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Top for skirt

Maya

Veteran

I am having trouble choosing a shirt for my denim skirt (which I would like to wear tomorrow with my adorable Keds skimmers).

My waist isn't tiny so I often feel like I look thick through the middle...not fat, just kind of squat. Creating a waist is probably my biggest struggle.

I think this top is too long. Am i right?

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0955.jpg

So I tried tucking it in which just looked awful. It made my torso look even shorter than it usually does (though from the side my waist looked small...unfortunately not from the front):

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0954.jpg

Then I used my marvelous photo retouching skills to make the shirt end about where I think it looks right (ok it was a slapdash job but you get the idea):

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....5_copy.jpg

So my question is am I right? I almost don't want to be because it means I'll have to hem all my tops that I want to wear with skirts!

...or is this kind of top not a good choice at all, despite the length? If not, what should I look for?

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Antje

Veteran

The top might be too long, but I wonder if a different top could work in that length. The top is quite casual, and a top that is tighter (especially at the sleeves, and probably on the waist) might look a bit smarter. In terms of visually creating a more defined waist, a couple suggestions:
Do you have tops with a deeper v-neck? I find that deeper v-necks somehow create more of a waist, optically.
Another great way is some kind of ruching or shirring in the top at the right places. Here are a couple examples (ignore colors, prices, etc., it's just about the cuts).
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=35908
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....1&P=2 (too long, but I included it for the shirring and the deeper v-neck)

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, I believe that top is a tiny bit too long, but maybe you could rescue it with a thin belt? I don't like the tucked in look too much tough.
Antje makes some goos suggestions. I love that pink top! I'd also try some wrap tops, with thicker waist band such as
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

On different topic, I have found these high waist skinnies:
http://www.tobi.com/product/13.....nim-skinny

The calves are too tapered for me, I prefer them straighter, but if you don't have that need they might work for you.

Julia

Maya, I have a similar figure like yours. I agree with all said above. In addition, I like to wear a faux-wrap top with A-line skirts, something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015.....nkCode=asn

I don't know why but I found that you can get away with longer length in this style so it can be worn with pants too.

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, Do you have a short sleeved, thin cotton button down feminine shirt? Could you wear a camisole under a top like that with the skirt? I was thinking of thing like this:

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X.....atId=50434|50435|51155

Maya

Veteran

I do have deeper vnecks but most of my shirts are pretty long because I need them to be longer for pants and jeans. I'm probably going to have to buy some tops to wear just for skirts. Maybe the wrap styles Tanya and Julia suggested might work both ways though. I have historically had problems with wrap tops because my waist is basically just a dent in my torso and unless the wrap part falls square in that dent, it doesn't look good. Ruching and shirring sounds good too.

I have a shirt like that Nicole. It doesn't do much for the waist though. I usually just wear it as a layering piece.

Those skinnies are too tapered for me too, Tanya. I like the tapered style only if I'm wearing a longer top. I would like to find the high waist "Cigarette" jeans by Joe's. Maybe they'll pop up at Filene's basement or something.

shiny

Veteran

Maya, your waist isn't just a dent in your torso. Your waist is simply higher!! I have the same build myself. The skinniest part of my torso is just under my rib cage, which is where yours appears to be too.

What I've learned is that whatever I wear, I should accentuate the smallest part. It makes me look taller and draws the eye up and does all sorts of other good things!

This is why you'll see me wearing cropped cardi's a lot - particularly over looser, waistless tops. And when I wear a belt, the belt is over the shirt and higher up than where my waistband hits me (even my higher waisted pants).

So I agree with the suggestion to look for a top with a deeper V neck (or even a scoop neck, which is my personal favorite), and one that is more form-fitting. If you're like me, you don't want it form-fitting in the belly button zone (1 inch above and 1 inch below the belly button) because this just makes me look puffy like a marshmallow and shows all my lumps and bumps!! But having a top fit snugly at the smallest part of my waist - and then go out - works best. Or, go with an A-line or loose top, but cinch in at the smallest part with a cardi buttoned right there.

