Spring Tops: The Newest Style

Tina, here.

It is not every season that you get to say that the tide is really turning in fashion. Well, it is this season. There is a huge debate going on in the fashion world about the misalignment of runway shows and retail cycles (i.e. why did we just wrap Fashion Month for Fall/Winter 2016/2017 but spring clothes are hitting the shelves in retail stores?). Finally, someone looked up and said this is crazy. That someone was Zara, whose designers started ripping off looks on the runway at fashion week and a few weeks later you could buy a Valentino- or Gucci- lookalike for a fraction of what the real thing will cost you when it hits the stores 6 months later. Brilliant! But I digress. We have more real-life issues to talk about like what are the new spring top of the season and how do you wear them?

Meet the dolman sleeve. It is loose and romantic.

A dolman sleeve refers to a loose sleeve that has no shoulder seam, and tapers from the fullness under the shoulder to the wrist, where it is narrowest. The body of the garment often tapers to the waist (or around the legs if it's a dress).

You can see here there is no shoulder seam, but it is one continuous piece of fabric.

And the back - see that extra fabric under the shoulders? Everything is looser this season. Including, it seems, my pants, which have clearly stretched out too much.

Who can wear a dolman sleeve? Who looks best in a dolman sleeve?

Anyone and everyone. That's the beauty of it. Wide shoulders (inverted triangles) look smaller, and rounded shoulders (pear shapes) looks stronger. The width from the extra fabric under your shoulders can conceal extra weight in the tummy area and a larger chest. Petites will want to be careful about the volume of fabric.

This dolman t-shirt is more fitted around the hips, which is a good look if you want to camouflage your tummy, or if you are petite.

This top is also called a batwing sleeve, for obvious reasons. Style Vault members, I just added a few dolman sleeve / batwing sleeve tops to the March Style Notes.

A batwing top only works when it narrows to the waist; otherwise you'd look like you're wearing a boat.

You can wear a jacket over a batwing top if the fabric isn't too heavy.

You've seen this sweater before - I wear it all the time. I belted it with jeans to give it a bit more shape, and to emphasize the batwing/dolman shape.

If you're ready for a flattering top that feels new and fresh, and works for pears, apples and even petites, you'll love the dolman and batwing sleeve. Vault members don't forget to shop my picks for some great dolman sleeve tops just added to the March Style Vault in Style Notes. If you'd like to join our members-only service for $7.99 and be styled by your own personal stylist, you can do that here.

March Style Vault 2016: 12 Spring Essentials For A Pretty Wardrobe

With this list you’ll never have to wonder what to wear. Join now and start shopping. A monthly membership to the Style Vault provides you with insider access to your own personal stylist!

Want us up close and personal? Get us in your closet now! We’re booking in-home spring wardrobe makeovers now. Check out our wardrobe packages here.

Thanks for reading!

Best,

Tina