Ask Angie et al.: The difference between fitted/tailored/bodycon knitted tops

Hi Angie,

I have completed a big spring closet cleaning and decided that it is finally time to deal with huge amount of various waist defining tops I have had sitting in a holding zone for a while. Now that waist definition is back in style, I figured it is time to either wear those tops again or let them go. I assume that I will let the huge majority go anyway.

The biggest group I have are various knitted tops. I have attached photos of two of old favorites, both faux-wraps, but there are many more. The main criterion in my purging is the current-ness of the shape. In the spring trend post you mentioned that tailored shapes are in, but bodycon is not. For most clothing items I have no trouble distinguish between the two, but for fitted knitted tops I do and am quite confused. More over, in your recent spring capsule post some of the tops ( attached in Finds) were called fitted and classic. One of them is an INC surplice and does not look any different to me in terms of how fitted it is from my old ones.
So what is the difference/criterion here between dated bodycon knitted tops and (presumably) classic fitted ones?

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Macy's

INC International Concepts Snakeskin-Print Surplice Top

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Macy's

Calvin Klein Sleeveless Ribbed Textured Top

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9 years ago

Gennifyr

Active Member

I think your tops are fine. When I think bodycon, I think short sausage casing dresses, which are not as popular as they once were. I have tops like yours in my closet that I have no intention of tossing. I'm not a big fan of strictly following trends so I may not be the best person to be responding!

anne

Veteran

Not Angie or quite answering your question, but I certainly still see lots of tops that are pretty close to being bodycon knitted tops in the shops.

Oh my goodness! You look stunning in both of those, and I'm very jealous that you have an extensive collection. I can very rarely find waist defining tops like that, because I also prefer a round neckline instead of a v neck. Sigh.

Anyway, I'm no good at judging what's dated or not, so I'm eagerly watching to see Angie describe the difference.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The two items (the ones you linked to at the end from Macys) are tailored - and fit less snugly on my client than these two tops on you.

These tops are bordering body con (knits tend to do that) - but not bad, Tanya. I think you need to decide whether you like them with bottoms.

Tanya

Thank you very much for your input, Gennifyr, Anne, E and Angie.

Angie, I think I get it, it is the combination of the cut and fit, right? So If I were buying these today, I would have probably gone a size up for an easier fit. What cut of pants/jeans would one pair fitted tops like this these day?

Fabric too. Knits and very STRETCHY denim/twill tends to be body con. You can't make a woven body con unless it has LOADS of stretch. Most wovens are tailored, unless they were bought too small.

Try these tops with your flared jeans and pants. Or over skirts. See if you still like the look.

Thank you for all the help Angie, makes lots of sense. Yes, it is easy to say with woven, it is knits that are giving me the pause. I will try them with some bottoms and see how I like them. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

Of course, sweet Tanya. Hope you had a great weekend in NYC.

Marley

Hey Tanya - these two tops look really great on you! - but, if you're concerned about current shape, style, etc. - I'd pass on them. To me, they look dated and I know you've got lots other clothes in your closet that would fit more with your style than these! (just my humble opinion!)

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