A little epiphany - YouLookFab Forum

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A little epiphany

Hil

(website)

Veteran

I did a bit of a closet purge the other day. I chucked out loads of very plain stretch cotton t-shirts. I'm sure this should have been obvious but whilst these sort of tops are useful for layers under toppers like jackets and vests, they are really not ideal for me in my climate - I never reach for them because they are so dull, and it's just too hot to add jackets, blazers and vests.

I think that my default was to buy these sorts of tops because they're cheap and I could fool myself that they would go with everything and I was getting a huge bargain.

In reality, these tops are boring, not very flattering and really not all that useful in my wardrobe. I'm now on a mission to add tops that are interesting either in texture, shape or pattern.

Any advice as I attempt to do this is very welcome

Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from WingGirl

Thistle

Veteran

Great insight! I am in your opposie climate - winter 6 months or so a year!

I think what you add will depend on your style goals. Forgive me, but I cannot remmeber where you were moving. Was it a bit more arty? Perhaps some others from warmer climes will chime in!

I have on three layers and am contemplating fingerless gloves. In the office!!

carter

Veteran

I hear you! I have so many boring basic tee shirts that require another layer to give them any life at all. Like you, though, our cold season is short. When we do have a bit of cold weather, I reach for all the fun sweaters I don't get to wear enough. I think I'll follow your lead this weekend and do some purging. I'll move some to the lounging category because I do like layers at home...cozy cardigan for lounging/cooler top for cooking and cleaning. The rest will go in the donation pile!

Susie

Veteran

I've done the same. I do have a good selection of tanks and tees for layering and I do wear them that way. But for casual summer tops I had a bunch of plain short sleeve tees in solid colors. Yes they went with plenty but they were boring and totally lacked style. My goal too is to find some cool but more interesting tops for next summer.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I find that drape can make a tee less boring, less basic. Or a cowl neck, or some detail, or mixed media. Examples: ON chiffon front, knit back mixed media; AG wide cowl neck top (and it's fit slim on bottom which reins in the volume), ON chiffon pocket drapey rayon tee. These still can easily go under jackets or sweaters, but also look finished enough on their own.

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ATLynn

Veteran

I live in the SE U.S., and it's getting cold now, but we have hot, sticky summers. I found woven tees somehow managed to add both drape and structure (if that's possible), and were very flattering (did not cling to belly). They also seemed cooler than knit tees even though they're synthetic fabric, probably because of the flowy-ness.

I have this one (which has knit t-shirt sleeves) and have worn it under a blazer to work and with boyfriend jeans to a sporting event. Very versatile. I also have 3/4 sleeve navy/white stripe and solid black short sleeved woven tees that I wear with anything.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ol.....mmc=email_

Emily

Veteran

Totally with you on this one. Those stretch cotton tops always made me feel frumpy and never held up well in the wash. On to better things!

unfrumped

Veteran

That is a great insight! I understand. I may not have had as many as you, but until very recently I also had a large number of long and short-sleeved T's, often bought in multiple colors with "2 for 1" goggles--I assumed I would be part of the T-with over-shirt look, and that is not especially good for me, or at least not just randomly.These belong in the very casual at-home capsule and are useful, but I only need a couple of that kind of look there--I don't get laundry bottlenecks, there's always something I can put on--so I kept just a few in the best colors, most flattering cuts and the best cardigan or shirt combo, and let the others go.
Congratulations--that will open up space (literally and figuratively) for some more creative options for you!

rachylou

Veteran

As a total aside, I used to be very into long-sleeve tissue thin tees. Still am for the bakery. But for the office, I also wore them underneath everything to keep warm. Well, they're not working as well as they used to. The necklines and cuffs show and contradict all my blouses now.

Long and short, I'm trying the Uniqlo sleeveless heat tech top to see if that will work instead for my warm layer...

Anonymous

I'm in total agreement with you. I've been struggling with finding fun, interesting tops that look good for a while now. I think I'm on the right track for me with linen knits. They have fun textural interest and will (I hope) work really well in the tropics.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Applause!!!

And I second Tracina's idea of linen knits.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Guilt of the same here - waaaay too many tees that are just "basic." One thing I did do this past year is order slightly larger sizes in some tees so they would have a little slouch - the form fitting or even slightly fitted look was just not doing it for me and most are now in the donate box except for a few long sleeve EB tees that I'm still using for cooler weather until I figure out better options. If I'm going to wear a basic tee I want it to float away from my body and barely skim the shape. CocoLion has great tops like this.

Finding other options is an ongoing challenge. I've found a couple so far. A lace print tee I like a lot (much different than true lace, it's printed to "look" like it has some lace but it's much edgier), and a slightly metallic gold/flax color tee.

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E

Veteran

I live in a hot climate and find woven boxy blouses far cooler than any knits. In fact, I pretty much don't wear knits at all during the summer! I also look for blouses with some kind of neckline embellishment so that they look finished without any jewelry in case it's too hot to accessorise. Oh and I have a few in darker, autumnal colours so that when it's still ridiculously hot in October I feel better. I've swung a bit too far in my quest for these style of tops though: now when I find one while thrifting I find it almost impossible to leave it behind but I've amassed so many it's getting ridiculous!

unfrumped

Veteran

This is an area where duplicating can be a boon or a bust.

