Ask Angie and All: Which 'Color'? ETA: Outcome

I love the drapiness, asymmetry, zippered side and general shape of this AllSaints blouse. Given what you know about my wardrobe and my coloration, which of these two colors would you recommend for maximum versatility? I normally would post pics of myself in said garments, but since they're completely out of my size in almost everything in the store, I'm going to need to order online. Here are my thoughts/points.
-I don't have a silk blouse in solid white or black, but have been looking for both in a style that works for me to amp up the dressy factor at work.
- I have a ton of black bottoms, a fair number of varied shades of blue jeans and cords and white jeans.
-I'm fine with both whiteout and blackout looks.

I have borderline analysis paralysis on this decision, because I like to use gut and heart in my shopping, thereby reserving the brain for income generation, lol.
ETA: the white blouse came, along with a mixed-media sweater I've added to finds, below. Wow, AllSaints, just like with the Awry sweater I have that is super asymmetrical, the styling on the website is rubbish. More on that in a sec. The white blouse was a 'meh' in a number of ways: it's super sheer, even with a built-in shell, the hem of which throws a strong horizontal line with a high contrast bottom. I also felt like it made me look much wider on top than I like to think I am (maybe the color, maybe the style). Anyway, I might consider it in black if on deep discount, but back it goes. Oh, and the Large was almost too tight (said noone ever at AllSaints).

The sweater is typical light weight woven charcoal (for AS anyway), and the silk yoke and sleeves were fun BUT there was no indication on the website that it was a dolman/batwing top...which I feel AGAIN makes my IT-ness super evident. I wasn't feeling it, so both go back. I've included pics for anyone who is considering these for themselves or for general educational purposes

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AllSaints

Abi Sleeve Top

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AllSaints

Abi Sleeve Top

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Top Pick

AllSaints

Rehearsal Sweater

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9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I love this blouse for you! Could you use your brain extra and splurge and buy both colors?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote white if you're into white. Otherwise black. It's a stunning blouse and is a top pick.

viva

I am just leaning white generally right now -- it's either all the snow or a need for lightness. Or the clear sense that white will be a big fashion story in the s/s 2015. And it will be great bookended with your new little white booties.

Meredith

I vote white. I really enjoyed your white looks this winter.

Anonymous

Another vote for white. The black looks more evening-y to me. Which is not a bad thing, but I prefer the freshness of white in this style.

UmmLila (Lisa)

I say white. I was considering this blouse and then instead I ordered the dress version but didn't love it and sent it back. The blouse will be better I think.

If you have Amazon prime they ship really fast. Also they are good about returns.

Aida

I vote white if you love the style. Black blouses are more abundant and you'll have an easier time finding another one

Caro in Oz

I vote both

Firecracker (Sharan)

Well, I'm with Caro. You need both white and black, right? But if you must choose one, I'd go with white. I think it goes with more things.

dashielle (Ann)

Staysfit- I will try...imagine me sitting at my desk with eyes squinched closed concentrating hard to afford both

Angie- I was leaning white as being somewhat novel for me. I struggle with the sheerness of white tops usually, but this one has a built-in cami/tee type thing, which I'm hoping helps with that issue.

Viva- we haven't had snow this year, so maybe that's me missing it!

Meredith- thanks, I've enjoyed exploring white lately too. Which is why this choice is hard.

Ummlila- brilliant! I had forgotten about the Amazon bit, so I should have a package tomorrow

Aida- HI! Good to see you! As usual, you have perfect logic...and it swayed me to order the white one.

Caro and Sharan- ya'll are bad influences! There is a possiblity that if I love the top enough in white when I get it tomorrow that I'll NEED it in black as well.

Suz

I vote white if you can only have one, and black if you can have two! (One of each, I mean).

deb

I vote black. You wear it so well.

Gigi

Since it sounds like your closet is capable of handling either (since you like both whiteout and blackout), I would ask if you have any figure-flattering priorities. I have noticed that light-colored tops usually make my top half look a little fuller than do dark tops. The other thing I have found in my own dressing is that while I don't mind wearing white throughout the entire year, I like to reserve black for the colder months—so white would be a more versatile color for me.

Nice top!

Deb

This beautiful shirt appeals more in black.....but the white is a very close second. Since you love it, get both if you can. Duplicates can be a good thing with things we love.

unfrumped

If you could order both and compare, sometime one will "speak" to you.
In the photos, the white shows off the draping better, but that may not be as true IRL. I don't wear much white in tops but also am often confounded by sheerness and then a cami may ruin the whole concept, but if this double-layer works, it could be the solution, which would be a vote for this top in white if its construction makes it more wearable. Another vote for white is actually the sheerness--when wearing long-sleeved black I tend to think more of cooler weather and this blouse would not be warm enough.
You just have to try it on to see! The key thing is, does it work for you with the pants or skirts you'd wear it with. Does the white provide a great contrast, or does the black make an elegant column of neutral? And what about wardrobe holes--it is relatively easy for me to find very dark neutral or deeply colored tops, but harder to find something fresh-looking that does not wash me out.So I keep an eye out for what I think of as my "light neutrals".
Not much help here!

rachylou

I vote for white too. It's sharp in white.

The sheerness of the white softens it and can make it more flattering and easy to wear. This one's really pretty and I think it'll look great on you. If you can only have one, white, but sheer black is a totally different look than sheer white, maybe go back later and get the black too?

jackiec

First thought was black for you. But white would work soooo well too. Of course both would be fine too, right? Try 'em.

I love my Abi dress. If I had an Allsaints here I'd likely snap up these blouses too....for my imaginary life that is.

As Paul Harvey used to say, 'And now, the rest of the story.' See updates to post above.

Interesting! I agree the sweater is not a great style for you. But I like the blouse and find it quite flattering. In your photos, the blouse looks opaque in the doubled parts, and I kinda like the sheer layer hanging down. I get it if it's not what you expected or hoped for, though. Gotta stick with PPP! (even though I can usually remember only two of the Ps at any given time.)

LynneS

Active Member

White shows off the draping nicely, but what do you feel will show off ***you*** most nicely?

Joy

I like the white top on you. The zipper feels right with what I know of your style. Maybe the black version would be the right one though.

Wow, that's a whole lotta batwing going on! I agree on the white blouse -- it's certainly nice, but a lot of distracting rather than flattering drape. Not digging either of these pieces, but I LOVE your hair. I'm working on a similar assymetrical cut, though mine looks nowhere near as great in the back.

JayS

Lol..if you "spread your wings" in that sweater on a windy day, you just might take off. A total fail on their website, both pics and description.
I like the white blouse on you. However, I understand your concerns. I tried that blouse on in Las Vegas this weekend. Loved it, but was disappointed with quality. It felt cheap, but wasn't! Might stalk for deep discount later.

I like the white blouse actually, but the sleeves are very long.

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