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(gasp) a wardrobe hole -- recommendations?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Hey all,

I've been mainly shopping my closet for the last couple of months, staying out of the stores (an exception will be in a separate WIW thread), and I'm quite happy with how my wardrobe is functioning, even though we've had some unusually cold weather here and my style takes a bit of a dive in extreme temps.

But in my layering efforts, I've discovered something I am lacking. I could use a couple of nice long-sleeve layering tees in deep jewel tone solid colors. I have black and grey well represented, and white as well, but I culled some old tees a year or so ago and have never replaced them. Here's what I'd like:

- fluid fit with a soft, drapey, not TOO heavy weight
- easy care but quality fabric -- I machine wash everything and hang dry
- easy to layer over
- a curved V or scoop neck, nothing too high or too wide
- a little bit of length, but not too long -- a high-low hem or vented sides would be nice
- colors like teal, cobalt blue, burgundy, forest green, plum

I realize this is really basic, and I was going to start poking around online, but I thought I'd check here first and see if you all have any recommendations. Thanks in advance!

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Jjsloane

Veteran

SHOCKING!
I can't seem to get my computer to collect at the moment, but when you mention drapey I think modal.
I've had good luck with basic knits from Gap, Zara and Uniqlo. Here's an interesting option
http://www.uniqlo.com/us/produ.....74.html#68|/w|

Peri

Veteran

No ideas, but I will be watching this thread closely!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I found a contender. I decided to look up Splendid tops, because I have a black one from them that is a go-to item for me. Just the right amount of drape, a nice neckline, etc. I think this is the same cut as the top I own, and a nice variety of colors. If it's the same one, I'd say it runs a little large -- a small fit me with plenty of ease and room:

http://www.splendid.com/Light_.....l_cl_27330

I might have to order one and see.

deb

Veteran

I love Peruvian Connection layering tees.

http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks

deb

Veteran

Or maybe these

http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My clients like long sleeve tees from the Gap best. Sometimes BR, but usually the Gap wins hands down. Their "Super Soft" range has been a hit. xo

Supersoft stripe crew tee

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Supersoft V-neck tee

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Favorite long-sleeve crew tee

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Supersoft crewneck tee

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Stripe boatneck tee

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Featherweight raglan tee

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Anonymous

I've had this in the back of my mind for a few months too, Janet. I've never acted on it because I can't decide how critical it is, but I had the same experience as you in getting rid of a bunch a year ago or so, and never replacing them. The GAP here is such a horror story right now as it's clearance time and the store is a mess. No new stock and racks and tables of old sale stock. These types of tees either run quite expensive or really cheap and not stylish - probably yet another reason why I haven't bought any new ones. I'm interested in the colours you list too - and not sure GAP does those.

sarah

Veteran

I have several of the bowery super soft GAP t's that Angie mentioned (I have them for loungewear and for layering) and I can recommend them as not too clingy and very soft and they seem to hold up quite well. But I wouldn't describe them as drapey, so I'm not sure if they are what your'e after.

Kari

Veteran

I got a couple by Bordeaux at Anthropologie this summer that are exactly what you describe, though the style I got seems to be out of stock except in petites. Drapey, scoop neck that's not too low, curved hems. I got one in fuchsia and one in deep peacock blue. That brand may be worth looking at as the knits have held up VERY well.

http://m.anthropologie.com/mob.....038;catId=

tulle

Veteran

I think everybody's style takes a dive in the coldest part of Winter--mine pretty much flatlines. I had exactly the same realization yesterday about the long-sleeved tees I wear under sweaters every day: most of mine have faded or shrunk; many I've had for years. For durability and variety at a great price, I think you can't beat the Gap, so I ordered 6 long-sleeved tees yesterday. Their Favorite Tees--all cotton, and a good neckline for me--are on sale at crazy prices; I picked up one each in black, white & navy. Then I added three more: the supersoft tee in deep blue and navy stripes with solid sleeves, a more fluid Henley in dusky plum, and the lovely face-powder pink one Angie shows above, with a pair of Sexy Boyfriend cords in the same pale color. I think I'm all set for the cold now. Hope you find your jewel tones!

Stacyanderic

I really second the ones from splendid. It almost killed me to spend 60 bucks on a t shirt but it washes and dries like a dream and the fit is amazing!

catgirl

Veteran

Splendid makes great but very lightweight tees for the most part - like a less expensive James Perse. I get these kinds of tees at Target but I use them a lot less than I thought I would somehow. I'm not big on layering despite my climate!

My style is best in winter, but that is because with Angie's and the forum's guidance I have finally tailored my wardrobe to my environment. Which is why I'm not happy that it's near 40 today.

kerry

Veteran

Those Spendid tees are gorgeous! The colours! I really like tees from Everlane but I don't have any long sleeved ones. Their colours, however, are on this side of boring. I've already emailed Spendid on the front length of those l/s tees and their short sleeved version. Thanks for the tip. I hope duty to Canada isn't atrocious!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

This is the kind of thing that I pick up in stores when I see it, and I think that all my current tees are at least a year old so I'm not sure if my suggestions will help. But I've got them from Gap, Loft, Chico's, and Old Navy. Target is always a good place to look, although the colors will vary.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Janet I recently found a navy James Perse tee at TJ Maxx for $27. It fits your requirements exactly. It wasn't one of their made-for-discount versions either, but it was a model from last year.

