variations. The perennial favourite year after year is my crisp blue/white striped 3/4 length shirt. It always looks and feels great. Later I bought the long sleeved version in beach glass/white stripe after seeing it here last summer. It now has mysterious yellowed areas and it has moved into gardening wear. I also bought a short sleeved yellow/white version and quickly gave it away because it was way too boxy for me. Not a good look on me. What’s my point? The fabric is great but pay careful attention to the dimensions and fit to get the one that’s great for you. IMHO :)
A greater proportion of my shirts, blouses, tops and tees are patterned. I’m more attracted to plain colours if they have texture, embellishment or embroidery. A decorative neckline or shaped hemline will be enough to make a plain garment attractive. I’m trying to minimise completely plain garments but they are useful for layering in winter or underneath a patterned cardigan or lacy top in the summer.
Hi Janice and Everyone! I can definitely see the use for short-sleeved ‘sweater’ tops for temps in the 60s. I have a grey one similar to the one shown from Lands End (not silk).