Between Blouses and Band Tees or, Ask Everyone: Casual Summer Tops

Emily

It came to my attention this weekend that my warm weather tops can be divided into two distinct categories: Button Down Blouses for work and Band Tee Shirts. (In the interest of honesty, I also have one lonely short sleeved black dolman and a printed tank from Old Navy)

I like the band tees for the dog park, groceries and puttering around the house, but there are times when a lady would rather not be out and about with Bon Jovi splashed across her chest. What does one purchase for these situations? I am looking for short sleeved or sleeveless options in natural fibers that do not require ironing.

14 years ago

Shopping

9 replies

Latest reply was from Emily

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

How about some easy care button down blouses for OTG to round out your weekend and dog walking collection. I'm not sure what dog walking is like in your neighborhood but that is the only time I tend to see my neighbors so I try to at least look presentable.

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

I am thinking of buying a few sleeveless button downs. I tend to wear a sweater or a light jacket most of the year and I don't like the way button down sleeves end up riding up.

14 years ago

Emily

Veteran

I like the idea of and always feel good in button downs, but find it very difficult to find blouses that fit properly in the bust let alone in a fabrication that is casual and looks presentable without pressing. I might try some of the button down dolman blouses I've been seeing, though, maybe the looser fit will be more forgiving.

14 years ago

Anonymous

What about some casual tee tops that are a step up from a band tee, such as these:

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=251237012
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=251238002
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=136972
http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=136962

you can dress them up or down as needed! These are a tee fabric, so they are stretchy and comfortable. You could wear them under blazers and jean jackets too!

14 years ago

teeandcee

Active Member

Target has some pretty tees with interesting necklines. I'm checking them out today as I love tees but do want something other than graphic tees occasionally.

14 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Target also has some floaty woven tops that are lightweight cotton with short sleeves or sleeveless. They are good options for hot weather. I was trying some on the other day, and am thinking of going back and buying some.

14 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

It depends on the temperatures and also whether I am wearing shorts/pants or a skirt with the top. I have some kind of vintage, loose v-neck tees that I got from Old Navy. I plan to tuck them into linen skirts when it's super hot outside. I also like these tops from J. Crew with skirts:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../24500.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../72717.jsp

If I'm wearing shorts or pants, I want something a little more interesting, like this:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../74995.jsp

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=9000

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=3068

http://www.anntaylor.com/ann/p.....Color=1035

If it's above 85 degrees, then I will stick to non-polyester knits, like cotton or rayon.

14 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

If it wasn't for the Gap lately, I'd be lost. They just brought in new collection of blue and white - think Greek island getaway - and next week bringing in more summer according to one of the managers I talked to this week about a jacket.
Quality there has been stepped up a bit as well.

Lots of light weight, modern cut knits out there so you can save BonJovi for washing car or other times I have a Police tshirt that I like for yardwork myself.

14 years ago

Emily

Veteran

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

@Zapotee, I particularly like the first tee you posted and will keep an eye out for it to hit the Canadian gap site; @Ana, quite like your AT picks as well. Thanks for the inspiration. @christieanne, I will definitely keep an eye on the gap. I have a couple of basic tees from there that I layer under blouses and have been happy with the quality, too.

14 years ago

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