In theory, if you find your "perfect" layering T or casual longsleeve or similar, you stock up.

But I've been surprised at how year by year I might like slightly different fits, necklines, lengths. It's not always a big expense, but it adds up if you buy 7 when you could make do with 2 ( a color and a neutral), and then in a year you want more fluid fit, an inch longer, or something. Even subtle body changes have an effect.

jenanded

Veteran

I have same issue... I find the looser longer ts are better and by the time I can rotate a linen slub, a smooth woven, a bright loose t, a stripe, a silky, a pattern and a cheesecloth peasant style, I get a bit of variety... however I am ogling a few pieces in the Trenery blouse edit... exxy but look nice... at least for some ideas... http://www.trenery.com.au

deb

Veteran

I got rid of my tees in the spring for the same reason, just too plain. I had about twelve of them in different colors. Tees and jeans were all I wore for casual wear pre YLF. I had a hard time replacing them, though. I do not like polyester so that left many options out. I love rayon but it was hard to find, so I ended up wearing Old Navy button downs in a light weight cotton which I am still wearing under my pullover sweaters. I hope there are better selections come spring.

Anonymous

I'm in the same boat with you in regard to my climate. It can heat up here fast making it necessary to remove that cute blazer or jacket and scarf and then there you are, wearing a simple T-shirt and feeling a bit unfab. I did recently try a drapey on like some of those Mo pictured, but in the end I returned it because the neckline draped a bit to low for me. I can proudly say that I do not own a single T-shirt, except the ones I use for exercise. I culled them all last winter, and it has forced me to find more interesting "stand-alone" tops that can still be layered over, but have a little more interest when the topper is removed.

shemarie

Thanks for posing this question, Hil! This is a great thread and I'm following it with interest. I too got as far as the steps of realizing basic tees just don't work (they make me feel so "schlumpy") and then purging virtually all of them. But the third step of finding replacements is where I'm now completely stuck. And I have the same weather issues. I've tried on many things but haven't hit upon the "answer" yet either. I am trying now to get myself on board with the realization that basics, while not exciting to shop for, really should get the same attention as fun pieces, and that spending $ on better quality workhorses is worthwhile.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I so hear you Hil - if I wanted to make myself feel bad about my body I'd put it in a basic tee :).

Fewer, more interesting & better quality tops is my mantra. I need linen or fine cotton, in our hot summer, anything else feels too uncomfortable.

gryffin

Veteran

Hil - I am so with you on this. I love t-shirts on others. But I find that, for me, they are not flattering. I can't remember where I read it, but someone suggested that many typical t's simply don't have enough substance to skim and flatter. I bought JCrew's
Jackie shell - because I do prefer sleeveless for my layering pieces. It wears like iron, skims and is flattering. Unfortunately, I do find that it does best if you dry clean as far as fading but the one I have now is about 3 yo and still looks new. I also find that anything that has texture , ribbing, etc tends to look better, at least on me. Don't know if that helps. Good luck on your hunt. I just put the last of my tissue t's in the donation bag. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe...../29349.jsp

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Lisa

Veteran

I have lots of t's with prints for warmer weather. The prints let me have interest without layering. I also like the idea to mix in different fabrics. I think silk is supposed to be pretty weather friendly (cool in summer, warm in winter) and linen is a common warm weather fabric.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I adore epiphanies! You've gotten some great ideas from others on the forum (and I took notes), I think you're on your way to an even fabber warm weather wardrobe!

Greyscale

Veteran

This is an insightful thread.

I am trying to buy fewer plain tees because I run warm, so I often remove all my warmer layers as the day goes on. If the bottom layer is just a plain tshirt, what started as a great outfit can end up really boring. On the other hand, I do have some great fitted tees that are perfect with interesting wide pants or skirts.

It's also a place where photos are helping me see myself better. High crew necks usually don't flatter my wide shoulders. I prefer low scoopnecks, but looking at photos, I realize that they're too low (not for modesty but because the overall look is unbalanced - I have a long neck, for instance). So, my next set of layering tees will ideally be somewhere in between.

And I am a HUGE fan of linen tees. The Zara linen tees are fabulous.

Peri

Veteran

I'm so with you...it is mainly why I love dressing for cold weather more. I do what the others have said...basically T shirts with dressier details. I have found Loft is a good source and also sometimes anthropologie.

One thing I try to do when possible is to stay on the less expensive side. Between thinner material, sweating in the heat and needing to wash often, summer tops just don't last very well. I end up feeling like I have to replace them almost yearly. That makes it even more challenging unfortunately.

Deborah

Veteran

Hil, this sounds like a great move for your wardrobe. By stretch I am assuming you mean they are fitted? I have a collection of fitted tees that I simply never wear! And I have been thinking they are next for purging. I don't even use them for layering? I much prefer a loose, drapey tee of which I have only a few. Much more flattering and great for popping under jackets in Spring. No advice, just encouragement and thanks for the affirming I need to do the same.

WingGirl

I found myself doing the same. Too many boring tees. Purged all but a few, and trying to buy jersey tops with the softness I need to be comfortable but with some interesting twist like an unusual drape or nice neckline.