YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The thing about tops

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The thing about tops https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:39:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714418 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 17:20:20 +0000 viva 1714418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So wise, Angie, and maybe why I glommed right onto the Teddie pants, which are slightly statement-y, and why I am craving those floral Trousers Tanya recently posted (maybe for my birthday?). I'm definitely doing A LOT of searching now rather than buying. I'm in "hunting and gathering" mode and haven't even opened the JCrew site, which is probably a good thing. My Finds Collection of possibilities is quite robust and will keep growing until I am really ready to try. Plus, I think this might be a fall of fewer but better ... And nothing wrong with that. Thank you again for your wisdom. Angie on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714401 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 16:54:23 +0000 Angie 1714401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the POV explanation, Viv. Makes sense. (I saw your reply back about Beth on the other thread. We are going to have SO much fun - and wish you could join us. You will be there in spirit). OKAY. Back to tops. I didn’t know that you wore these types of tops in Winter. I wear thermals and knitwear with jacket and coat - and don’t live on the East Coast - so that’s why I asked. Clearly, I run much, much colder than you! I wouldn’t survive an East Coast Winter. You can get plenty of knitwear "with personality" - just not at J.Crew, where you love to shop. J.Crew knitwear is generally about COLOUR (which I very much appreciate!), but not detailed styling. Look further afield. Club Monaco is a good place to start. So is Massimo Dutti, Zara, Shopbop and Nordstrom.  Also, remember that simpler knitwear is an excellent back drop for statement necklaces and earrings. (Lisa does this vibe very well), There's your glam right there. AND simple knitwear looks fabulous with statement bottoms. gradfashionista on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714346 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 14:31:08 +0000 gradfashionista 1714346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same issue at the moment. A few years ago, I scoured eBay for J. Crew perfect shirts in cotton/silk blends, and wore them regularly until they fell apart (which unfortunately wasn't that long). The patterns were varied and the material was thin, which meant they worked well by themselves or under sweaters and cardigans. Lucy on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714304 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:21:21 +0000 Lucy 1714304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I'm so glad to see so many posts on tops. It is truly the one part of my wardrobe I feel is lacking.  Part of the problem is, I think, that so many tops in the last few years have been high necked, which rarely suit me as I am a little too busty. And nothing with buttons works, because there is always one that gapes. I tried on a gorgeous tunic last week in a shimmery khaki - I was very keen for it - but it popped open at that one spot. I'm hopeless at sewing, and I'm not sure a small adjustment would be enough, because it was a bit small in that one spot.  I have seen a bit of a return of the V-neck in the last couple of months, I am hoping that will help with my top situation....  Tanya on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714287 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:54:45 +0000 Tanya 1714287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Viva, I just spied this absolutely gorgeous blouse (check out all the details on the site) at MD and was wondering if it appeals to you. viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714284 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:32:03 +0000 viva 1714284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, like you I do love a great print. So I am completely open to that! I've been eyeing some of the tops at MD; they look worth trying for sure. Beth Ann on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714173 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 03:19:24 +0000 Beth Ann 1714173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yeah to Party on the Top Half!  I love the idea of Massimo Dutti for you.  How do you feel about prints?  For me, a sophisticated and unique print is another way to find a distinctive top -- and it's easier to find at my price point.  I imagine you're a mostly solids girl, but there's always texture in the fabrication! viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714053 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 23:02:26 +0000 viva 1714053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh, kkards ... I might have to search out a WHBM to try that one on. Pretty fab. And I think it would be GREAT with my new NAS booties. Anonymous on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714041 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 22:37:16 +0000 Anonymous 1714041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Viva -- I lost count of the number of white blouses I purchased this year.  Every single one of them went back because I won't even consider keeping anything sheer.   As Tanya suggested, Fall/Winter might be better for finding tops that are not sheer.  I am hopeful.   The finds I posted above are examples of what I am going to be looking for.  Simple.  Easy.  Minimal.   kkards on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1714040 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 22:30:18 +0000 kkards 1714040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ok, this one's expensive, but its a WOW....and i can see it working with jeans and with a great pant and blazer for work..... Suz on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713986 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:59:16 +0000 Suz 1713986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ kkards, did you have to get me started?? ;)  I have bought only one thing from Massimo Dutti -- my blue leather moto. The company is the Zara company and they are sort of the rich middle aged Milanese aunt of the Zara girl, but they do have some lovely things.  anchie on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713985 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:57:26 +0000 anchie 1713985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am with Suz here - it seems much easier to have simple top and then add interest with topper. And knitwear can also be worn with the topper if not too bulky. kkards on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713974 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:44:38 +0000 kkards 1713974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ i don't know why i've never ordered anything from them...but i "find"  from them all the time...Massimo Dutti always has (at least to me) the most interesting tops, both woven and knitwear.... Barbara Diane on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713948 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:09:49 +0000 Barbara Diane 1713948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, all those tops have such interesting details. Now I know what my wardrobe is missing. Looking forward to seeing whatever you purchase. Tanya on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713944 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:03:16 +0000 Tanya 1713944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Viva, I like the Theory tie-neck blouse for you, it strikes me as both very glam and very gamine.  