Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

Fitted shirts/blouses: best place to go?

Winnie

Hello! I have been following youlookfab for quite some time, and it's amazing seeing all the well put-together outfits.

I'm trying to find fitted dress shirts that I can wear on its own (with skirt /pants) or under suits. I like the fit of Express shirts, but I want to know what other options I have (within a reasonable price!). I'm currently 22 and not very experienced with all the different brands and styles in terms of work attire.

I like this sort of fit/look:
http://www.express.com/catalog.....egoryId=16

I'm 5'4", and measure 34-25-35. I fit into xs/s for tops, and sizes 1-3 for bottoms. The issue with many shirts I try on is that they are too baggy around the arms.

What brands have cuts that look tailored on a slender body?

Thank you!

The latest reply was from Nicole . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


6 Replies

Posted 1 year ago
Ana (website)

Hmm...I was going to suggest Express when I read the headline. J. Crew has some button down shirts as well, although most of them are in solid colors. Sometimes they have cute "novelty" type blouses. I'd shop their sales for the best prices.

Where do you live? Do you have access to a Macy's or anything like that?

Posted 1 year ago
Nicole

Hi Winnie, I really like the Express shirt you posted. I like the fact that it has a V-neck but still has a traditional shirt collar.

Have you checked out NY & Co and Espritshop.com?? You didn't mention budget, but at 22, I'm guessing you're interested in reasonable prices?

Esprit runs small, so you might find their sizing is good for you. You might also be able to find suitable items in the junior department. At your young age and your small build, you *can* shop in the junior dept.

Posted 1 year ago
aj

Ana and Nicole gave good suggestions of other places to look. Eddie Bauer has a similar shirt at a similar price. I have the Express shirt you linked to in red and white and really like it. I have thinner arms and they fit me well -- although it's different for everyone.

Posted 1 year ago
Tanya

You have already gotten some great suggestions. Express would be mu first choice too, but I'd also like to suggest places like H&M, BR, and Club Monaco.

Posted 1 year ago
Winnie

Thanks! Looks like Express is still my best bet. I've not visited J.Crew, Espirt, or Eddie Bauer so I'll try them out. BR price tag seems a bit higher, but maybe I can slowly transition from Gap :)

I've been to H&M, but the fabric that I saw on some shirts were a bit off (I think they get wrinkly really easily), but at that time I wasn't looking for dress shirts in particular.

Ana, I'm in the Bay Area so I have access to a lot of department stores & boutiques. My problem was not "not having places to go" but "having too many places to go" haha.

Posted 1 year ago
Nicole

Winnie, BR cycles new styles often--I think Angie said every 6 weeks. So a shirt you like today could be in the sale bin tomorrow. I always check their sale link to see if something I had my eye on has gone on sale. Also, like Gap, they offer coupon codes all the time. And if you get a Gap/BR/ON or Luxe credit card, the coupons are even more abundant.

Posted 1 year ago