K/R Zara shorts & tops

Up for review, a few summer possibles from Zara. 

First, this is not a K/R but a keep -- the combined silk top in navy. I like this so much I am tempted to order it in the magenta also. 

I tried the turquoise all silk one also, but that is going back. The colour is stunning but the armholes are too deep and it feels more flimsy. 

Next (pics 3-5) we have an asymmetrical tee. The cut is similar to the sweater in Angie's blog post this week. I like it, but I do wonder if it doesn't look too "bumpy" across the tummy with jeans. Also, it shows a bit of skin on the long slit side. Not sure how I feel about that. 

Also deliberating about the paint splash print high-low shirt. (6-7) It's poly, but loose and swingy, so probably okay from that POV. The colour is more yellowish than I usually skew, but I quite like the pattern. 

Then, the sarong shorts that Janet bought. They are navy. The smalls are somewhat loose on me and hit at my hip, not waist. I like them but wonder if they overwhelm. Or if they simply duplicate the silhouette of the tube skirt (at least when standing straight, LOL.) Holding up my top in the last pic so you can see where they hit. Are they too long at this length? I am unsure. 

Would love thoughts. 

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32 Comments

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    You are sooooo right about keeping the navy top - so perfect and lovely on you!

    I love the colors in the asymmetric tee and the length. I do not find it lumpy across the middle. However, I wonder what it might look like one size up? A bit more fluid? I see what you mean about the slit opening being rather high. Only you can determine how you feel about that - for me personally it would be a deal breaker because I wouldn't want to always have to wear a cami/tank underneath for modesty purposes. But I know that's my thing.

    Absolutely adore the paint splattered top - both the colors and the cropped swingy fit. For some reason, I'm not that crazy about it with white but I absolutely LOVE it with the black tube skirt. Gorgeous!

    I'm totally loving the sarong shorts for you.Nothing more to say there other than "yes".

  • Ornella replied 9 years ago

    First the easy stuff: I like the navy top. 
    I also like the Janet shorts. I like the length on you.

    The splash print top I'm not a fan of, I like clearer colours next to your face. This one is a bit muted.
    The tee does not excite me too much either, but is pretty. I vote pass, there's more of the summer shopping season left and your summers are short, so you deserve only the best for that short period.

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    I pretty much agree with everything Shannon just said.  It would be very easy to sew that slit closed a couple more inches if you felt a bit "exposed".

    I'm jealous about the shorts.  I ordered them as well, and sent them back.  they were huge on me, and a most unflattering length.  I felt totally overwhelmed by them. 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I love the sarong shorts on you, too, Suz. If they feel too big in the waist, though, will you wear them? Are they comfortable? Cuz they look fab, but that's only part of it. I think the length is perfect. I like that they are a short but also could be a skirt alternative. Even if you don't keep this particular pair (for fit issues, e.g.), I think this is a direction you could go for getting the avant-garde style impulse that has been so hard for you to find.

    Which brings me to the shirt in 3-5. It's very nice on you. I would not like a slit that shows skin, personally, but that could probably be fixed by sewing it together, even if it has to be done by hand. Something about the top just doesn't scream "Suz" to me, though. Perhaps because it's more like a t-shirt in appearance--doesn't have your usual polish. I will also make the observation that this hemline is different than the one that Angie was featuring recently (and wearing in her blush knit top)--this diagonal goes to the sideseam, whereas the newer look she was showing has the diagonal go to the center of one leg.

    I love the paint-splatter top on you, style-wise and the arty (pun intended) pattern. But I don't love the color on you. It's not bad; it just isn't your usual palette, which makes me wonder if you'll reach for it and then hesitate to wear it.

    Navy top and shorts outfit--so fab! Great find on the top, and glad you're keeping it!

  • Isis replied 9 years ago

    Oh, love the shorts!  Not too long, and they look flowy, not overwhelming.

    I also love the blue top and the striped top.   I'd be OK with flashing a little side skin without a cami in casual settings; you may feel fine with that too. 

    I don't like the paint splash top and I"m not sure why....may be the background color as it is different (more muted, as Ornelia said) than the crisper colors that you usually wear so well.

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    The navy top is an easy yes, it looks great on you! The shorts are also pretty great on you but they do look a lot like a skirt - though these would be more practical, right? The other two tops don't wow me - but I'm pretty choosy about patterns so I may not be the best judge. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, all - this is why I consult you! I had my doubts about both tops but was doing a little bit of trying to convince myself, if you know what I mean. Mainly because I want to try some new cuts/ styles and I keep getting frustrated in that goal. I haven't even managed to find a true high-low top yet! 

    Anyway, the paint splash and the Tee will go back, regardless. 

    Firecracker, that's a really good point about the diagonal. I had not realized that they were different. You have a good eye for detail. 

    If the shorts don't look overwhelming I will probably keep. I might be able to size down but I think this size will be more comfortable. 

  • replied 9 years ago

    I say yes to the navy top and the sarong shorts. I really like both of those on you.

