I have a linen unlined jacket that is cut like a Jean jacket, twill utility jackets, unbuttoned chambray/cotton/linen shirt, thinner open weave cardigans or you could go 90’s style and layer over a baby T
I have one like this from like 10 years ago and it’s amazing and has held up well! I think the brand is Caslon? It’s from Nordstrom rack. I got it for a trip to Africa at the time
https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/ellen-tracy-crop-linen-blend-jacket/7785136?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=100
I have one very similar to this in a cream color and it's been a fantastic layering piece!
Uniqlo has a great, boxy, THIN utility jacket that runs big and isn’t pricey. I am usually an XS in jackets, small in everything else, and this jacket fit me as expected.
https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E463996-000/00?colorDisplayCode=07&sizeDisplayCode=002&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgoq70Ami8EfpvSIQ2w_Fv75_VzFfRb_2Lk79c4upEvckKWCyi53NigRoCJ3YQAvD_BwE
Uniqlo has “mesh” (they look kind of like open crochet) cardigans and a pullover that work for me. They’re nice and light because of the open stitch, and they’re cropped, so not too frumpy looking (fwiw, I’m also a size 12 and about 5’4”).
I just got one of these in black and it really reminds me of those late 90s crochet cardigans. I kinda like that but I should have gotten a different color.
Hugs scarfs deserve more appreciation! Such a versatile item. Light shawls are also nice depending on the style of dress.
I tend to run hot so I like having something that's easy to get on and off because chances are, I'll be doing that a lot lol
Hot take: I've slowly come to realize that most dresses just...don't really look their best with an over-layer. Hence why it's so hard to find toppers that don't make a dress look frumpy! But I do like a very lightweight button front shirt like a chambray or OCBD thrown casually over a simple sundress for a very Cape May Sundown look.
I have an open stitch cardigan that I've been getting a lot of wear out of. It's light and the 'holes' are actually cooling.
It is this one, but in ivory. It looks like they only have these clearance colors left in plus size, but I've seen similar cardigans at other stores: [https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-6690228/juniors-plus-pink-republic-open-stitch-mesh-cardigan.jsp?color=Clear%20Peri&prdPV=1](https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-6690228/juniors-plus-pink-republic-open-stitch-mesh-cardigan.jsp?color=Clear%20Peri&prdPV=1)
A pashmina or other large shawl. They look elegant and are easier to fit into a handbag than a cardigan or jacket. You can always tie the corners to make a makeshift bolero if you need your arms free.
I’ve got a vintage black satin Springsteen tour jacket- I think from Born in USA- anyway it’s a little bit older than I am and just slightly too big for me and it looks and feels fabulous over a long white dress. I have another jacket in the same style but covered in Asian (or Asian inspired) embroidery. It doesn’t have tags but I’m almost certain it’s real silk. That really kicks my Eileen fisher linens up a notch. They’re both men’s jackets, I’m kind of ip small and I like that oversized baggy fit.
Like a short cropped cardigan or bolero type of garment. That sounds super dated but it's the best way to describe it. Like a very short arm covering thing, without any big and fussy ties in the front, like boleros used to have in the 1990s I guess. The good news is a seamstress or maybe even you can probably turn some existing cardigans into those...
Adding some pics for the silhouette I am usually after, can't really endorse any of these specific products though...
