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Trouble with tops

marianne

I must be hopeless with buying tops! The only types of tops I tend to purchase without a problem are button-down shirts and cardigans, but I seem to be incapable of picking a blouse or even a sweater. If I see something I like, it either has shoulder emphasis or high collar (neither of which work for me) or it's the wrong color. (I got tempted with the colors of Edwardian turtleneck from the YLF store, only to discover that the style doesn't work well on me). I was wondering if you guys could maybe share your recent top purchases to give me some ideas or inspiration. I feel a little stuck in the button-down shirt + cardigan mode. Thank you!

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Maya

Veteran

I sympathize Marianne. I'm dreading the fact that I am becoming more of a wovens girl than a knit girl because I know I'm going to be disappointed most of the time due to fit issues

Have you checked BR? They have a lot of lovely tops with lower necklines sans shoulder details. Some of them are on the dressier side since it is holiday time, but not all of them are.

What about getting a pretty shell type layering top to wear under your cardis?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

Or something like the J Crew ruffle tank Angie blogged about? This is somewhat similar:

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular

Maybe something sheer that can be worn over a cami, or with voluminous sleeves:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

Cowl necks!

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

I really like this one as far as knits go.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....1&P=2

Pretty wrap shirt:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....1&P=4

A lot of these examples are dressy or expensive but they should all exist in a less expensive, casual format.

Do you have any graphic t's? What about Sweet Pea tops? They are great layering pieces in the winter and fabulous on their own when it gets hotter.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear, Marianne. Why on earth do you dread turtlenecks!

marianne

Thank you for the ideas, Maya! I really appreciate a different perspective. AT has fallen off my radar lately, probably because I'm not on their mailing list. I really like that ATL top, I just wish it had more coverage at the shoulders. I am mostly a wovens' person, and yes, there are always ft issues, I just need to focus on some specific styles instead of grabbing another button-down. I wanted to take advantage of BR sale, and couldn't pick anything, so I just needed to vent

Angie, I wear turtlenecks mostly for layering, but I have too much in the shoulders and not enough in the neck for them to be flattering on their own:) As for this particular turtleneck, maybe it was the shoulder ruching (against which you warned) - I just felt very "square" in it. I need to return it, but I'll try to take a picture. The color is really nice.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I have trouble finding tops too. Turtlenecks, tees, cardigans, sweaters -- no problem. Finding a nice top to wear alone or with a suit is a struggle for each one. For me, it's that I want it to be unique so it stands out under the suit jacket, but most of them like Sweet Peas show too much cleavage for work or the neckline is just plain odd with a jacket.

I don't really have any suggestions except to try to build that up one at a time. Each top from each store is so different i find I have to devote my shopping trip JUST to tops, or I will get distracted and go home with another dress instead.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Okay! Thanks for the explanation, Marianne. I'm going to have a good look at the top part of your body on Tuesday night and offer my 2 cents :0)

shiny

Veteran

Since you like button downs, why not try this top?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

I tried this on awhile back, and it fit well. Very nice blouse.

I've been hoping this one would come in petites - sometimes regulars at AT fit me, but I haven't seen it in the store to try:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

I'm not all that into the BR tops lately. Have not found any of them that I liked in months. I will say that right now the pickings seem rather slim for tops at BR and AT. It was better in the fall. So it may not be your imagination... I suspect that winter is just not the best time for blouses, since the stores are focusing more on sweaters?

marianne

Thanks Kristen, I am glad you understand! It doesn't seem like it should be too hard, but I feel paralyzed at this point. I also haven't had any time for shopping lately, and I know it would help to just go and try a pile of things instead of trying to pick something online.
Shiny, I am glad to hear that about BR. It used to be my go-to store and it's still the first site I check. Thank you for the links (can't look at them at work but will check them tonight :))
Oh Angie, I didn't mean to say that I am totally non-standard or anything, it's more of an issue with my lack of ideas at the moment. I've been very busy lately and haven't been following the forum as much, and it's usually the main source of inspiration for me.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I also have a very hard time with tops. When I finally find one that fits my bust but doesn't look too baggy at the waist, it generally stops short at my hips creating a bunching effect.
I've come to terms with the fact that I can't wear most tops off the rack as is.
I bought this one recently
http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....50_6425(in purple of course)
but had to take up the hem about two inches so it would fit properly.

I also got this one as a layering blouse for under my faux leather jacket
http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....=1350_6396
I had to take up the shoulders a hair so that the hemline sat in the right spot.

I have tried the rest of those blouses on and nothing else worked.

Lately I've been wearing a lot of pull over sweaters or sweater tunics with a cropped leather or denim jacket over the top.

I also really love cowl necklines and have been searching for more of those.

Inge

(website)

Since you already own some button-down shirts, have you tried pairing them with a sweater vest (maybe patterned) or a waistcoat to mix things up a bit Marianne? Or with a cascading cardi if you normally wear "regular" cardigans?

I actually love love love a very strong shoulder line, so I personally think you could pull off a turtleneck, but if you don't like the look yourself that's perfectly fine of course. Oh, how about trying a thin knit turtleneck underneath a denim jacket?
I have one with lighter and darker grey (broad) stripes, I often pair it with a grey pencil skirt and wear my denim jacket over it. Looks great;-) Pants will work too.

Do you think a turtleneck on its own could work if you added a scarf (remember Angie's post on how to wear black tops?). It would add 'something extra around the neck';-)

How about a tunic with a cowl-neck (I LOVE cowl-necks;-) It doesn't really matter if the sweater isn't really tunic length on you (happens to me all the time too), then just think of it as a 'longer' sweater to wear with pants:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....5&P=1

Or something like this with an exaggerated collar? (I'm not fond of the thicker knits for myself, but you are very slim, so they might work for you)
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....5&P=1

shiny

Veteran

I was just going to type up a list of complaints about BR tops lately, and I went to check the site for examples, only to discover they have just got some new items in that look promising!