  • Jules replied 9 years ago

    Love the sarong shorts so so much. Am glad you are returning the tops - aside from the more detailed feedback you got, my first reaction was that they are too busy for your style and not really your colours (not flattery wise but in terms of preferred palette). But I'm also drawn to outlier items in the summer and our climate does allow for one-season trifles (by the time summer rolls around again I can never be sure what I'll still like!).
    Suz, I'm also wondering if the size of the shorts reflects the sizing chart for you? Trying to get an idea if the large might just fit me since the chart is general and these appear to have a loose cut.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Jules, the waist measure is a couple of inches bigger than on the chart, and ditto the hips. So it's worth a try. 

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    Jules, if it helps, I'm almost always an 8 in pants.  I ordered the L and they were huge.  I'd have tried an M but they were sold out.

  • shedev replied 9 years ago

    I'm loving the shorts and navy tank.

  • Glory replied 9 years ago

    I love the shorts and the navy top. I second your idea of ordering it in magenta as well. I am a strong supporter of duplicates when you find something that works so well. Sounds like you have a decision on the other items already.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Are you going to dry clean the top or handwash it?

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Love the ink top and sarong shorts. Wear them together. Killer on you. 

    I vote return the other two. Not 10s to my eye.  xo

  • Peri replied 9 years ago

    I'll be the oddball and say that I love the paint splash one. It looks so fun. But I can see what others say that it is more busy than you usually go. 

    As for the rest, no for the striped T! Yes for the sarong shorts and the silk tank.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, all. 

    Ceit, I never dry clean this stuff. Always put in the washer in a bag in the hand wash cycle and hang to dry. Don't intend to do differently with this top. I will iron it, however. :) 

  • Jules replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for the size info all. I'll try to suss them out in-store or order them if they aren't in stock.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Thanks! I haven't tried washing their silk tops so that is a big plus to hear.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    To clarify - I haven't actually washed a Zara silk top because this is the first I've tried. But I do it with all my other silk stuff. This is quite thin -- similar to one of the BR tops I got last year. Basically, cheap stuff, if you know what I mean. But it will be fine for a summer top. 

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    Many others have already said it, and I, too, need to say how gorgeous you look in the ink blue top. It's amazing with your eyes and coloring.

  • Janet replied 9 years ago

    I also love the navy top and the sarong shorts are totally fab on you!

    My shorts are a little big too (I normally wear an 8 and the medium worked for me), but I just go with it for the drape and ease. They sit low, on my hips, not at my waist, and I like them that way -- I can tuck in tops without emphasizing my short-waistedness.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    I think I'm late to the party but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the blue tank on you! Wow! To me the tshirt is ok - useful for the summer and don't we always have a shortage of those! I'm not in love with the ink-splattered shirt and I think it's the yellow tone against your gorgeous skin colour. I'd prefer it in a pure white. I love the shorts, and actually thought it was a pencil skirt!!! You are right, same silhouette, but I think having the silhouette as shorts serves a different purpose and they are fun. Gosh...I'm over my budget already this season...but I wonder if my local Zara has those shorts still....hmmm.

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    I see you are sorted. I love the first outfit - very you :) :)

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    Suz, the navy silk top is killer on you. I am so glad that you are keeping it and do duplicate in magenta too. Sarong shorts from Zara look great too. But I am not crazy about the other two tops. For some reason, I am totally moving away from prints these days. FWIW.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Mona, I hear you. I don't do too many prints, either, apart from stripes. Those ones are going back. 

    I'm still wondering if a size down in these shorts might be better. I may order them to see. 

    Jackie, I got mine online and online shopping at Zara is a breeze, so I recommend that route. 

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Suz- you are all figured out.  Just want to nudge you toward the magenta top as well as the ink.  It is such a good color on you and the ink one is perfection. 

  • merwoman replied 9 years ago

    Late to the party, but chiming in to say how much I love that blue silk top.  Am looking for something similar in black - but I quick click on your item link shows it doesn't come in black.  Love that 'Find' feature!

  • Mo replied 9 years ago

    I'm a band wagon jumper tee hee.  I like the navy top and sarong shorts.  I'm surprising myself at liking them so much, actually.  Fab on you.

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    I like everything on you, it's hard to exclude anything because it all looks good on you.

    So I can only answer from the standpoint of what I like better or less. And what I like best is the sarong shorts on you.  I'm not sure why I'm not feeling the asymmetrical tee or paint splash top.  Of the two, I like the paint splash better but neither of them are wowing me the way the first tent top and sarong shorts are.  However, if the tops fit your wardrobe needs then keep them!!  And if you like them.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I think I am just repeating what has been said but the first outfit with the navy top and white shorts are perfection on you. I like the sarong shorts too. The other two tops are just not in the same league and not fab enough for you.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    OK, before I read the other responses, here's mine…
    You're right, that navy top is gorgeous. The top in #3-#5 is pretty but it does look bumpy across your tummy. The paint splattered top is OK, but I'm not loving the colors on you. The sarong shorts look ultra fab on you.

    Now I'm off to see what the others said...

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