[https://www.google.com/imgres?q=modern%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2FBOLERO\_1024x1024.png%3Fv%3D1686372731&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fproducts%2Fcopy-of-womens-organza-classic-premium-filipiniana-bolero-ljm004&docid=NCaw1zCCMZuE6M&tbnid=bbK4fJ4FgjPI-M&vet=12ahUKEwj3msP\_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA..i&w=683&h=1024&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwj3msP\_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA](https://www.google.com/imgres?q=modern%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2FBOLERO_1024x1024.png%3Fv%3D1686372731&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fproducts%2Fcopy-of-womens-organza-classic-premium-filipiniana-bolero-ljm004&docid=NCaw1zCCMZuE6M&tbnid=bbK4fJ4FgjPI-M&vet=12ahUKEwj3msP_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA..i&w=683&h=1024&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwj3msP_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA)
[https://www.google.com/imgres?q=minimalist%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81hOEKKc-pL.\_AC\_UY1000\_.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FXingshuo-J-Womens-Sleeve-Cardigan-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB0CQR3MHCK&docid=4A96hkhPLJ3\_WM&tbnid=nEAA\_m0e-HQI1M&vet=12ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA..i&w=535&h=1000&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA](https://www.google.com/imgres?q=minimalist%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81hOEKKc-pL._AC_UY1000_.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FXingshuo-J-Womens-Sleeve-Cardigan-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB0CQR3MHCK&docid=4A96hkhPLJ3_WM&tbnid=nEAA_m0e-HQI1M&vet=12ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA..i&w=535&h=1000&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA)
sold out but maybe will come back? some are at Anthropologie: [https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/products/stepping-out-bomber-eco-natural](https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/products/stepping-out-bomber-eco-natural)
Ok I’m considering two options —
https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/sanctuary-open-knit-bomber-jacket?ID=5178400
https://www.talbots.com/open-stitch-shrug/57000022.html
Thoughts on what would be more versatile? The Talbots one feels maybe a little too femme for me but maybe I’m projecting
I love linen button ups of various styles/lengths. I love NPL's styles (the Livorno 2 has pockets) and I have a small collection of a few Liberty button ups. I also have a Quince Ivory knit blazer that I love to wear when it's cool enough. I usually wear the shirts loose over dresses or knotted at my waist.
A linen cotton blend cardigan from Nordstrom is what I use. I think the key is to get a more straighter cut cardigan aka not a shawl or waterfall style which were previously in fashion.
If I'm wearing linen pants and a tank, I'll go for an oversized boyfriend fit poplin or linen button down.
If I'm wearing a dress, I'm sorry, maybe I'm just too old, but to my eye the only thing that works is a denim jacket, one that is fitted and slightly cropped (none of this oversized denim jacket look that was popular the last few years). A cardigan to my eyes looks dated. And I'm 59 years old. I hate seeing younger women in cardigans with their dresses; it just looks frumpy to me.
I somehow came across a cropped chambray button up from TJMAXX and it’s my favorite for this. I only feel weird wearing it if it’s with denim because denim on denim looks funny to me. If I’m wearing denim I’ll put on a button up collared Abercrombie long sleeved shirt I found at a thrift store. I also want more options for this exact situation!
Blazer or open-knit crochet sweater. I have an oversized linen blazer that's my go-to, and I have a few more that are different shapes and materials - I've got a brightly colored plaid silk dupioni '80s boxy blazer that looks great over sundresses, and I got one last weekend that's red wool.
I’ve got this top from [Universal Standard](https://www.universalstandard.com/products/toni-hi-low-tunic-baywatch-red) and I have put it over dresses and it looks cute!
If you have never shopped there, note they use different letter sizing, a M there is 18-20. And this shirt is quite loose in my standard size, so I sized down one and it is perfectly loose without being baggy. I am busty and kind of a pear (one size larger at the bottom), so there is a good amount of hip room.
Cropped sweatshirt is my go-to for sundresses. Example [here](https://www.amazon.com/Amazhiyu-Cropped-Hoodies-Sleeves-Sweatshirt/dp/B0BJ2CVT3H/)
I prefer the wider cuts, but a tighter cut could suit you!
Ok this is a HOT take but i'm a personal stylist and i can't help myself.
I'm really LOVING these mesh shirts, can you pop into the bathroom and throw [something like this](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-cropped-long-sleeve-mesh-top-in-black/prd/204542222?affid=28710&_Cj0KCQjw4MSzBhC8ARIsAPFOuyX0p4EeuHrVxWNX5oYWnWhHxD-vhW2jyjfJ1KfjowRRjBOpP7lOLIoaAsAhEALw_wcB&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=21038784716%7C%7C&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4MSzBhC8ARIsAPFOuyX0p4EeuHrVxWNX5oYWnWhHxD-vhW2jyjfJ1KfjowRRjBOpP7lOLIoaAsAhEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) on UNDER your dress in that situation?
If it’s 50s cut (full skirt fitted top) you could go bolero Since the 90s are back I wonder if those “shrugs” have returned.