I like the Splendid cut too, but just be warned that some of their fabrics get little holes. (The very light fabrication in particular, yours may be a bit stronger.) I have never gotten holes from James Perse or Three Dots tees.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Have you tried the J. Crew tissue weight long sleeve tops? Quite thin and great for layering. The turnover for colors is high, so you might want to check ebay for colours that suit you. My only reservation is that my tees developed small holes within a few wears, so I would be sure to wash them in laundry bags.

Anonymous

After my older DD brought home some tees from Gap, I had to get some for myself. They are so soft, and are well worth the sale price. I ordered a navy v-neck and an oatmeal crew neck.

While there, I bought a fair isle zip-front bomber style sweater. I work in a cold office; the heat unit that controls my area of the bldg. doesn't work. It's supposed to be replaced, but I don't know how long it's going to take for them to get that done. For now, I'm freezing my buns off despite wearing multiple layers, leaving my coat on, and sitting right beside a space heater running full blast on High. I can barely stand it.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I'm sooooo glad you brought up this topic, because I'm in the market, too. Angie's GAP picks are wonderful and I've heard that Michael Stars is a comfy, quality choice, too. I don't own any, but do plan to look, as well. Check these out here

Some of the colors are luscious, subdued and pretty and the drape looks nice.

I have bought some tees from this company, Alternative Apparel, and they are soft and wonderful and have lasting power:

http://www.alternativeapparel.com

Style Fan

Veteran

I bought some from J Crew in the summer. They have held up well. Mine are olive green and golden yellow. I also bought one in a golden olive colour by Sarah Pacini. Crazy Expensive but beautiful.

I swear by Sarah Pacini. Very good quality. I can not do links or anything technological. I am surprised I can turn on my new computer.

Anonymous

Ha! After being the first to chime in and say I had no solution to this either, I had an epiphany while doing the laundry a few minutes ago. I was pulling out a few of my DD's tshirts out of the dryer, and realized that Aritzia has the perfect tshirts for you , and me! Drapey, more fluid, interesting hemlines, soft, not oversize, more fashion colours that the Gap, etc. I have attached a few finds below, and here is the website. I also have a Free label plain black t top with banded bottom that I love . DD has long and short sleeved versions, and some of the nicest ones are in melange colours. I'm going to head to the store tomorrow with this in mind! Solved my own problem and even realize it.

http://www.aritzia.com

TNA DEL MAR T-SHIRT

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Wilfred TANDIS T-SHIRT

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sorry I didn't respond earlier, but I just wanted to say thank you for all the great suggestions and responses. When I take a break from working today, I'll be doing a little more online investigating.

rachylou

Veteran

No help, but paying attention. I've decided my collection of long sleeve, plain cotton tees has seen better days, and needs to be replaced with something slightly different. A lot of the them, I think, came from Cotton Basics, Target, and Gap.

JenniferAnne

H&M has a pretty good selection of long-sleeve layering tees. I think they had a variety of colors too.

dashielle (Ann)

(website)

Veteran

Janet, I never pay more than $12 for mine, and I've found most at either ON or H&M. Here are some ideas that come in the requisite colors, including burgundy. I usually just order a mix and see what feels good, sending the rest back and ordering a ton of the one I like. I've just never found expensive tees to be any better than these...

Women's Scoop-Neck Long-Sleeved Tees

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Women's Relaxed Slub-Knit V-Neck Tees

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Elizabeth P

Veteran

I don't know how you feel about wool, but Costco, at least the Canadian one, sells long sleeved lightweight merino wool tees every year. The necklines and colours vary from year to year, but they might be worth looking at. I first got one for gear use, ie an under layer, but now use them for everything. Best of all, they launder easily and don't fade.

rizamei

I've actually been really happy with my Old Navy tees. I buy the v-neck perfect tee. Care is easy, and the fabric is soft; you can use it at as a layering piece, but it's not so thin that it instantly attracts snags and holes. The v-neck is a nice depth on me. I wouldn't call the fit draped, but that might depend also on what size you buy. (I tend to buy the smaller of the two sizes that I normally wear, since I usually want a closer fit for this sort of thing. I mostly wear them under cardis.)

Staysfit

Veteran

I like either the vintage tee or tissue tee from J Crew, but I wash in a mesh bag on gentle, and make sure that I don't put anything else in the machine with zippers or hooks because they get holes easily in the wash. Someone else mentioned this as well. They wear well though and last a few years. I like to get them on sale. Tons of color options. I think the vintage cotton may hold up slightly better. I'm a big fan of Vince tee's but they are expensive, and the color range is often limited. You have to watch for what you want. They wash and wear like iron though. (I line dry my tees)