Box Top

Eileen Fisher Sweater, bootcut jeans

Are you old enough to remember collecting box tops? You saved a certain number from cereal boxes and could send them in for a prize. Or maybe your family collected Green Stamps or Blue Chip Stamps? I think we may have done all three in my family at various times.

This is a different kind of “box top” though, or rather a boxy top. Once again I find myself bending one of my own silhouette rules guidelines: avoid tops that are boxy or chunky. This Eileen Fisher sweater is both, but I really like how it looks on and how it moves, and the bootcut jeans seem to balance it out.

Eileen Fisher linen 3/4 sleeve sweater

The weave of the sweater is open enough to lighten the look a bit too.

Sweater: Eileen Fisher (on sale now and available in other colors too) // Tank: Eileen Fisher // Bracelets: Stella & Dot, no longer available, similar // Jeans: Citizens of Humanity // Shoes: Clarks

If you were trying to read this blog between Wednesday evening and yesterday morning, you may have landed on a screen telling you that you’d encountered a Fatal Error. (Hyperbole much, Software Deities?) I’d tried to do a routine application of a software update which completely crashed the blog. (Apparently I wasn’t the only one this happened to.) I couldn’t even get into my blog “dashboard” to try and restore the prior version. It’s a horrible feeling and I spent most of Wednesday evening trying not to hyperventilate! But fortunately our young tech savvy cousin was able to come to the rescue and set everything right by yesterday afternoon.

Clarks chunky heel
Lifting my pant leg so you can see the shoes.

I first saw these Clark’s open-toe shoes over at The Coveted, and they indeed are as comfortable as Jennine said they were. These are one of those rare look-higher-than-they-feel shoes. They’re a bit more covered up than a sandal, so may be more office appropriate for some of you.

Have you bent any of your own style rules lately? Were you happy with the results?

Linked up with Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style, at at eat, sleep, denim.

MORE LIKE THIS:


Affiliate links may generate commissions for unefemme.net.

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

31 Comments

  1. I love this look. It is great on you! You’re right, the boot cut pants balance the sweater. And I really like the heavier/chunky sandal and the chunky bracelet with it as well.
    I also have been having tech difficulties. I bought an i-pad mini to be able to blog when I travel. Can’t for the life of me figure out how to get photos stored on my i-pad mini to upload into Blogger. Arrgggg! So frustrating.
    Happy Easter looooong weekend!

  2. This top has a nice flow and with jeans it is perfect. I’ve tried on those shoes. They look great and are comfortable, winning combination!

    blue hue wonderland

  3. Being my age, I remember all of those things. As a kid, I enjoyed licking and applying Green Stamps. I remember postage stamps that you had to lick too, before the self-adhesive ones.

    Your shoes are pretty. In my constant study and search of fashion, I bend “my rules” all the time. When I started seriously wearing women’s clothes, I vowed never to wear pants or shorts, only dresses and skirts, because of decades worth of pent-up desire. But, at the urging of friends, I’m starting to explore them now. They’re not (as I feared) reminiscent of my male clothes — female pants are very different: more stylish, better fitting, and nicer materials. You’ve demonstrated that with the range of chic pants you wear here.

  4. I’m still so impressed you can wear those heels. Jealousy!! Yes, I remember collecting box tops! Cereal hasn’t been in our house for years, so it is a very distant memory. Yesterday, I loved reflecting on my first car…a jade green Mustang…as the 50th year celebration of the Mustang happened! Love the sweater…her designs hang so beautifully!

    1. Pam, my first car was a Mustang too! It was dark green. That was back in the early 70’s when you could still buy a used one cheap. 😉

  5. When I discover a new silhouette or an old one done in a new way, I like to try it out regardless if it is out of my comfort zone. First, I try it on in my size, a size smaller, and a size larger. Then, I ask the salesperson to “style” it for me bring in different pieces that may go with it. Finally, I will go home and bring back a couple of items from my closet to try on with the item I am considering. If it works and looks fresh, I will purchase it.