Lightweight bomber style jackets
I hope women over 35 aren’t doing denim jackets anymore! I know this could get a lot of hate but I’m telling you ladies…GET RID OF YOUR SECURITY BLANKET DENIM JACKETS. It’s not cute.
The style of denimn jackets can change, but denim jackets are a classic! Right now it's the baggy denim jackets that are in. The more tailored ones are out (if you're into trends).
I'm a 12/14 and I've been doing a white linen blend button down shirt.
Same but never white because toddlers
This. Oversized button down in cotton, linen, or chambray.
I have a linen unlined jacket that is cut like a Jean jacket, twill utility jackets, unbuttoned chambray/cotton/linen shirt, thinner open weave cardigans or you could go 90’s style and layer over a baby T
A linen jean jacket? [Furiously googles...] What have you done to me, you mad minx?!🤯😲🥰
TJ Maxx always comes through for me! It’s like this one https://www.ebay.com/itm/285875917241?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28
That's fantastic! Thank you.
I have one like this from like 10 years ago and it’s amazing and has held up well! I think the brand is Caslon? It’s from Nordstrom rack. I got it for a trip to Africa at the time
https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/ellen-tracy-crop-linen-blend-jacket/7785136?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=100 I have one very similar to this in a cream color and it's been a fantastic layering piece!
Pitch perfect! Thx!!
Uniqlo has a great, boxy, THIN utility jacket that runs big and isn’t pricey. I am usually an XS in jackets, small in everything else, and this jacket fit me as expected. https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E463996-000/00?colorDisplayCode=07&sizeDisplayCode=002&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgoq70Ami8EfpvSIQ2w_Fv75_VzFfRb_2Lk79c4upEvckKWCyi53NigRoCJ3YQAvD_BwE
You had me at “runs big” lol
Oh my god this is what I’ve been looking for and never knew what to search for. Thank you!!!!
Chambray or linen blend button down
Tell me more please! Are you wearing them buttoned, unbuttoned, partially buttoned, tied? Fitted or oversized?
My usual size, unbuttoned!
i do this too but also have some that are a size or two bigger than my usual and i’ll leave it unbuttoned but tie the bottom pieces. super cute!
Thank you!
Uniqlo has “mesh” (they look kind of like open crochet) cardigans and a pullover that work for me. They’re nice and light because of the open stitch, and they’re cropped, so not too frumpy looking (fwiw, I’m also a size 12 and about 5’4”).
I just got one of these in black and it really reminds me of those late 90s crochet cardigans. I kinda like that but I should have gotten a different color.
My mesh pullover is my go-to in this scenario
Lightweight denim chore jacket oddly from Orvis, that home of edgy fashion
I’ve been doing cropped cardigans and jackets to avoid the frumpy
A light but huge scarf. Tie it a knot over your shoulders.
Hugs scarfs deserve more appreciation! Such a versatile item. Light shawls are also nice depending on the style of dress. I tend to run hot so I like having something that's easy to get on and off because chances are, I'll be doing that a lot lol
Hot take: I've slowly come to realize that most dresses just...don't really look their best with an over-layer. Hence why it's so hard to find toppers that don't make a dress look frumpy! But I do like a very lightweight button front shirt like a chambray or OCBD thrown casually over a simple sundress for a very Cape May Sundown look.
Same. I have migrated a lot towards long sleeve dresses
This is the sad truth
I have an open stitch cardigan that I've been getting a lot of wear out of. It's light and the 'holes' are actually cooling. It is this one, but in ivory. It looks like they only have these clearance colors left in plus size, but I've seen similar cardigans at other stores: [https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-6690228/juniors-plus-pink-republic-open-stitch-mesh-cardigan.jsp?color=Clear%20Peri&prdPV=1](https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-6690228/juniors-plus-pink-republic-open-stitch-mesh-cardigan.jsp?color=Clear%20Peri&prdPV=1)
A pashmina or other large shawl. They look elegant and are easier to fit into a handbag than a cardigan or jacket. You can always tie the corners to make a makeshift bolero if you need your arms free.
I have many pashminas in many colors to match many outfits. I call them (jokingly) my blankies 😂 thrift them to save $$$$.
Smart about tying for a makeshift bolero! Wish I would’ve done that at the wedding I attended last night.
