LaPointe Feather Tops: How to Buy and Wear Them
A feather top is the most efficient party piece you can own. It does the work of a whole outfit from the waist up, it goes with a plain trouser you already have, and it photographs better than almost anything else. LaPointe has made feathers its signature, and the house range of feather tops runs from a fine merino sweater with feathered cuffs to a fully feathered cropped tank. This guide covers what to buy and how to wear it.
Why buy a feather top instead of a feather dress?
Because you will wear it more. A feather dress is an occasion: you wear it to the party it was bought for and perhaps one more. A feather top is a formula. With a black satin trouser it is an evening outfit; with a straight jean it is a dinner outfit; with a long satin skirt it is black tie. One top, three dress codes.
If you do want a dress, our LaPointe feather dress guide covers them in detail.
The feathered knit
The most wearable way into LaPointe feathers. The Merino Mock Neck Sweater With Feathers in Mulberry is a fine merino mock neck with feathers at the cuff: warm, practical and still a party piece. The Merino Turtleneck Sweater With Feather Trim in Black is the classic, with a black feather trim. For something softer, the Airy Cashmere Silk Turtleneck With Marabou Feathers in Cream uses marabou, which is finer and fluffier than ostrich, on a cashmere silk knit.
The Merino Cropped V-Neck Sweater with Classic Feathers in Chocolate is the cropped version, best with a high waisted trouser. Our LaPointe knitwear guide covers the whole knit range.
The satin top with feathers
A satin top with a feathered hem is the house formula at its simplest. The Satin Top With Feathers in Black moves beautifully, and the Cloud version is a pale frosted blue that suits a winter wedding. The Lightweight Satin Caftan Top With Feathers in Black is cut wider, as a caftan, with feathers at the sleeve: the most comfortable feather top in the range.
For summer evenings, the Lightweight Satin Halter Cami With Feathers in Cream is a halter cami with a feather trim.
The georgette top with feathers
Georgette is lighter than satin and drapes more softly. The Lightweight Georgette Draped Cowl Neck Top With Feathers in Marigold has a cowl neck and feathers at the hem, in a marigold yellow that is a real change from black. The Lightweight Georgette High Low Top With Feathers in Emerald has a longer back, so it covers the seat over a slim trouser.
The fully feathered top
For maximum impact, the Cascading Feather Embellished Cropped Tank in Dark Teal is covered in feathers that cascade from the neckline. It is a statement piece: wear it with a plain black trouser and nothing else. The Sequin & Feather Embroidery Cropped Tank in Indigo combines sequin and feather embroidery, and the Sequin Cropped Top With Feathers in Cream pairs a sequin body with a feather finish.
What do you wear with a feather top?
Satin trousers. The obvious and the best. The Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Black has the weight to balance a feathered top. Read our guide to LaPointe satin pants.
Denim. A feathered knit with a straight dark jean is the most modern way to wear feathers in the day.
A long skirt. A satin maxi skirt turns a feather top into black tie. The Satin Wrap Maxi Skirt in Black works with every black and cream feather top above.
Keep the rest simple: no necklace with a feathered neckline, no bracelets with feathered cuffs.
Ostrich, marabou: what is the difference?
Ostrich feathers are long, with fine strands that move and swing; they give the dramatic trims on the satin tops and the cascading tank. Marabou is short, soft and fluffy, and gives a cloud like texture, as on the cashmere silk turtleneck. Ostrich is more theatrical; marabou is softer and more intimate.
How do you care for a feather top?
Do not wash it at home. Feathered pieces need a specialist cleaner, and the feathers should be protected from water. Between wears, hang the top with space around it and give the feathers a gentle steam from a distance if they flatten. Never iron near feathers. Our guide to caring for feather clothing covers storage and travel.
Frequently asked questions
Are feather tops still in style?
Yes. Feather trims have become a recurring evening signature rather than a single season trend, and LaPointe has built its identity around them. A feather top worn with plain trousers is one of the most modern ways to wear evening dressing.
What do you wear with a feather top?
Wide satin trousers are the classic pairing. A feathered knit also works with straight dark denim for a daytime look, and a satin maxi skirt turns any feather top into a black tie outfit. Keep jewellery minimal.
What kind of feathers does LaPointe use?
LaPointe uses ostrich feathers for long, swinging trims and marabou for short, soft, fluffy textures. The satin tops and cascading tank use ostrich, while the cashmere silk turtleneck uses marabou.
Can you wear a feather top to work?
A feathered knit, such as the merino mock neck sweater with feathered cuffs, can be worn to an office with tailored trousers. Save fully feathered and sequin tops for evening.
How do I clean a LaPointe feather top?
Use a specialist cleaner and keep the feathers away from water. Between wears, hang the top with space around it and steam the feathers gently from a distance to revive them. Never iron near the feathers.
Which LaPointe feather top should I buy first?
The Merino Mock Neck Sweater With Feathers is the most versatile, because it works for both day and evening. For evening only, the Satin Top With Feathers in Black pairs with almost anything.
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Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Luxury Shoes .