Coastal Breeze Top

This garment, with its relaxed and oversized silhouette, represents an important advance in the history of clothing, if only because it finally makes the notion of a "layered look" sound like something other than an excuse for a laundry backlog. It is true that the Coastal Breeze Top is an excuse for a layered look, but the layers are so ingeniously combined that the final effect is one of enviable lightness. The upper half is made of fabric that is smooth and slightly textured, while the lower half is made of fabric that is lighter and crinkled. The overall lightness of effect is matched by a lightness of construction. The wide, billowy sleeves contribute to the impression that you could be wearing this garment in a state of total undress and still feel as if something was covering you. The same impression is sustained by the hemline, which dips slightly at the back, the better to provide a flattering drape. Meanwhile, the raw edges, particularly on the lower section, maintain the trendy, casual vibe that is so important when the more important thing is to look as if you are not trying too hard.