https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 08:14:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-934334 Thu, 16 May 2013 21:21:09 +0000 Wendi1984 934334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, texstyle. That's good to know.<br /><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/sandra-ingrish-two-pocket-gingham-shirt/3437923?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&amp;contextualcategoryid=2375500&amp;fashionColor=BRIGHT+CHARTREUSE&amp;resultback=1296&amp;cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_5_A" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/sa.....search-per</a><br />I found the shirt in a different color on Nordstrom's website; I tried it in black. There's only one review, but it's very positive. Maybe I should get it. Gingham seems like a good pattern for adding a little pop to plain jeans or a solid skirt or khakis, while being mixable with other patterns if I get brave.<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933832 Thu, 16 May 2013 14:39:48 +0000 texstyle 933832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think I like the idea of wearing the shirt at least partially buttoned and semi-tucked for this to work. I'm going to try it that way.<br /><br />Wendi, I own a lot of very light cotton button downs and never have a problem with them lasting. I only put them in the dryer on low for&nbsp; just a few minutes then take them out and put them on a hangar and straighten the plackets and collar. I use a spray bottle of water to "iron" many of my shirts while they are hanging in the shower or I just hold them in there so I don't get my floors all wet. I spray more water at the bottom to help weigh them down. And I focus on the wrinkles with more water. I don't soak the shirt. Anyway, I am pretty casual so I rarely iron any other way unless it's for a dressier event. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933574 Thu, 16 May 2013 03:49:10 +0000 Wendi1984 933574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I almost bought a button-down shirt today, planning to use it for that purpose among others. It was black gingham, a nice fit on me but loose enough to layer a cami under, a little sheer (very lightweight cotton), with 3/4 sleeves rolled up and buttoned with a tab. I thought I could wear it tucked in, untucked, tied at the waist, or as a topper over a tank top. I didn't buy it because it seemed a little pricey ($35), but now I'm starting to think I should have. I was just a little nervous that such a lightweight cotton wouldn't hold up to frequent washings, and would require a lot of ironing.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933537 Thu, 16 May 2013 03:00:37 +0000 Adelfa 933537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wear shirts over tanks or other layering tees but not exactly as jackets. I button a couple of buttons in the solar plexus region and then semi-tuck. So the shirt (which might be silk, cotton, or denim) is part of the outfit. &nbsp;I don't *think* it looks frumpy. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933474 Thu, 16 May 2013 01:51:44 +0000 Anonymous 933474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to do this but no more. It's too RATE and sloppy on me, especially using oversized linen shirts with straight bottoms. Instead I use a denim vest over a tank or light weight jackets or even cardigans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933473 Thu, 16 May 2013 01:42:52 +0000 Denise 933473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A definite yay if styled well.&nbsp; I would tuck or semi tuck or do a sheer shirt and very skinny jeans. I'm older but thin.&nbsp; 5'5" and size 2. On me this style can look overwhelming or matronly.. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933460 Thu, 16 May 2013 01:25:21 +0000 pil 933460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My initial thought was, yes, absolutely. Going wrong with frumpiness hadn't even entered my mind. One added benefit would be the shirt doing double duty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933165 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:08:14 +0000 Laurinda 933165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My eye needs training. I would love to see Angie's advice/examples on how to pull this off.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933081 Wed, 15 May 2013 17:29:45 +0000 texstyle 933081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, interesting replies. Thank you for chiming in Angie!&nbsp; I agree that a lot of people who wear this look end up frumpy looking to me. Which is exactly why I'm concerned about it and wanted to get some opinions. Last year I just didn't wear most of my&nbsp;tanks at all because I didn't have enough lightweight blazers/jackets. I have 2 or&nbsp;3 now, but have not found the right one in a neutral tan or taupe, which I really wanted (mine are white, navy and a slightly heavier one in charcoal).<br /><br />I think I would only do the look with long sleeve linen shirts that were at least a bit fitted or tailored looking (for my taste) and of course roll/scrunch the sleeves, &nbsp;but I imagine some people could get away with the more roomy, flowy style if it were sheer enough. Not sure if mine are or not.