Not a blazer, or a cardigan or a hoody... but what?

[mehtivation]

What do you wear as an easily removable layer over a tank top? I don't much like jumpers although I do wear them on days when it's likely cold enough to put it on early doors and leave it on all day. In between days it annoys me to take it off over my head (I have challenging hair!) I like tank tops and thin silky t shirts as jersey can chunk me up a bit! I also hate, hate, hate being too hot.

Blazers are too smart for my day to day (although I do like the look, it's not for me or my lifestyle/work). Cardigans feel not right either (big boobs) although maybe a slightly fitted one, partly done up might be ok. I'm not a fan of zip up hoodies as I find the zip bulges weirdly in loose material around the mid section.

Am I looking for a unicorn? I'm
44, about 5'4 and a sturdy 12 - not fat, or wobbly, but absolutely not slender in any way - with long curly hair that is tied up about half the time. I nearly always wear trainers or sliders, sometimes DM boots, never heels due to injury. Trousers are like cropped chino shape or wide leg.

Anyone have similar feelings about blazer/cardi/hoodies and found an answer? Should I just get a nice coat and take it off indoors, be prepared to shiver sometimes until jumper season's here?

What about a shirt left undone? Can look nice as an extra layer. Silky black ones look ok or denim for a casual look

Or you can get lightweight smartish jackets but not as smart as a blazer- I’ve got one from Zara that’s like a camo jacket shape so slightly boxy and hip length but it’s plain green so looks smarter.

Linen shirt or striped oversized cotton shirt (see Zara). Or a Shaket?

Linen shirt, light denim shirt, kimono jacket?

I would also go with the undone shirt.
Can slip it on and off easily as you want. I've also seen some people wearing them with a belt over the top for a different look. Though I think that looks great on some people and dreadful on others (like me).

A wrap, pashmina or a large scarf.I keep one rolled up in my handbag.

A shirt. Buttoned or unbuttoned.

Lightweight V-neck jumper. Absolute winner imo. Can look v elegant and/or casual depending on what style of jumper and what you wear it with. Easy to get over hair as long as you make sure the v is nice and roomy.

I agree with the pps, I have two overshirts. Mine are thick cotton, I think brushed cotton. They're oversized and boxy, but I'm sure they come in all shapes if you don't like that. I can button or not. They're my go to for days when I need just a little something.

Thank you, there are some good ideas about shirts that I hadn't thought of. I might try it out as a look with husband's shirts before committing to buying any!

It's annoying because I think my shape (moderately curvy but not a lush hourglass or anything) suits blazers but it is really not my vibe.

I don't know about a pashmina for me, I worked in Chelsea in the late 90s/early 2000s and I can't disassociate them from the Sloanes that used to stride around being kind yet patronising because I was young, unpolished and from a provincial state school 😂. I'm sure the person who recommended is much nicer than those women though! I also had them for weddings etc and I'm quite unsure about returning to the look, having to hold elbows crooked to keep it on... I might try the look with a charity shop scarf or two. All my big scarves are shitty bobbly acrylic blanket scarves ("why are you wearing that gross blarf again mum?").

I'm trying to elevate my look, inspired by other threads recently. It's not proving straightforward thus far

I never thought I'd manage blazers but got a super cheap one on a whim, it's a very thin/soft material and sort of raspberry coloured. It's revolutionised my life 😁 I wear it over everything, smart or casual. It's 3/4 sleeved and doesn't have buttons. Keep trying the occasional blazer, you might just find one.

I have a leather bomber jacket and a denim jacket which I sometimes wear as a lightweight layer. Also have a couple of coatigans that I find really versatile. They might not be fashionable on here anymore but I think they look great and go with almost everything.

I'm on the look out for a short kimono. I think that's what I want.

@Tintackedsea one hundred stars still has their sale on.

OP I have a khaki jacket which is tailored at the back. It really works for me as it's my go to when I'm wearing jeans. When I'm not I have a more tailored denim jacket.

mintvelvet.com/products/khaki-puff-sleeve-jacket

It's a bit like this...the back of it is cinched.

Agree with the suggestions above of linen or denim shirt or can I bring myself to type that word ...a shacket....- I've picked up some lovely colour/quality ones for a fraction of original cost on Vinted/eBay and shortened some of them to make more jacket like in cut.

I think a more cropped cut, 3/4 length sleeves etc can make all the difference.

I've also got this and I personally really like the shape and cut and was surprised how much it goes with things and I wear with all kinds of things https://lucyandyak.com/products/sylvie-jacket-deadstock-fabric-loden-frost-green

I seem to be your twin and have the same dilemma. I've been pondering this but i think i might need something with shoulder pads for a but more shape
https://www.zalando.ie/vila-vinaja-cardigan-medium-grey-melange-v1021i0ed-c12.html

I wear " jersey bomber jackets for exactly the same reasons
Look at M&S next, and believe it or not Superdry They are lined, well made and logo free
There are a few nice ones on Vinted
I'm 58

Absolutely love that jacket! Sadly out of stock in my size and I did gulp at the price but I know I'd wear it loads - the colour is really good for me. I'm hoping Mint Velvet might do one similar in future

That looks brilliant actually. Despite my advanced age I am still absolutely shit at determining whether what looks great on a tall, slim beautiful young model will look good on me and my middle aged bosom 😂 I might try it though cause it's unfussy and I need that due to the visual noise created by the mad curly hair...

I'll check out Superdry, I've never considered it for myself- round here kids like it!

I love those jackets! I have tended to avoid padded or quilted things because of hefty tits and not being very tall... feel like they might make me look like the Michelin man. I should try though, keep an open mind etc

My DIL wears a shawl crossed over the front and secured with a belt round her middle. Looks lovely on her.

Hush have a few lightweight jacket options

https://www.hush-uk.com/int/willa-lightweight-jacket-washed-green/008177-2061.html

What about this?

https://www.riverisland.com/p/pink-casual-jacket-760414

What about a waterfall cardigan? They don’t button or zip up but I find them less fussy than a shawl/wrap/kimono as you don’t have to worry about them slipping off your shoulders.

I’m 5’3 and sometimes find it hard to find one that isn’t too long on me, but I have a couple of nice shorter ones which are my go to when I want to add a layer.

Perhaps something like this:

https://www.roman.co.uk/long-sleeve-waterfall-cardigan-19010060?istCompanyId=2c7d42bf-c86e-4126-852a-34976c2accf2&istFeedId=2671bd7b-958a-4180-b178-22e89d93d179&istItemId=iwmplaiii&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpejkvNafgQMV7IhQBh1PwAucEAQYBiABEgKQQPD_BwE

Some really nice things here to try - thank you for links everyone