print tunics + cropped jackets
27. Mar, 2007 by Teresa Morisco 
2 Comments
Reader Question:
I’ve visited several stores recently in search of (1) a cute cropped jacket in a springlike color and fabric, and (2) a longish lightweight printed blouse that would add a seasonal update to my pants wardrobe. But to my distress almost everything I saw had puffed/gathered sleeves–the kind I was forced to wear when I was five. I hated those sleeves even then, and now that I’m well over 40 I find them ridiculous.
I’m not interested in a conventional tailored blazer or a loose over-thing; I’m not a Talbots or Ann Taylor or Dana Buchman or Ellen Tracy customer, nor a Chicos/Eileen Fisher floaty-flowy gal. I want something fresh and contemporary. But I don’t want to look like I’m being dropped off at daycare.
Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:
Yes, those puffed sleeves are everywhere! If you are a triangle, then they are great because they balance your hips — and, if you have the height and personality to pull em off, go for it. For the rest of us, finding a cute print top that is a camisole tunic will be much easier. Pair a cropped jacket with it to balance out the proportions.
Although colorful cropped jackets have been featured in all the mags, they are just now starting to hit the stores so if you were looking last week, you need to try again. The best designers for the print trend this season are Milly, Trina Turk and DvF. I found some great ones that I’ve paired below. Yellow is everywhere and due to contrary belief, it does look good on some people! Try it and see.
Clockwise from far right:
- Tufi Duek Tunic paired with JCrew Riviera Jacket in Bark
- Milly Halter Tunic paired with Tocca jacket from Bluefly
- T-Bags Tunic at ShopBop paired with yellow Milly jacket from Intermix
- Trina Turk Jacquard Jacket at Nordstroms
Thank you, Teresa! I like your suggestions, especially the J. Crew jacket, and especially in the yummy Amber color. It’s not in stock for a month, though…
Maybe you can suggest some alternatives to these popular tunic tops. For curvy women like me, who aren’t blessed with a flat tummy, these tops inevitably look like maternity wear. They are nice because they lengthen my torso, but no matter how clingy or drapy the cut, tunics suggest my curves might be another kind of bump.