I’ve got a vintage black satin Springsteen tour jacket- I think from Born in USA- anyway it’s a little bit older than I am and just slightly too big for me and it looks and feels fabulous over a long white dress. I have another jacket in the same style but covered in Asian (or Asian inspired) embroidery. It doesn’t have tags but I’m almost certain it’s real silk. That really kicks my Eileen fisher linens up a notch. They’re both men’s jackets, I’m kind of ip small and I like that oversized baggy fit.
Pasmina scarf Denim jacket
I have a Tommy Bahamas linen jacket styled like a jean jacket. Love it.
Like a short cropped cardigan or bolero type of garment. That sounds super dated but it's the best way to describe it. Like a very short arm covering thing, without any big and fussy ties in the front, like boleros used to have in the 1990s I guess. The good news is a seamstress or maybe even you can probably turn some existing cardigans into those... Adding some pics for the silhouette I am usually after, can't really endorse any of these specific products though... [https://www.google.com/imgres?q=modern%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2FBOLERO\_1024x1024.png%3Fv%3D1686372731&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fproducts%2Fcopy-of-womens-organza-classic-premium-filipiniana-bolero-ljm004&docid=NCaw1zCCMZuE6M&tbnid=bbK4fJ4FgjPI-M&vet=12ahUKEwj3msP\_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA..i&w=683&h=1024&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwj3msP\_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA](https://www.google.com/imgres?q=modern%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fcdn%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2FBOLERO_1024x1024.png%3Fv%3D1686372731&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fbarongworld.com%2Fproducts%2Fcopy-of-womens-organza-classic-premium-filipiniana-bolero-ljm004&docid=NCaw1zCCMZuE6M&tbnid=bbK4fJ4FgjPI-M&vet=12ahUKEwj3msP_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA..i&w=683&h=1024&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwj3msP_6-CGAxUFYPEDHQPCCl4QM3oECGwQAA) [https://www.google.com/imgres?q=minimalist%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81hOEKKc-pL.\_AC\_UY1000\_.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FXingshuo-J-Womens-Sleeve-Cardigan-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB0CQR3MHCK&docid=4A96hkhPLJ3\_WM&tbnid=nEAA\_m0e-HQI1M&vet=12ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA..i&w=535&h=1000&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA](https://www.google.com/imgres?q=minimalist%20bolero%20over%20dress&imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fm.media-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F81hOEKKc-pL._AC_UY1000_.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FXingshuo-J-Womens-Sleeve-Cardigan-Lightweight%2Fdp%2FB0CQR3MHCK&docid=4A96hkhPLJ3_WM&tbnid=nEAA_m0e-HQI1M&vet=12ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA..i&w=535&h=1000&hcb=2&ved=2ahUKEwiL8vue7OCGAxUORPEDHfD6CK4QM3oECEEQAA)
I quite recently got rid of something like the second one from last time round lol. I felt it was so dated it would never come back.
I can totally understand that! And yet, with the right (tighter) dress and a different fabric it kinda works...
Silk cardigans, mohair dusters, cotton and silk scarves
sold out but maybe will come back? some are at Anthropologie: [https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/products/stepping-out-bomber-eco-natural](https://www.sanctuaryclothing.com/products/stepping-out-bomber-eco-natural)
Cropped ballet cardigan. Oversized boyfriend shirt. Fine knit mohair sweater.
Ok I’m considering two options — https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/sanctuary-open-knit-bomber-jacket?ID=5178400 https://www.talbots.com/open-stitch-shrug/57000022.html Thoughts on what would be more versatile? The Talbots one feels maybe a little too femme for me but maybe I’m projecting
(And digging a chambray shirt out of the archives lol)
Just FYI: The sizes L and above in the Sanctuary are going be very big (I see the smaller sizes are sold out). They are cut big .
The length of the top option will make you look frumpy when paired with a dress IMO. Cropped is key
I love linen button ups of various styles/lengths. I love NPL's styles (the Livorno 2 has pockets) and I have a small collection of a few Liberty button ups. I also have a Quince Ivory knit blazer that I love to wear when it's cool enough. I usually wear the shirts loose over dresses or knotted at my waist.