<br /><br />I don't really wear crops for the most part - I do have one pair of slim cropped jeans but they aren't really cropped on me when unrolled.<br /><br />It might actually be an issue of those ribbed tanks just not being my style any longer. <br /><br />Edit: DonnaF, I do have a couple of Caslon blazers so thank you for pointing it out. I think I might try the Olivia Moon linen blazer (nope, never mind, it has shoulder pads not for me). I tried a linen one from Caslon before but it was a bit snug so I need to order up a size I guess. Doing that now. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933025 Wed, 15 May 2013 16:40:41 +0000 DonnaF 933025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm with Unfrumped.&nbsp; I worry about looking like a page from the J.Jill catalog when I wear a shirt in place of a jacket.<br /><br />I ordered the following recently: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/caslon-two-button-linen-jacket/3435634?" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/caslon-two-button-linen-jacket/3435634" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ca.....et/3435634</a>?</a> &nbsp; Hope I cut the link at the right place.&nbsp; Anyway, it's an UNLINED linen blazer and the collar sits flat instead of heating the neck so it's very cool.&nbsp; I am going to order it in another size and do a K/R if I can't choose.&nbsp; The polka dot one that I have now looks more crisp than rumpled, but the blue one looks rumpled as described and is a bit wonky so it is going back today.&nbsp; Since Caslon is a Nordstrom brand, I expect the jacket to be marked down from its current $69 at some point this season. <br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-933008 Wed, 15 May 2013 16:12:20 +0000 Karie 933008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMGoodness, I was just thinking about that this morning! This has happened to me before - I'll be thinking of a fashion related topic, then go on YLF and there it is! Spooky!<br /><br />I vote YAY. I just purchased a Gap Shrunken Boyfriend shirt that I was thinking of wearing as a topper next week. I think a BF style shirt is perfect for styling that way, as they are a bit looser fitting and not so structured. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932996 Wed, 15 May 2013 15:52:04 +0000 unfrumped 932996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I am chiming in with a “be very careful.” Or at least for my age group.</p> <p>The big-buttondown- shirt-over-T or tank, plus the obligatory crops and slides or sandals, is the summer uniform for a lot of middle-aged ladies around here. I like &nbsp;the ease of loose comfy shirt as a topper, too, and had some built some outfits around them. However, &nbsp;this was probably one of the most frumptastic looks for me. I’ve made an effort to switch to light blazers or other jackets when possible.</p> <p>I still think the look can work if done right. I wish I could analyze it for you, but I suspect it’s individual—shape, size, proportions. I’ve kept a few such shirts for very casual wear and overall they tend to be more fitted in the waist, good fit in shoulders, and a bit shorter—not cropped at all, but not overwhelmingly long. That may be me-specific because the big shirt does not provide enough structure.</p> <p>Also the short-sleeved camp shirts or puff sleeves are really hard to style for older ladies, IMO, and I used to rely on several of them. Gone now!</p> <p>There might be other aspects of a “formula” to fight frumpiness, such as keeping other aspects of the outfit very updated. I’m not wearing rolled pants, but I could see it with Bermudas and oxfords, for example, looking better than wide crops or Mom jeans. Scrunching sleeves helps too, of course.Or wearing over a dress instead of shorts, or in a special fabric. Or&nbsp; more interesting detailing and not the cotton discount store shirt.</p> <p>I’m still game for using long-sleeved shirts for &nbsp;light toppers , but not over-investing in that look.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932951 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:55:34 +0000 T-Rex 932951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it can work, depending on proportions and the mood you are going for. I remember a springtime trend from&nbsp;a few years ago where everyone was wearing midcalf or slightly longer fit-n-flare jersey spaghetti strap dresses with sandals and loose, almost sheer linen shirts unbuttoned over them. I really liked that look.&nbsp;The&nbsp;loose fit of the shirt was balanced by the fact that you could see the shape of the body through the open front, and a suggestion of the body shape through the sheer fabric. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932945 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:49:14 +0000 Angie 932945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Do you mean wear a shirt over a tank as a jacket? <br /><br />I think you have to be VERY careful with this concept. It looks frumpy fast, and I'm not mincing my words about it!<br /><br />I dress men in this look quite a bit - and Greg wears it.