WIW: Drapey knit top problems - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW: Drapey knit top problems

Joy

Veteran

Continuing my June challenge to deal with pieces that give me problems or toss them, today I incorporated a cream colored Express knit top with loose banded bottom. This was added to an order a few years ago to get free shipping.
Now a rectangle is supposed to be able to wear drapey tops, although maybe It is a rectangle with larger boobs. I reasoned that a top with volume in front like this one has would add a few visual inches to my little cupcakes, but, in reality, it emphasizes that I can't fill out the top and my cupcakes become pancakes. Knowing this, today I am wearing my most enhancing bra.
A scarf was added to try to fill in the neckline that gapes, as well as a very necessary tank under the top.
I did not feel fab in this outfit. Too much play with black and white perhaps? Should the ivory top continue to occupy a hanger? The outfit in general...what do you think? What changes should I make?

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23 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

Robin

Giant grain of salt thought here since i'm blind and can't see the pictures but.... would belting the top help add visual interest and deal with the extra volume?Your reply

Sal

Veteran

I will be honest here....I think it is not right.

After your stunning blue tee and jeans, and yesterday's wonderful white jeans look, this top does not show you off. I think it will be too hard to make it work, the cut is wrong. The colour is fab and I love the trouser and shoe combination.

Adelfa

Veteran

I actually like it on you. But if you don't feel fab, it must go.

kellygirl

Veteran

I love the idea of this top but I think all of the draping overwhelms you. I like it best with the scarf but I don't think it does you justice.

tulle

Veteran

I was all set to say, come on Joy, you always look great--then I saw the shirt in question & recognized a problem I've had with similar shirts: they are designed to look wonderful on deep-bosomed women. On small-chested, high-breasted women they just droop. Add to that the thin material which tends to cling to itself in odd wrinkles, and I'm afraid you've got something you'll never feel fab in, in spite of clever styling with camis & jackets. On the bright side, we can wear those boat-necks & crew necks that well-endowed women often find difficult!

AJ

Veteran

Yep, the top doesn't get you.

I really like your pants! Have you tried cuffing them to make it ankle length?

Greyscale

Veteran

I think the thin material is the problem. It's drooping, not draping, and it's not your chest's fault. I doubt this top would look good on a larger chest, either. There's just too much extra fabric at the top, without enough substance to do anything other than sit there.

The top with the windowpane check pants and the blue tank is a great color combination, regardless!

Joy

Veteran

I'm convinced. This top is going.
Robin, belting is a good idea, but this particular top has a deep cowel neck that will still droop.
Kiwigal, I do like the color and may need to find another sleeveless top in this color.
Adelfa, I may put this top in a holding zone, it isn't so bad under a long cardi. I may try again to style it, but right now I'm not feeling any love for it.
Kellygirl, it just isn't quite right, is it?
Tulle, thank you for understanding and reminding me that there are necklines that do work well.
AJ, Those pants do work well cuffed to ankle length. I did that a lot last summer and will again.
Greyscale, "drooping, not draping" says it all

Helena

Veteran

Yes, I think your instincts are correct - I think the top overwhelms you a little (I have a similar shape up top so I understand!) It looks fine; I'm sure no one would think it looked bad and the overall outfit is great! But as tulle suggests, I would love this with a somewhat more tailored boatneck; you could still add a scarf to fill in the upper area if you chose

Take all that with a grain of salt as I recognize the bias of my personal preferences in the suggestions

Anonymous

Well, since you've decided on the shirt (good decision) I might as well comment on something else: Love the pants!

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I think Grayscale nailed it. The fabric is too thin to drape well, regardless of your shape. Next!

(I laughed out loud at your description of your chest.)

jackiec

Veteran

Aha, seems the consensus is that it's a bit overwhelming. I'd like to see it without the black tank underneath - maybe something nude or white? I laughed at your cupcake vs pancake description. I so hear you on that!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Joy --

The cupcake/pancake duality made me laugh as well.

I don't love it on you, but I don't hate it when worn without the jacket. [Then it just seems extra...not you.]

Seems like a good idea to move it along since you don't feel great in it.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Glad to hear you're passing on this top Joy - it is not fab enough for you

Aziraphale

Veteran

First off, fabulous shoes. And pants. I love those pants.

Secondly, I think that a smaller bust is just about always easier to dress than a full one -- but this top might be one of those that actually works better with a fuller bust. I actually think it looks not bad on you, but if you feel uncomfortable in it, why keep it? When you put on the jacket, the whole outfit looks amazing -- but it would look just as great with another white top that fit you better.

Jeweled

Veteran

The top doesn't do you justice. It was marginally better with the jacket (probably because the jacket covered it and distracted attention from it), but not enough better to make it a keeper. There is a better white top out there somewhere that will do you justice!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Just reading your description of what you went through to style this makes it a no go in my book. Can't imagine you feeling that again and again....

Joy

Veteran

Thank you all for taking time to comment.
TraceyLiz, that's a good point.
Jeweled, you are right. There are better tops out there and even in my closet, I suspect.
Aziraphale, wise words. You gave me an idea. My DDIL would look great in this top.
Shannon, thank you. You have such a nice way of wording things.
Vix, thank you for wise words. You are helping me let it go.
Jackie, I used to wear white under it. I don't know why I grabbed the black tank today.
Elizabeth, this fabric is odd. It is not see through but thin enough to cling and catch on everything.
Smittie, I like the pants too and got them after seeing several Fabbers in similar ones.
Torontogirl, your words are helping me figure this out. Thank you.

dakotacheryl

Veteran

You look so wonderful in the photos I've seen of you...but this is not a top for you...I'm late to the party and everyone has already given you wise words.

And, as mentioned, this fabric is thin...my rant for the day is how thin the knits are this summer...what the heck!! I have hot flashes, I don't want to LAYER tops in the summer...grrrrr

catgirl

Veteran

I have a similar Haute Hippie drape top that I got from consignment and am about to reconsign for this same reason. It's surprisingly fussy and requires a cami, just-so adjusting, and isn't all that fun to wear. It's not you!

SW Ann

Veteran

My first comment about this top--too much fabric. I'd send it away.
My second comment, as a very busty woman, I have never been able to make a top like this look/feel right on me. So, those that are busy may have better experiences than me, but in general, I find this type of top and better idea than it has worked out in reality. Just sayin'....

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes. Too much trouble. Even though it's a nice neutral, to me it doesn't fill an actual wardrobe hole or show off some other item. Many other tops have you for similar purpose. Bypass the holding zone and go directly out! ( so says the one who is trying all kinds of tricks to help self let go of more things.)

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think there is an issue with the way the top is cut. I love tops like this. But there is something about the way it hangs that wouldn't work on most (any?) bodies. It is too big in some places and clings in others. You look like a standard size 2 or 4 Joy with NO figure issues, you're built like a model. It's not you, it's the top.