  6. I think the key with a boxy top is the length – that’s what makes the proportions work. And this one is just right on you! I love the way it hangs so its shape isn’t too square, just soft.

    So glad you were able to get your software fixed! I did see that error, but I restrained from calling 911.

  7. You’ve made that silhouette work really well for you — sometimes it’s good to break our own rules! Love those Clark heels — and I’m curious to know, as I’m debating adding a pair of flared jeans to my own wardrobe: How often do you wear a heel? Only a few years ago, I wore mine 3 or 4 days a week, but recently, I find I’m only doing so once or twice (perhaps because I’m running so much and don’t want additional strain on my joints).

    1. Frances, I wear some heel probably 5 days a week. Most are lower than these. I have two pair of bootcuts now, one hemmed for a higher heel (these) and one for low heels. That’s the only downside of bootcuts I’ve found. Straight or skinny jeans are a little more versatile when it comes to wearing with a variety of heel heights.

  8. The way that you have styled the top doesn’t make it appear boxy at all. I think the fabric is thin enough that it works…if it were chunky and textured it might be a different story.
    Hooray for clever cousins! I’d really be in trouble if my blog crashed…I would have to hire a specialist!

  9. Lately it’s a colour rule I’ve broken – I don’t wear navy finding that other blues make me look less tired . However I found some very dark navy linen trousers (Laura Ashley) in a charity shop & couldn’t resist them . They are beautifully cut and will be great if we ever get warmer weather . And of course the colour is away from the face .

  10. Although I think your outfit looks great, it looks a little “dark” to me for this time of year, and your coloring. Would love to see it with some white skinnies, with your booties showing. I’ve been wearing more color? Does that count?

  11. So happy I recently discovered your blog, it is #1 for me! You always look terrific and I appreciate that you link your outfit to the store where the items are available (usually my favorite store). Like you, I am a fan of Eileen Fisher designs and am often amazed that her pieces look good even when they break “the rules.” You are 100% responsible for my gigantic leap in trying and loving the Arche Exor in Noir. Would never have dreamed of this style for myself but all I can say is “wow!” They look so good with EF black ankle pants and with dark wash NYDJ. Many thanks! Pat in NM

  12. I avoided horizontal stripes for years…and then I bought one of Talbots knit pullovers with horizontal stripes and fell in love. I have Talbots simple horizontal stripes, and I have several with sparkling stripes. I love wraring them day snd evening. Just ss much fun to wear with casual pants as with dressier pencil skirts. Now I love horizontal stripes. Its all in the cut. And I foun by choosing a 12W or a X I get the extra room I need. I still wear a size 14 bottom but with age my top has changed significantly.

  13. I love the dark colours here, chic with a twist of biker thrown in the mix, especially with the studded bracelets. Sleek, purr. I’m still in a style transition and I haven’t a clue where I’m going, which makes it interesting.

  14. Love the look! You look wonderful as always. The Clarks look fabulous and I love the bracelet too! Well done! Sally

  15. I was thinking it works because it is clingy and also because it is on the short side. You can clearly see your hips and part of your stomach area, which is a good thing. The smaller hips and stomach keeps the top from making you look large on top. But that is one of the basic rules, isn’t it? Tight on one part and flowing in another.
    I’ve tried and tried to wear Eileen Fisher. Somehow it never works on my body type.

  16. That sweater looks light enough for spring.. boxy top could be tricky but you’ve style it excellently! Love the bootcut jeans too!

  17. I’m sorry the computer gods where being bitchy with you! Poor baby. But glad you’re back up … you make your monochromatic outfits just work for you, so hard … so sleek, so great always. You’re one of the inspirations for my hair cut … so thank you. Liberating, isn’t it? Makes so many things in my wardrobe work much better!

  18. Oh wow! I’m so glad you also thought the shoes were as comfortable as I thought! people always say, “wearing heels?” and like they’re really not hard to wear shoes. Love your outfit with the boot cut jeans!
    🙂