As for length, I actually think the first photo is passable length - if it was more form-fitting at the smallest part of your torso - except that the skirt has those long pockets, and for me, they're messing it up visually somehow.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Tomorrows blog entry was made for you, Maya. Stay tuned. You need short fitted tops for skirts.

The tops that Antje suggests are great, but they need to be shorter to wear with skirts for your height. A deeper V is an excellent idea. Shiny has also hit the nail on the head with her higher waistline logic. Wrap shirt of Tanya’s will only work if it’s short enough. Good idea though.(Fabulous jeans BTW. My diesels look just like that. Wonder what the quality is like?) Julia’s suggestion is also very good. This might possibly be best if it’s short.

A second cropped layer will help this top, Maya. It breaks up the torso and offers definition.

Maya

Veteran

I guess my challenge is going to be finding tops that are short enough. I have a cropped cardigan but it's going to be warm tomorrow.

I think this top would be nice, but I doubt it will be short enough even in petites.

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Petite

Antje

Veteran

Yeah, that Ann Taylor top looks like it might fit the bill in terms of it being fitted and the details of the cut accentuating your waist. The wrap style and the horizontal band at that particular height shoudl be great. Let's hope it's not too long!

shiny

Veteran

What about something like this - it has the deeper vee (may be too deep so need a cami), and it's sleeveless. I think sleeveless would look great on you Maya.

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Petite

I don't know why it is, but I seem to like my silouhette in skirts better when I go sleeveless. I think it's because I'm always wanting a more pear silouhette, so this creates kinda like a triangle effect??

shiny

Veteran

Oooh... and this one!!

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Petite

This one is gorgeous and fits Angie's rules... but I am dubious because it doesn't look like there's much accomodation for more than an A cup there. Am I the only one that has problems with shirts like these?? BR has a lot in a similar style but none work for me - the seam below the bodice hits too high - not under the breasts where it's supposed to be - or doesn't have enough fabric to accomodate the "girls":

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Petite

I need to go hit the mall this weekend.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That first top will look gorgeous on your too, Shiny. I have seen it on and it is extremely flattering if you like the print. And quite right, empire cuts like that don’t work for bustier girls ( 3rd top), but the second one is a goodie and sits lower than you might assume.Try them and give us your feedback.

You might be hemming tops for skirts, Maya!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

BTW, super knee-length on that denim skirt, Maya. Perfect.

Maya

Veteran

I just went to AT and didn't have any luck at all! First of all the color palette was driving me nuts. EVERYTHING...literally every single piece of fabric...was green and/or blue. I felt like I was drowning in the ocean. I couldn't find any of the tops I liked that I saw online, and they are out of my size online anyway so I can't even order. What a bummer. I'll have to keep looking. Maybe another AT will have more variety.

Shiny, I don't seem to have the problem with the seam not sitting properly. I should since I am busty, but I don't. Not sure why. Somehow I feel uncomfortable in sleeveless tops. I guess because no matter what I do I always get some bra strap showing. I'm still not sold on tops with waist ties. Cinching the waist only seems to work when you HAVE a waist, which I do not.

Antje

Veteran

Maya, don't sell yourself short. You DO have a waist, we all saw it in your photos It sits high, and so you just have to find the right top that accentuates it well rather than hides it.

In terms of sleeves, I find that sleeveless or form fitting 1/2 length sleeves are most flattering, especially in the context of making your torso look slimmer and more streamlined. It might seem like it has nothing to do with it, but I honestly think the loose short sleeves in your original top might make you look a little bit wider than you are. Might want to play with that. (It's just something I learned to be true for my own body; I used to not pay a lot of attention to sleeves, but now I very deliberately pick out either sleeveless or tight 1/2 or 3/4 length sleeves most of the times, and rarely going for short sleeves or wider 1/2 or 3/4 sleeves (full length wide sleeves are fine for me, too.)) Your mileage might vary, but I wanted to throw it in as one aspect that's related to waist definition even though one might not think of it right away.

