Yes, it's that time of year again. The time of year to try to imagine separates for work that have sleeves. I don't know why sleeved tops are so different from sleeveless ones. I don't have too much trouble envisioning, creating, and wearing cute summer tops. And yet, stick a sleeve in the picture and my mind goes blank and grumpy.
So I did some snoop shopping.
It appears that I am not alone. The offerings are SAD. After going through literally THOUSANDS of long and 3/4 sleeve tops on Saks, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's I found a handful of interesting pieces. There's nothing I want to copy outright, I don't think, but I identified some elements that I like.
The best of the bunch is this one (Velvet by Graham & Spencer, $174). Sequins are having a moment and I do like them, but I think for day I'd go for something a little more matte, lol.
But I love the way this drapes from the shoulders and LOVE the shaped hem (I would tack it in place to mitigate the fear of belly show-through, horrors). I haven't seen any patterns like this, so if you have suggestions I am all ears.
Something about this piece (BCBGMAXAZRIA Marlene Studded Sleeve Top, $278) speaks to me as well, but it's definitely more about mood and elements than the whole top. Of course it's a given that I love the color(!!!), but what I'm really into is the shape of that sleeve hem. I just picked up Burda 7519 at the Joann sale (LOVE that they are now putting Burdas on sale occasionally) and am going to see if I can work something out like this sleeve hem.
I also like the banded hem, but in reality that does not work for my pear-shaped body. I need waist definition, and it needs to be relatively high.
Although I still like the classic tie top, with a lower neckline as in this one, I really dig the scarf top on this Philip Lim ($375). It still has flair but is not too girly.
I would make the scarf a little smaller and shorter, but love the pull-through loop.
In case you were wondering, ruffles are still a thing. I cannot believe how much longevity this trend has had. They have been in style for at least 4 years now; I can't remember far enough back to know if it's been longer.
I still saw plenty of your usual ruffles around the neck, but there were some creative twists. My fave is this RED Valentino sweater ($395) with the asymmetric shoulder ruffle.
I also appreciated the feminine but not-too-sweet take of this Boss Black; the "ruffles" are straight strips of fabric sewn diagonally across the blouse. Takes it up a notch in terms of being taken seriously as a professional versus girly girl ruffles.
I'm always drawn to pieces like this (Chelsea Flower Wrap Front Silk Blouse, $275) with the billowy dolman sleeve, or this fabulous kimono sleeve top, but in reality they end up horrible on me, as in this project. But it doesn't stop me from looking.
You can see all my picks here.
And that's really kind of it! There is a whole lot that is shapeless out there. Cutout shoulders are another trend I'll pass on.
Would it be terrible if I made an entire wardrobe of winter tops that are all variations on the cowl and the wrap? Because that's all that's appealing to me right now. This is why I wear dresses!!!
So I did some snoop shopping.
It appears that I am not alone. The offerings are SAD. After going through literally THOUSANDS of long and 3/4 sleeve tops on Saks, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's I found a handful of interesting pieces. There's nothing I want to copy outright, I don't think, but I identified some elements that I like.
The best of the bunch is this one (Velvet by Graham & Spencer, $174). Sequins are having a moment and I do like them, but I think for day I'd go for something a little more matte, lol.
But I love the way this drapes from the shoulders and LOVE the shaped hem (I would tack it in place to mitigate the fear of belly show-through, horrors). I haven't seen any patterns like this, so if you have suggestions I am all ears.
Something about this piece (BCBGMAXAZRIA Marlene Studded Sleeve Top, $278) speaks to me as well, but it's definitely more about mood and elements than the whole top. Of course it's a given that I love the color(!!!), but what I'm really into is the shape of that sleeve hem. I just picked up Burda 7519 at the Joann sale (LOVE that they are now putting Burdas on sale occasionally) and am going to see if I can work something out like this sleeve hem.
I also like the banded hem, but in reality that does not work for my pear-shaped body. I need waist definition, and it needs to be relatively high.
Although I still like the classic tie top, with a lower neckline as in this one, I really dig the scarf top on this Philip Lim ($375). It still has flair but is not too girly.
I would make the scarf a little smaller and shorter, but love the pull-through loop.
In case you were wondering, ruffles are still a thing. I cannot believe how much longevity this trend has had. They have been in style for at least 4 years now; I can't remember far enough back to know if it's been longer.
I still saw plenty of your usual ruffles around the neck, but there were some creative twists. My fave is this RED Valentino sweater ($395) with the asymmetric shoulder ruffle.
