Book excerpt: It takes a fabulous top to top off an outfit perfectly--and these smart and trendy choices are right at the height of fashion. Plus, they’re simple to sew, with each project building on the one before so novices can progressively develop their skills-including seaming, adding darts, setting in sleeves, and inserting a neckline flounce or collar. Newcomers, or those who feel a little rusty, can begin with the mock-wrap blouse or an extremely easy-to-make pullover tank with topstitching. Ponchos remain cool as ever, and the lightweight version here showcases wonderfully interesting fabric. A jacket with contemporary cropped sleeves goes smoothly from a day at work to an evening out.