Julia

How about this one? The empire-waist band works like a built-in belt and defines your smallest part if you have a higher waist (I do and I was surprised to find out so many ppl in this forum do too.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ses#ATLtop

I'm not sure about the sequin though, does it make the top look cheap?

Maya

Veteran

Ooh I saw that online too Julia. It looks quite long though. I guess I have no choice but to hem. I don't think the sequins make it cheap, just adds some tasteful sparkle.

Antje, I am actually not smallest underneath the bust. When I bend to the side and measure around where I bend, it's actually an inch or two smaller than directly under the bust. Unfortunately it's such a small dent you cant even really see it. Maybe in a more fitted top?

shiny

Veteran

Your smallest right under the ribcage, right? Which is lower than the bra band.

Maya

Veteran

Nope, I'm not. I'm smallest where my torso bends, which is a bit above my belly button. If my torso was longer, it would be more apparent. I'm around 28" below the bra band and 26.5" around my natural waist. That's why any kind of waistband has to hit me at the exact right spot, but it usually hits an inch or two too low, which is very unflattering. Had my torso been an inch or two longer, I don't think it would be a problem. This is also why I have an extremely long inseam for my height (5'2 and 31"). It's just a matter of proportion.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I definitely see a body that goes in at the waist, Maya. Quite a lot in fact. I have dressed plenty of women with literally no waistline and they do not have a body like you! You are short-waisted, hourglassy and carry your length in your legs. Great!

Antje is spot on about her sleeve length theory. I’m going to love you in a sleeveless top. Pretty shoulder bones want to be exposed, and NY can get really hot (which I know you know!). Bra-strappers are the answer to your bra strap showing. You might need to venture into Macys ( site is awful). Your pocket will love their constant discounting.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

It's true--Macy's sales are really great.

Tanya

Veteran

Maya, you have a waist, and quite pronounced if I may say so! It is just a tad short , that's all! You actually have that perfect Barbie shape that Stacy & Clinton always try to achieve: hourglass with short waist and long legs.

How about tops like these:
http://bluefly.com/pages/produ.....Product+ID
http://bluefly.com/pages/produ.....Product+ID

Maya

Veteran

I'm scared to death of the Macy's here. It's just so huge...I don't even know where to start! I'll try and brave it during the day, when it isn't as crowded. I love that crisscross INC top Antje posted and I DO know where the INC department is, so maybe I'll luck out.

What are bra strappers? Are they those things that make your bra into a racerback?

Maya

Veteran

I saw the first top when I did a seach on Bluefly before Tanya. My only concern would be that the seaming seems like it might cut across my bust or hit at the wrong place. The second Sweet Pea top looks cute though, and Sweet Pea is definitely a favorite of mine. And thanks for comparing me to Barbie, haha

Tanya

Veteran

I believe this is a type of bra strappers:
http://lingeriesolutions.com/i.....;ProdID=67

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Try the Macys Petites department for tops first. That will narrow your search down. Yes - remember this post?

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/25/the-bra-strapper/

Super suggestions from Tanya. You’ll need to hem that sweet pie top though (sorry!)

Maya

Veteran

Oh, I've accepted that all my tops will need hemming. For some reason I found plenty of sweaters that are good for skirts though. I had high hopes for AT and ATL because one of the sweaters I got was from their petites department.

I'll run by Macy's this week and see what they have. I'm sure there must be SOMETHING in such a huge store.

is the bra strapper available in stores or does it need to be ordered? That would REALLY come in handy. My straps constantly slip off, but I put up with it because the rest of the bra fits so well.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I suspect that you’ll need to order the bra strapper online. I have not seen it in store yet.

Enjoy your Macys adventure!