I saw the Zara striped top in person yesterday, and while lovely, it definitely is a summer piece. I would wait a few more weeks before pouncing on anything, though doing research does not hurt.  While a lot of stores have already started getting Fall  merchandise, the chain stores, such as Club Monaco and your beloved JCrew, that get new stock every month are still showing their August collections, which are pre-fall.   The September collections should be in by the end of the month.  I have always found September and then October collections to have the best stuff. viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713938 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:56:14 +0000 viva 1713938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, the COS one requires no ironing: the pleats are permanent. Machine wash, hang dry. Voila! viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713937 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:55:27 +0000 viva 1713937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, Suz: yes, CM. The one piece of knitwear I have an eye on so far is one you posted earlier, from there. And I did find an interesting l/s tee there too. More to ruminate on. Anonymous on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713935 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:52:17 +0000 Anonymous 1713935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wonder about ironing the COS one but I really like the shape and raglan sleeves. My favourite though is the zig zag print. It would work really well under toppers. Suz on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713933 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:43:39 +0000 Suz 1713933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love those J. Crew favourites so much...wish they were still in stock!! For tops with interesting detail, Club Monaco is often a good bet and a place to watch, for sure. The detail isn't always apparent online, I find. Even their knits often have that special something that lifts them out of the ordinary.  Zara, too, but the quality issues loom.  Another option of course for work is simple tops and an assortment of interesting toppers. Zara is great for that.  viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713927 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:31:27 +0000 viva 1713927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie: I am looking for tops I can wear under blazers, too, not just knitwear to wear on its own. The Zara striped poplin is definitely a warm weather top so out of real consideration, but all the rest could be worn under a jacket and for me would work for fall/winter. POV = point of view. For me, it's very much related to the style moniker. It's the character or the essence I am trying to convey. It's my personality or my stylistic point of view. Although glam gamine is the overall look I want, some individual tops (and a few dresses) can convey glam gamine immediately on their own because they have the right interesting detail. Those end up being my favorite pieces. (This may be why I have trouble with knitwear -- so much of it is just a big wide swath of color without precision, detail, or personality. I LOVED that CM blue sweater that you led me to, but it was too cropped.)  Sterling, I like those! I need one white top for sure, although I worry about sheerness, do you? The Trouve belted top is my favorite. If I had a waist I would get that one. And yes, I am definitely in for Tanya's challenge. I think I will wait to see what Angie had to say about fall trends, but let's stay in touch about this. I will be excited to see where we both land! Anonymous on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713923 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:20:24 +0000 Anonymous 1713923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Viva -- Tanya suggested the following challenge to me.   You obviously need more work tops. You said you like silk. There are likely to be many beautiful non-sheer silk blouses coming out this fall. I have already seen quite a few that I love, but neither need nor can afford. So I am going to suggest you a small challenge: Do some research (or wait till Angie posts about it) on what are going to be some trendy blouse shapes this season. I suspect some will be tie-necks, peplums, ruffles, flounces, or simple minimalist/architectural tailoring. Pick whatever trend appeals to you the most. Then try to find an example you love in color or pattern you adore., that also hopefully fits you like a dream. Treat your self to that blouse, and wear it often and happily And them maybe repeat the whole process. It is a brilliant idea and I have accepted the challenge.  Join me?   deb on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713912 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:07:13 +0000 deb 1713912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see why you love the first three tops. They are great. I will be watching your top finds because it is the area I need help in. Angie on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713910 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:05:13 +0000 Angie 1713910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (I commented on yesterday's thread, Viv. Do check back because it's related to this thread). These are Summer tops - no? Gorgeous, but you need more knitwear!  What is POV?  Anonymous on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713908 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 19:03:25 +0000 Anonymous 1713908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the same issue with tops.  I did some searches for silhouettes I would like to focus on finding.  Here are mine.   Yes.  They are all white.  I need white tops right now.   viva on "The thing about tops" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-thing-about-tops#post-1713900 Sun, 14 Aug 2016 18:46:45 +0000 viva 1713900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe count/review uncovered a challenge around tops. I have real stability in the bottom half (I rely on AG jeans and JCrew trousers primarily, because they fit so well) so the top becomes my place to play -- and, interestingly, the place where I find it easiest to express my "glam gamine" goals. (Lisap: I think this is the POV thing.) But it's hard to find standout pieces, so I end up buying pieces that will work but are not very exciting. My favorite tops are the first three below, and each has a really unique feature: black fringe, black-tipped lace, crepe pleats. I guess every top can't be this interesting, but I'd like to try to be somewhat more discerning when I am choosing tops so that I have something to really love in each one. I've collected a few that I am considering, and those are added below. I'd be interested in your thoughts. (Tanya, thanks for the Pinterest idea; I'm using Finds instead right now, and it's helpful.)