WIW - Not quite right layering

Last night, when I planned this outfit, I thought it would be really...peppy and fun. It was close to what I envisioned, but not...quite...right. The layers didn't play as nicely together as I had hoped. Nevertheless, it was comfortable enough for playing with the kids. My son beat me at basketball, but my daughter couldn't run fast enough to avoid being caught by the MOMster.

Earlier, I wore loafers instead of the sandals. They looked more polished, but my feet grew too warm in them. The sandals were a relief!

Blouse: Brooks Brothers
Knit top: Style & Co.
Pants: Gap
Shoes: Merona

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24 Comments

  • Lyn D. replied 11 years ago

    I really love this top!
    I agree about the layering. I think maybe a cropped black jacket on top for extra warmth would be lovely.
    In the warmer weather a crisp white pant might be a great option too?
    Love your attention to detail with the earring selection.

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    Great top and jeans. I think the sleeves and neckline don't work perfectly with the blouse underneath it, but you look perfectly nice, pretty as can be, and I love the shots with your adorable daughter.

  • Sveta replied 11 years ago

    Amy, I think that short sleeve and wide neckline make this top a challenge to wear. However the print and color are so fun and white shirt under it really adds the crispiness to the outfit.
    Your daughter looks so much like you - you are so lucky, I wish I had a daughter...

  • replied 11 years ago

    You and your daughter look so energetic and fun, just like your outfit! Love the short sleeved top! Was there a high fuss factor with the layering? Would the top alone with a jacket been warm enough (I'm thinking it would look great with denim, but you may not be able to wear that at work). I can see you getting a LOT of use out of that fun top this summer. The black pants are fabulous on you!

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    Yep, high fuss factor, Claire :)

    I can't wear a denim jacket to work, but could on the weekends, so that's something to consider.

    Sveta, girls are cute when they're little. I'm living in fear of the teenage years, though!

  • replied 11 years ago

    I think you are up to something with your diagnosis. The top would look awesome paired with Miami Vice, however.

    ETA: You did better today than me though. I left the house with a complete outfit yet came back a hot mess. I was actually going to document the downfall but my phone ran out of battery: Long story short: I was wearing a red pencil skirt, white blouse, leopard print belt and a cropped black blazer along with my new patent pumps: I got so annoyed by all of this that I took my belt off, switched the blazer with a cardi I found crammed in my purse - from the day before - and changed my patent pumps to band-aid color pointy flats. Yep, it was one of those days.

  • K. Period. replied 11 years ago

    These pieces are all very cute! I can see what you are saying about the pairing of the tops, though. With gathered tops like this, I usually wear a tissue tee or something that is more relaxed. Relaxed shirt style, relaxed under layer. I feel more comfortable pairing rigid, structured tops, like the woven shirt, with knits or shirts that also are structured, like tee styled sweaters, tees or a wider strap tank. Looks like a great afternoon with the family anyhow!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    You two are adorable Amy!

    I love the colours in your top and think the idea is right - what would happen if you added a belt to bring in a bit of the volume from the top layer? Just a thought...

    I smiled at your comment about switching from the loafers to your sandals - I probably won't put on "whole shoes" now until September - I live in sandals in the summer!

  • Kirti replied 11 years ago

    I love the colours of the blouse :-) maybz it would layer better if it were sleeveless?

  • christieanne replied 11 years ago

    I wouldn't have even thought to layer the tops so admire you breaking out something new for a trial run. I love the colors of the blouse though and your playful attitude (esp photo 2 - my favorite pose ever!) and how the pants allow you freedom of movement when most crucial :)

  • Lantana replied 11 years ago

    Could you try styling the top with an underlayer of black? I feel the white of the blouse is stealing the focus from the top's striking print. Also, I have a tunic with a similar cut to the neck and sleeves and have not yet arrived at a happy solution to styling it.

  • lyn67 replied 11 years ago

    Love the colours and pattern in this top. Black underlayer would work better I think! You two are SO CUTE!:-)

  • Claudia replied 11 years ago

    I wish I could burrow my nose into those lilacs.

    I think the problem is that the layered volume is too stiff looking here, the button up blouse is not allowing the knit to drape as it was meant to do, but really not a bad outfit.

  • Claudia replied 11 years ago

    oops, double post

  • krishnidoux replied 11 years ago

    You two are so cute!

    It's such a good idea to layer this fun top over another one. I think a *very fitted* long sleeve tee would be perfect. Like others have said, try black for full "graphic style" effect. Or alternatively, layered over short sleeves tee in orange and fushia.

    @ Zapotee: Glad I'm not the only one with these "days". Your story is too funny.

  • Janet replied 11 years ago

    I agree that the top may layer better over a black tissue-weight turtleneck or something similar. The colors are fun.

    You and your daughter are adorable!

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    Adorable pics, Amy!

    Others have sorted you on the layering issue (sorted me, too, for that matter...I always learn from reading comments to others' posts). And no sorting necessary on anything else!

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    Just chiming in to say that you and DD are cuter than cute!

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    Thanks for all the ideas everyone. I'm putting a black tissue thin tee on my list.

    My daughter is getting a bit heavy for twirling around :)

  • Vix replied 11 years ago

    Great photos even if the layering was problematic!

    Having tried similar looks with greater or lesser success, agree with the dx that the blouse may have been too bulky underneath (you can really see that with the arms) and that a sleeker top may do the trick. A few tweaks and you should be in good shape for function *and* form!

    FWIW, I don't mind the white base but also agree it would be fun to see it with black or a colored T.

  • Amy replied 11 years ago

    Thanks Vix! My first impulse was to layer it over something black, but I wanted to mix it up a bit this time. Sometimes my experiments work, and sometimes they don't.

  • ManidipaM replied 11 years ago

    I just wanted to say photo #2 is a keeper! :-)

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    I think its great the your experiement and it's not bad just maybe not perfect:) I actually think that gorgeous colored top is not really suitable for layering. I think on its over would look great.

  • cheryl replied 11 years ago

    You and your daughter are so adorable. I love that top, the print is great. :)

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