I also appreciated the feminine but not-too-sweet take of this Boss Black; the "ruffles" are straight strips of fabric sewn diagonally across the blouse. Takes it up a notch in terms of being taken seriously as a professional versus girly girl ruffles.
I'm always drawn to pieces like this (Chelsea Flower Wrap Front Silk Blouse, $275) with the billowy dolman sleeve, or this fabulous kimono sleeve top, but in reality they end up horrible on me, as in this project. But it doesn't stop me from looking.
You can see all my picks here.
And that's really kind of it! There is a whole lot that is shapeless out there. Cutout shoulders are another trend I'll pass on.
Would it be terrible if I made an entire wardrobe of winter tops that are all variations on the cowl and the wrap? Because that's all that's appealing to me right now. This is why I wear dresses!!!
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18 comments:
I really love that Valentino blouse! I might need to add that to my idea folder. I would look at Hot Patterns (Deco Vibe Aphrodite Top). I think it is somewhat similar in feel to the draped top. I would say sew what you want and like...that's why you sew to begin with! I'm about to start a bunch of pencil skirts and I don't feel bad about that!
You wear what you want, girl, and let the rest of the world drown in yards and yards of billowy ruffles! I have a 1980s pattern for a jacket that reminds me of your first photo, only the pattern photo garment is made in some heavy, ethnic-looking fabric. It has long, long, long front extensions that cross over and loop onto a huge button on each shoulder. Looks like the extensions are sewn down in your photo.
I loo like the Valentino blouse. Thanks for doing the snoop shopping for me. Love your taste and inspiration pics. Sew whatever you want; you'll always look stylish and chic.
Don't generally like ruffles, but this Valentino top intrigues me. If it should happen to fall out of the sky and into my hands, I would probably wear it.
Sew and wear what you like. If you feel confident and like yourself in your clothes, then you'll look good.
Go for it! I really like those dolman sleeves!
And here I thought I was the only one with sleeve issues!
There IS a lot of shapeless out there! And the rest is very girly/pretty/"feminine", which just doesn't suit me. I see nothing wrong with a wardrobe of cowls and wraps OR a wardrobe of dresses! ;-)
I always feel like finding a good shirt pattern is a pain in the butt. When I do find one, I make a million of them. I don't care if every one notices it, I just want to feel good in a shirt. (Which I rarely do in ready to wear.)
Half a dress is a top, too, isn't it? Can't you start from there? I'm awfully boring when it comes to winter tops since I always put a cardigan on top, anyway!
I love most of your choices, and there's a few that I'm glad you did all the snoop shopping for me.
As someone who has a third unseasonable Sorbetto cut out, I understand that sleeves just aren't all that appealing. I don't think I noticed the trend in my own sewing until you pointed it out. I don't often make things with long sleeves.
Ooh, you found some great shapes, I want to see you make those sleeves into a nice tutorial....hint, hint....
Ooo! I'm loving that Valentino top!!
I'd wear all these tops too, but really like the first one. I'd take Burda magazine 06-2008-124, cut out the right half from the front, elongate "the tail" and make "the tail" wider. Then cut out 2 of them (the same) for the front left and right part, gather the end of each tail and sew them below the each shoulder in front.
Those are very cute tops! I really like the asymmetrical ruffle - that would be cute in a blouse, though hard to top with a little cardie.
I just had to find a few cute tops for my sister for xmas. I couldn't find anything online either. All are the 80s boxy silhouette which doesn't look great if you remember it from the first time (and I do). After find two cute tops at the Nordies and remarking to the sales assoc that it's all about the boxy, she sniffed "that's the trend". I just giggled in her face since SHE wasn't wearing it either...
Luckily Burda has had some cute tops in the last few months and there's always the "convert the dress pattern to a top/tunic" trick. Can't wait to see what you make!
A definite 70's and 80's vibe with tops right now. I love that petal hem and the petal sleeves - very reminiscent of some of the hobble skirts of the early nineteen-teens. I like the dolman/batwing sleeves too although I can't wear them.
Looks like there's some pattern draping in your future!
I really love the first one,it is almost like a traditional wrap only with the whole wrap panel pulled up to the shoulder instead of to the waist. I also love the side ruffle one. If you do any of them Please document them well so I can copy you:)
There is nothing wrong with settling on a silhouette that suits you and generally sticking to you. They you can be sure that your hard work will render a flattering and wearable garment, pretty much every time.
Practically every top I have made in the past several years has either been a mock-wrap or a V neck, because those are the necklines that work best for me.
I liked that Boss Black so much I repinned it twice! I have a whole wardrobe of cowls and wraps, so you go ahead. Of course, I do not have to be seen by the same people each day.
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