Any suggestions for this old shirt?

I bought this Deletta top at Anthro at least 5 years ago and I wore it a lot for about three years. I keep it because I love the colors and marbled pattern, and it's very light and comfy in our hot summers (this was a fave for trips to TX). Hubs always liked it too.

However, I don't think I wore it last summer, and not much the year before. Come to think of it, I wore this a lot before I lost weight and had a style shift. I think the gathered cap sleeve is what bugs me. In also not the biggest fan of a banded hem but it somehow worked on me when I was a little heavier. Now it just seems like I have a lot of fabric floating around.

There is a gathered detail on the bodice, which contributes to the voluminous look.

I would consider refashioning this top in some way to take advantage of the fabric I love. There is enough fabric here to do something, I'm sure. I wish I were more adept at sewing. I have a never- used sewing machine.

I wonder if I could remove the sleeves and the banded hem and take in the sides a bit.

What do you think? Try the sleeve removal first? Leave it alone and wear it? Leave it alone and give it away? Cut it up and make an infinity scarf of it? I welcome any and all ideas!

At least it's nice to see that a printed knit tee has held up so well for years.

(Oh, pardon the lounge shorts and pre-workout hair and no makeup)

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11 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

My suggestion: don't spend too much extra energy on it. Donate. You haven't worn it last year, enough said. You could also sell it second hand.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

These are beautiful colors, but the style looks somehow dated. I had shirts like this in the mid-2000's, when I first found and wore a lot of anthropologie.

The sleeves seem fine, it's the banding around the upper chest and the neck that draws my eye and reminds me of older clothes. But someone with a better and more experienced eye for design should jump in here.

I loooove the idea of an infinity scarf. The colors are so beautiful, you could wear it with so many things!

Suz

If you can make it into a scarf, that would be super. You'd get that beautiful pattern and soft fabric on your neck near your face.

I'll bet Diana and Diane may have some ideas for how to do something like this.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Another vote to pass on.

Diana

Hmm, I see what you mean. To my eye, it's the combination of All The Things that makes it seem a little dated. The cap sleeves, banded bottom, gathered neckline, and busy print. One or two of them would be fine.

I like the print though and the idea to make it an infinity scarf is good. I would probably just cut off the top part and use the tube left by the lower part as a scarf/cowl. Most jersey won't shred/run if you cut it so you don't really even have to hem the cut edge if you don't want to. It'll curl up a bit but that's kind of an interesting look anyway.

Janet

Thanks, all! Again, always good to have confirmation of what I already know in my heart. My closet needs the breathing room too.

I'm going to put in it the donate pile and think about cutting it up for an infinity scarf.

rae

Yeah, I vote to pass on. This feels like my yellow bag... something that has been left behind in evolution.

Rae, you read my mind.

Raisin

I bet it looked fab on you when you used to wear it. It is a great color and shape on you. I think it's a bit date now, not quite up to your cool style and you have moved on. Time to pass!

rute

Gorgeous top

Isis

Would you ever keep a second wardrobe at your Texas ranch? If so, cut off the sleeves and keep there. Wonderful colors, and lightweight.

Otherwise, donate.

Anonymous

Fabulous colors, I can see why you loved it so. I agree with the others that it is past it's expiration date (for you anyway). Just between you, me and the fence post I bought a dated Talbots skirt at Goodwill the other day, thinking I could turn it into a top but later saw the error of my ways. It really just needs to go back. I'm not sure there is enough length to the fabric of your top to make an infinity scarf. Sorry! *ducking*

Lantana

I vote pass on - I'm all for upcycling but you have to make the call on whether the energy expended warrants the style result.

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