Easy swing tops
July 6th, 2007Voluminous, blousy swing or trapeze tops are everywhere this season. Styles in heavier draping fabrics without overt empire seams are particularly forgiving for those of us with a little extra around the mid-section (say goodbye to that muffin top). Ensuring that these tops fit snugly across the shoulders is essential as a strong shoulder line is always flattering. Swing tops are best paired with slimmer bottoms like skinnies, straight legs, boot cuts, pencil skirts and walk shorts (because volume on volume doesn’t work). They’re a youthful, flirty and airy element to add to your Summer wardrobe for hot, hot days.
Casual (on the left) and smarter (on the right) swing tops from Banana Republic and Nordstrom.
July 6th, 2007 at 8:21 am
When I first saw these tops, I was weary of them. It seems like they could actually make one look a little larger than she is. But my mother-in-law gave me a cute top as a gift, and I love it. I wear it all the time. Mine is a camisole-type top, with a tie-back. It is flattering and looks cute with my knee length shorts and my boot-cut jeans.
July 7th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Angie, any hints on whether a big busted woman can wear these tops? And if so, what are the guidlines. I am afraid I’d look preggers…not that there’s anything wrong with looking pregnant…if you ARE pregnant.
July 10th, 2007 at 10:32 am
Sure Nicole. You’ll need to keep the necklines low, either V-neck or scooped. Refrain from selecting styles with empire lines as they’ll cut across your boobs instead of fitting underneath them. Choose a sleeve so that you have ample coverage at the side. Or, wear a tank underneath to ensure that you do. Keep the silhouette on the bottom slim. You’ll find that swing tops in soft drapey fabric more flattering. Stiff cottons will tend to tent out and make one feel enormous.
July 10th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
been looking for one of these that wasn’t too “feminine” and LOVE the norma komali you found. its perfect, i must have it…
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:48 am
[…] Higher rises give us the option of tucking our tops, shirts and blouses back into our pants. It’s the perfect silhouette for waist-cinching belts and a nice change to flowy swing tops that are equally fashionable. It’s brilliant to have an abundance of choices! […]