I’ve had my eye on the Textured Shell from Vetta Capsule since the fall. I talked myself out of buying it at the time because did I really need to spend $70 on a tank top? No. When I find myself lusting after a garment, I pin it to my Wardrobe Wants Pinterest board to think it over (an idea I adapted from Xin). I also allow myself to consider buying it if I find it for less secondhand. After all, my clothing shopping goal this year is to to buy no more than 20 pieces and to make half of them secondhand purchases.
I’ve taken to searching Poshmark and other resale sites for brands that I like. As I mentioned in my recent shopping diary, that’s how I came across the Textured Shell secondhand. In the past, I’ve limited my online secondhand buys to things that I’ve tried on and know will fit me. I’m nervous about ending up with something that won’t fit me. (Poshmark, for example, doesn’t allow returns unless the item has been grossly misrepresented.) But with small brands like Vetta, it’s unlikely that I’d know how something fits, so I had to take a chance.
Sizing & Fit
I compared the measurements for the shell on Vetta’s site to a similar item I already own, crossed my fingers, and made the purchase. When the shell arrived, I was surprised by how wide it is.
Textured Shell – $69
While the measurements looked a bit big for the size, it fit true to size.
The shell I already own (a size S in Uniqlo) has a 34″ bust. The measurement for the Vetta shell in XS is a 37″ bust. Thus, I expected a roomier fit for the Vetta shell. Yet, it fits quite similarly, bust-wise, to the shell with a smaller bust measurement. The arm holes are on the small side, perhaps contributing to a closer fit.
So, while the measurements looked a bit big for the size, in my experience it fit true to size. I think this has something to do with the way the garment is cut to be worn with either side on the front. That’s Vetta’s whole ethos: creating clothes that are convertible. The ability to wear this shell two ways was what attracted me to it. I also loved the look of the Tencel fabric. The texture elevates it. In this respect, it didn’t disappoint.
Closeup of the Vetta Textured Shell – The care instructions say machine wash cold inside out, delicate cycle, hang dry. Do not hand wash. But I washed it by hand in cold water and hung it to dry and it turned out OK. I did follow instructions when it came to ironing: iron on cool with a piece of cloth between the iron and the garment.
Here are the two ways you can wear the Textured Shell. For reference, I am 5′ 4″, a dress size 4, and wear XS or S in most brands. Here I’m wearing the XS.
Discerning readers might notice that the tag is a bit visible on the rounded neckline. I haven’t removed it yet, but it looks easy to remove.
And from the back:
As you can see, the Textured Shell runs a little shorter, length-wise, on the V-side due to the way it drapes.
I appreciate the draping, which pulls away from the body and isn’t tight across the stomach area. This is good news for those of us with round bellies (and/or who like to eat burritos). One thing I didn’t anticipate was how skinny the straps are. While it’s possible to wear a regular bra, the bra strap would need to stay in place exactly beneath the shell strap to keep it from showing. I don’t know about you, but my bra straps never stay put. So, I went with a strapless bra.
Styling the Vetta Textured Shell
I like testing out the versatility of a piece by styling it different ways. Like this Everlane V-neck sweater I reviewed, the Textured Shell proved adaptable to many outfits.
It falls nicely over skinny jeans. Here’s a look I’d pull together to meet a friend for lunch (something I’m very much looking forward to once shelter in place is lifted).
Vetta Top // Uniqlo Jeans [ethical, similar] // AGL Shoes [similar, on sale] // Vintage Purse
I also like tucking it in. Because the shell bells out a bit on the bottom, it’s got a bit more material than a straighter-cut tank top might for tucking in. But it’s doable.
Vetta Top // Uniqlo Skirt [review] // Allbirds Shoes [review]
Another thing I like about this shell is how easy it is to dress up or down. Pairing the higher, rounded neckline with a pencil skirt makes it profesh.
Vetta Top // Banana Republic Skirt [similar, ethical] // Everlane Tote // Eileen Fisher Shoes [similar, on sale]
For a more casual look, I layered it with a cotton cardigan over elastic pants. When it comes to layering, I like wearing the v side on the front.
Vetta Top // Everlane Pants [review] // Muji Cardigan [similar, ethical] // Eileen Fisher Shoes [similar, on sale]
Cardigans, blazers, it all plays well together with the Textured Shell.
Vetta Top // Topshop Cropped Blazer // Uniqlo Jeans [ethical, similar] // Eileen Fisher Shoes [similar, on sale]
The Vetta Textured Shell is part of the Refined Capule and comes in two neutral colors: cream and black, and sizes XS to XL. Overall, I like it. It’s a wardrobe basic with a luxe feel.
BTW, if you’re interested in other items in this capsule, I’ve also reviewed the Two-Piece Midi Dress.
First image: Vetta’s Instagram
I really like the textured fabric and the design! The v-neck looks particularly nice when layered. I have a few favorite shells (all really old items from Uniqlo or Ann Taylor), though I pretty much only wear them with business formal outfits since I otherwise prefer dresses over separates.
I’ve also noticed that bust measurements on tops or dresses with a neckline and sleeves like this can be a bit unreliable, since I feel like different brands aren’t really consistent in how they take bust measurements for items like this. (Sometimes the measurement isn’t taken from the actual spot where the clothing would hang at the widest point of the bust, I guess/it’s hard to find the right spot for taking the measurement.)