Hi folks. I took a little bit of something from everyone's advice, and combined your ideas.
@Murph111, They were already out of stock at AT in the linen flutter sleeve in the black and white polka dots in the size I would have liked, XS. As I alluded above (while on mobile) I already had purchased the same style top in the navy floral. I got that navy one in Small, and it is a very fluid fit; item runs a whole size larger, even by generous AT standards. I decided I liked it looser for heat (100% linen) and for pairing with skinny jeans or knit pants. However, I felt that the polka dot on me -- in a fluid fit-- would overwhelm me. But, it got me to reconsider polka dots on tops. I've had two polka-dotted maxi skirt/dress adventures from AT over the years. Both were not hugely successful. But decided to give defined pattern polka dots on top a shot (see below). I did have luck with one random scattered dot print like @Karin has recently been modeling.... The other Loft top recommended in the floral print was already completely sold out.
@Joy, I decided to try this medium linen blend blue top from the Gap. Ordered in a XS hoping for a slightly more tailored fit. It looks like a versatile shaded of blue, so if it's too casual for more formal black skirt/pants, I'm sure it will work well with casual clothes.
@Kathie, I could tell by looking at it that the BR top wasn't going to fit me through the armpits. Same issue @Anne was alluding to in several posts. The COS tops were already gone. I decided not to go for a plain white elbow sleeved shirt. I felt like I could get around to purchasing a white shirt at any time; I was trying to look for summer items that didn't need as much accessorizing. So I combined the idea of that classic shirt cut with the polka dot idea, and came up with the find from Talbots.
I really want to thank both you @Kathie and @Murph11, because sometimes I get these mental prejudices, about polka dots or fitted shirts, that are rooted in experiences from several years ago, and in the intervening time, my figure, age, taste, current styles have changes: such that sometimes it's time to overcome fashion prejudices. As opposed to preferences. (Really must write more on that topic).
@Angie, Again I took half of your idea. I had already returned to Ann Taylor, for a refund, that same flutter sleeve linen top in the thin stripe pattern, which Murph11 and I have purchased in other patterns.... After a few days reflection, I decided it was too overwhelming on me to have a top with widening happening from stripes and also from flutter sleeves simultaneously. But I did buy every plausible size of that style in black and white to try! I think that will be more versatile for me than the stripes.
Want to point out as a PSA that Gap now has videos with models actually wearing many of their clothes and prancing and swishing around, and it gives a very good approximation of how the garment drapes. Saved me from what would potentially been a fair number of returns on this order.
Also wanted to add to the finds a black blazer from Talbots. It's got a bit of fringe detailing on the edges, but I hope it's done in a way that won't date too soon. It looks like it might make a nice faux suit with my skirt, and if not (and it fits) it will likely be nice paired with lots of other things. Got one other B&W top from Talbots, but it was on Clearance and is no longer appearing on their website.