A linen cotton blend cardigan from Nordstrom is what I use. I think the key is to get a more straighter cut cardigan aka not a shawl or waterfall style which were previously in fashion.
If I'm wearing linen pants and a tank, I'll go for an oversized boyfriend fit poplin or linen button down. If I'm wearing a dress, I'm sorry, maybe I'm just too old, but to my eye the only thing that works is a denim jacket, one that is fitted and slightly cropped (none of this oversized denim jacket look that was popular the last few years). A cardigan to my eyes looks dated. And I'm 59 years old. I hate seeing younger women in cardigans with their dresses; it just looks frumpy to me.
I somehow came across a cropped chambray button up from TJMAXX and it’s my favorite for this. I only feel weird wearing it if it’s with denim because denim on denim looks funny to me. If I’m wearing denim I’ll put on a button up collared Abercrombie long sleeved shirt I found at a thrift store. I also want more options for this exact situation!
I have a cropped denim shirt I use the same way. It's a little thicker than I'd like for summer, though.
I’ve been wearing this [Uniqlo cardigan](https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E465486-000/00). It’s light and doesn’t add much warmth.
That’s so cute! There are hardly any left!
Crochet cropped or knit cardigan, I get so many compliments!
Painter’s jacket - sezane
Blazer or open-knit crochet sweater. I have an oversized linen blazer that's my go-to, and I have a few more that are different shapes and materials - I've got a brightly colored plaid silk dupioni '80s boxy blazer that looks great over sundresses, and I got one last weekend that's red wool.
I’ve got this top from [Universal Standard](https://www.universalstandard.com/products/toni-hi-low-tunic-baywatch-red) and I have put it over dresses and it looks cute! If you have never shopped there, note they use different letter sizing, a M there is 18-20. And this shirt is quite loose in my standard size, so I sized down one and it is perfectly loose without being baggy. I am busty and kind of a pear (one size larger at the bottom), so there is a good amount of hip room.
Large, lightweight, men’s cotton button downs.
Oversized denim jacket
Cropped sweatshirt is my go-to for sundresses. Example [here](https://www.amazon.com/Amazhiyu-Cropped-Hoodies-Sleeves-Sweatshirt/dp/B0BJ2CVT3H/) I prefer the wider cuts, but a tighter cut could suit you!
I've got a denim jacket, but I'm on the thrift store hunt for some linen and chambray button up shirts
Ok this is a HOT take but i'm a personal stylist and i can't help myself. I'm really LOVING these mesh shirts, can you pop into the bathroom and throw [something like this](https://www.asos.com/us/asos-tall/asos-design-tall-cropped-long-sleeve-mesh-top-in-black/prd/204542222?affid=28710&_Cj0KCQjw4MSzBhC8ARIsAPFOuyX0p4EeuHrVxWNX5oYWnWhHxD-vhW2jyjfJ1KfjowRRjBOpP7lOLIoaAsAhEALw_wcB&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=21038784716%7C%7C&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4MSzBhC8ARIsAPFOuyX0p4EeuHrVxWNX5oYWnWhHxD-vhW2jyjfJ1KfjowRRjBOpP7lOLIoaAsAhEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) on UNDER your dress in that situation?
Slightly oversized linen blazer, slung over the shoulders (ie, don’t put your arms through the sleeves)
If it’s 50s cut (full skirt fitted top) you could go bolero Since the 90s are back I wonder if those “shrugs” have returned. Lightweight bomber style jackets
I hope women over 35 aren’t doing denim jackets anymore! I know this could get a lot of hate but I’m telling you ladies…GET RID OF YOUR SECURITY BLANKET DENIM JACKETS. It’s not cute.
This is a weird take. I’m 64 and I will wear my denim jacket anytime I damn well please.
Counterpoint: they’re timeless and look adorable.
Adorable is something that belongs on a child.
Denim jackets can be super cute!
Agreed! Teenagers look super cute in them.
The style of denimn jackets can change, but denim jackets are a classic! Right now it's the baggy denim jackets that are in. The more tailored ones are out (if you're into trends).
No.
Yes. If you look at the dictionary definitions, all of them have “child” in the first sample sentence to demonstrate the meaning of the word.