Including a denim shirt! I know you are looking for something other than a collared shirt, but it may be easier for you to go first for something that has a collar, but isn't the typical cotton shirt. Such as the AT silk blouse, or this BR denim shirt:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=717838
I want to try this one myself!!!!!! I can imagine this over my black ponte knit pants...

I have too many gray blouses at the moment, but you might like this one:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=719680002

I personally love empire tops - I would wear this one in a heartbeat
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=719773

This isn't the greatest neckline for me (too high) but would work great under a jacket for work:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=719794002
... I'd go for the white. I have been on a white kick lately. I am finding I wear my white blouses more often than anything else.

Another good shell in a pretty color, with a pattern that's not too loud:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=719824

I tried this one on awhile ago, unfortunately, it didn't fit me ... but it is GORGEOUS. I love the color:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=698299

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Lovely suggestions from the gals! I actually have a bone to pick with BR at the moment. Their stuff seems off. Fit, colour and everything else. Does anyone else have that issue? Shiny isn’t thrilled either by the sounds of things.

Soooooo Marianne, I’d get your pretty little long and lean self to CM after Xmas asap and snap up their tops. Their fit and palette is just what the doctor ordered.

shiny

Veteran

Agreed, Angie. I haven't been able to put my finger on it. AT has been hitting it out of the ballpark for me lately (color, fit, everything), while BR has just been a disappointment (except for this new dress I just bought).

There are a few new tops on the site that look promising. Otherwise, what I've seen all has short sleeves - and often puffy ones. Dreadful. The colors are ... meh... I keep thinking they must work on someone. Or it's all just too neutral. Or it's something I've seen a zilion times and it's just a big snore.

Fit - I am less clear about that, since I gained a few pounds, I assumed it was just me. There are a few items I thought looked amazing on the hanger, but just didn't fit well. Typically because of my chest. My chest is pretty average (34B) so this makes me wonder.

I have wondered for awhile if BR is targeting the asian markets? The fit seems better for someone with smaller bone structure and with less chest than I have... and the colors seem like they'd be more flattering on an asian complexion. They have also had many of asian models on their site, I don't know if anyone else has noticed that. Or they are just going more towards a younger market in general, with more of a junior cut?

My other theory is they are simply sticking to the basics, the tried-and-true. Because of the recession. It's just that I feel like I've BTDT with all their stuff, nothing knocks my socks off lately. In a recession companies need to take risks. That's what AT and even Talbot's have done, and it seems to be paying off.

GAP, incidentally, is even worse. I could fall asleep just looking at their offerings. Old Navy also seems like a snore to me lately. I can't say about fit for either, as nothing has compelled me to want to bother a try on.

Or YLF has just made me spoiled!

marianne

Thank you very much for taking the time, Inge, Shiny and Sarah! This gives me a better idea of what to look for. I guess what I noticed since going back to work is that I tend to fall into the uniform mode with the shirts/cardigans. When I was at home I would have a favorite item at any given time that I would wear often but in different variations, since I didn't need to wear something different every day.
Shiny, yes my main beef with BR is puffy sleeves - or butterfly sleeves. But overall I agree about the Gap group, grr. I always start my online browsing there, out of habit, and it's been very frustrating. AT stuff used to be too short for me, but I haven't been there since their makeover.
Angie, I am a big fan of CM, but it's been difficult for me to make it to the store. I'll try to make it a priority after Xmas.
Oh yes, and I will try to get the picture of the Nordstrom turtleneck for you guys to vote yay or nay.

Maya

Veteran

I'm going to have to defend BR here. Not that you didn't already know, but I have a huge chest and have always found BR to fit very well and still do. I have never found another place that sells buttondowns that fit me (ok, they're probably considered too snug for most people, but for me the fact that they actually close without gaping is a miracle). If the fit is bad on everyone else, maybe I have the one freak body type that they work for, but in that case...lucky me :p

The colors are rather drab this season but I am finding that to be the case everywhere. Most shoppers are "afraid" of colors and prefer neutrals due to the perception that they go with everything and are universally flattering. During a recession, neutrals win.

Sleeves I hadn't thought about because I don't really need to, but I'm seeing a lot of things without puff sleeves or without sleeves period.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I’m sure that there are elements of truth in your suspicions about BR’s current range, Jennifer. I seldom shop there myself, and am not having luck with clients there at the moment. All shapes, sizes and complexions. BTDT is exactly how I feel. The monogram collection tickles my fancy but it’s so black and grey. Again. BTDT.

I agree that AT has been extraordinary this year. Very happy clients! I even found a piece or two. My only complaint is that stocks are low so sizes are going fast. ATL on the other hand – not so fab. I haven’t taken clients there for a long time. Their quality leaves me cold at the moment.

I have a little luck at Gap for jeans – for clients who prefer not to pay premium price. They also did a good casual non-itchy turtleneck this year.

Maya, my perception is different. In a recession – people need more of a reason to buy something, which means purchasing items that are different to what they already have. Most people have a closet full of neutrals and safe basics (I have seen many closets in my lifetime). There is little incentive to add to that collection of “safeness” in a recession. People will rather do without than add more of the same thing. Offer something different and sales fly. When I was a buyer, this was the retail approach which worked every time – in every country I might add.

Sorry Marianne – we hijacked your thread.