JFE? Sweatshirt Style - not sure if it's for me

So every time I put on this, or really nearly any sweatshirt, I feel instantly like I have much bigger shoulders and arms than I actually do. And that's not a look I want. This one still has tags but I may have waited too long to return. If I don't look in the mirror I like it a lot. It's very soft, comfortable, "easy" and I like ivory. It's a perfect weight for our mild fall weather. I tried to pair it with slim jeans to balance the larger (feeling) size.

And I know they show it semi-tucked but this does *not* semi-tuck well (too thick and designed with a bottom band and small side slits - so that's just not really a good option). Or maybe I should have sized down but I don't think it would have worked. I think I have to wear it tunic style to look and feel right.

So I'm wondering what you all think. Is it JFE or not? I could chalk it up as a bad buy but I sure hate to do it.

ETA: I looked it up and actually I can still return it if I act quickly. But I *want* to like it because I could certainly use a piece like this in my fall wardrobe. Not sure what to do. Help!

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9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

You do not look big! But it may be the short sleeves that are throwing you off. With short sleeves I like more draped fabric because I do have huge shoulders and the drape draws the eye down rather than across.

Or I could just be babbling!

texstyle

(website)

Thanks Una - I think it may be the dolman style sleeve or really I guess dropped shoulder sleeve. It looks longer and leaner on the slim model but maybe they elongated the image. I know I don't feel big when I wear most of my clothes but the sweatshirt style (even the ones with long sleeves) have been a challenging style for me.

Madewell

Short-Sleeve Sweatshirt

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Rambling Ann

There's an ivory one at the Loft right now with a lace front that is raglan constructed and has extremely narrow arms, no floppity fabric in the sleeves that you might prefer. I'm thinking to get it in olive.

Loft

Lace Front Sweatshirt

April

Oh, TS, I've been struggling with my "dressy sweatshirt" for exactly the same reasons! And I even had the sides taken in a bit to reduce the volume.

I'm hoping it's just a matter of time before our eyes adjust to the fresher, boxier cuts.

It almost looks pinned in the front view photo, because you can see the volume in the back shot...

Thanks Rambling Ann - I went back and looked at Madewells large selection of sweatshirts online in their new arrivals area and noticed even the skinny models look a bit larger on top wearing them. It might just go with the territory. The one from the loft is more of a sweatshirt "design" rather than a true sweatshirt. I is slub cotton. I like the idea of the weight and durability of a sweatshirt for colder weather - I have a lot of lighter weight long sleeve tee style tops right now but those require a jacket, where a sweatshirt can be worn more on it's own.

kellygirl

You do not look big at all. I think it requires an eye adjustment especially if you aren't used to sweatshirt fabric and wide-ish short sleeves. I think the dropped shoulder is very flattering. It looks oversized in a modern way but if you don't love it, I'd return it. Looks fab to me though.

viva

For the record, you do not look big in any way in that photo. Not in your shoulders, your arms, or anywhere.

Wearing a top like this tunic-style is a bit of a jolt, though, given our emphasis on semi-tucking -- I get that. But this kind of hefty top is really hard, if not impossible, to semi-tuck. I bought a very very similar dressy sweatshirt from JCrew end of season last year, and the only way it's going to work for me is to wear it tunic style for all the reasons you mentioned. It's going to be JFE for me too. It's too late for me to return, and it's too comfy to consider returning it. I hear you.

I would keep this and wear it very casually. I'm planning to wear mine as a layering piece over thin long-sleeve layers, with leggings or skinnies and booties. Would that work for you?

I wonder if I should roll the sleeves another roll...seems that model has hers rolled once more than I do...

April - I know it is partly eye adjustment. It usually takes me a while to get on with a new trend. I just don't want another orphan as I've been doing pretty well weeding them all out this past year.

Una - yes, I agree it has to be pinned for that front on shot. Maybe I should have pinned mine ;-). Seriously though I wish they'd stop doing that type of "marketing" as it doesn't give us a good enough idea to make a solid decision.

kellygirl - thank you - it's funny because I love it from the side with skinny pants and flat or nearly flat shoes (my usual choice). Feels kind of 80's in a nice way.

viva- cross posted. :-). Glad you think it looks okay as I am leaning towards keeping it. Even with my concerns, the comfort factor is so important to me and my lifestyle is totally casual so this is an everyday kind of thing for me.

Dixie

Active Member

How would you feel if you rolled the sleeves up? Also you can wear a longish necklace to break the squareness of the shirt. It's a really modern look, I say you should keep it

Angie

Fashion Stylist

How about a little partial tuck in a smaller size?

Alternatively choose a style that is shorter with a welt so that it partially tucks more easily.

Marley

It's really tough to tell from your pic because the one side/shoulder is hidden. I do know though that that length of top in a "sweatshirt" type of fabric is an awkward length for me -and I never feel very good in it!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I was thinking the same thing as Angie - something styled like this but with a banded/welted bottom would be a lot more flattering, I believe. That way the bulk through the torso is balanced out by the (relative) narrowness at the waist/hip.

Suz

I actually really like this on you. A lot.

But if it doesn't feel right, you'll never be happy with it, so why not exchange it for one that you like better? I agree that a welted one might work a bit more easily. You can faux tuck those.

Also -- this kind of fabric -- it might soften a bit and feel more relaxed over time. That was my experience with my BR sweatshirt from last year.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Angie - there were no more sizes and I don't think a smaller size would reduce the bulkiness for semi-tucking as it's just too thick for my liking.

Suz- I thought I loved it at first too but after this second round of try ons and the comments I gained, I'm going to send it back. I paid full price and it's too much for something I am uncertain about.

On to something else!

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