&nbsp; Printed tee - jeans or shorts - open striped long sleeved shirt scruched at the sleeves. It looks fantastic on the boys when the elements are right. <br /><br />I have a few lady clients who wear this look in a fab way. One is classic and one is trendy. You have to get the details right though. So give it a bash :)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932938 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:38:22 +0000 linneylou 932938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love wearing shirts instead of jackets in the summer especially. But I made the mistake of wearing a beautiful silky shirt over a t shirt thinking it would look nice but I couldn't wait to get home and take it off because the shirt <br />&nbsp;was to 'boxy' that is, it gave me no shape around the waist area. But if I get it right a shirt can look just as good as a jacket. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932933 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:35:20 +0000 texstyle 932933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So far it looks like a Yay. I wonder what Angie would say. <br /><br />And I think now that I wear longer shorts it will work better than it would with my shorter shorts of the past. I think I have well fitting linen shirts (maybe for the first time in my life thanks to YLF) so I'm going to give it a go soon.<br /><br />I'm not sure if the flax color will work for me on the jcrew linen but I have a weak spot for those natural cozy colors of wood tones so I'm going to give it a try. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932924 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:31:10 +0000 Carole 932924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely! Love the JCrew linen shirt and can't wait to see you layer this with your outfits. I would leave the shirt long and wear like a jacket or cardigan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932923 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:31:08 +0000 kellygirl 932923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I typically leave it long like a jacket open or with a few buttons in the middle buttoned. I've never tried semi-tucking or tucking--could work though.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932918 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:28:42 +0000 Astrid 932918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I say yay, I like the look for a casual outfit. I agree with Sara about being careful about fit and proportions.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932917 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:27:55 +0000 Suz 932917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do it too, Texstyle. As Sara said, you have to watch for fit and proportion so it doesn't look too sloppy, but it's a great solution when you don't want your shoulders exposed to sun but you can't wear a jacket. I don't really wear tanks on their own any more (due to flattery issues) but will pop a shirt over top and show the tank, which doesn't seem as problematic for me.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932915 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:27:22 +0000 texstyle 932915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wonder if you all tuck or semi tuck with this look or leave the shirt long? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932910 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:23:59 +0000 kellygirl 932910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Absolutely, yay! I do this over my ribbed tanks or tanks where my bra straps don't stay hidden. I really like it for our casual style https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932858 Wed, 15 May 2013 13:50:58 +0000 Sara L. 932858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do this occasionally in the summer too.&nbsp; You just have to be careful with fit and proportions. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932853 Wed, 15 May 2013 13:44:14 +0000 Anonymous 932853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I say Yay! I do this all the time in the summer, as I often need a topper lighter than a blazer.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shirts-as-toppers-yay-or-nay#post-932844 Wed, 15 May 2013 13:32:30 +0000 texstyle 932844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have recently seen a few examples of shirts worn as toppers and wonder if this style has YFL approval.<br /><br />I am always looking for light weight toppers but only own a few so far that are light enough for our long hot season. I own a couple of BR linen shirts that could be used this way and one on order from jcrew (below) that I'm considering to wear with my rarely worn ribbed tanks (because I feel l need more coverage).<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />Some pinterest examples on this page:<br /><a href="http://pinterest.com/cynthia335/the-styles-of-cynthia335/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/cynthia33.....ynthia335/</a><br /><br />Jcrew Linen Shirt:<br /><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/casualshirts/PRDOVR~42841/42841.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../42841.jsp</a>