Keep, Return or Exchange for Larger Size? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Keep, Return or Exchange for Larger Size?

Amy

(website)

Veteran

I wanted a long-ish fluid fitting silk blouse, so thought I'd try one of the Equipment blouses everyone seems to love. I'm not sure about the fit. I get that it's supposed to look relaxed, so the shoulder seam doesn't have to sit at the edge of my shoulder--it can drop down a bit.

What I'm not sure about is if there's enough ease throughout the body. Yes, I do stand with my hands on my hips occasionally (naughty children/exasperating husband)...so the gaping is something to consider.

Should I size up? Or is this style just not for me?

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from

catgirl

Veteran

Well, you need to try it with a cami underneath - and that may change the fit. Is this the Signature fit? Equipment has several different styles. I prefer mine to be loose through the torso to avoid gaping - can you move around and feel at ease with the fit and look?

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Yes, this is the Signature fit. I'll have to check out the others.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I have tried to wear these types of blouses before and have just given up, because anything that's loose enough to not gape (and I'm not that super busty and neither are you) looks just messy oversized, not cutely so. So i have no great advice; Ill be interested to see what others think.

kellygirl

Veteran

I think it's worth a try sizing up. I think more ease through the bust will make the pocket flaps lay flatter. The blouse is beautiful and the color is perfect on you.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Oh boy. I hadn't even noticed that the pocket flaps are doing that. I'll try sizing up. If that doesn't work, I may just add this to my list of things to sew. That list is getting long, lol.

kellygirl

Veteran

I don't really get pocket flaps. It just seems like one more fiddly detail to have to deal with. Let us know how the size up goes!

annaj

Veteran

I think it's a gorgeous shirt, but I'd size up. I love my shirts to be quite a loose fit, which allows a turn of the cuffs (which casualises the outfit a little, but also prevents them feeling restrictive). I also tend to unbutton an extra button, and have a plain tank/cami underneath - prevents any issues if I do gape, and I like the simple scoop neckline showing slightly. The shirt "as is" still looks great, and may be better if you want it tucked in. Mine tend to be looser, but I only ever semi-tuck

Anonymous

I think a size up too! Love the idea of this for you.

Liz A.

Veteran

If I'm honest, I'm not loving this color on you. Would you wear a scarf at the neck?

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love the idea of this blouse for you Amy and would like to see you try a size up for more ease. Definitely has potential.

Diana

Veteran

Does it come in petite, Amy? I have this problem with the Equipment and many similar styles, and I think it's not that the shirt is too small in the bust, it's that the armholes are too deep, so when you put your hands on your hips or otherwise flex your arms in some way the arms pull the bust out even though there's inches of extra room. Did that make any sense at all?

I think sizing up would make the armholes even bigger, which is not helpful.

Another option would be just to sew or pin the space between those 2 gaping buttons shut - that's what I did on my green ann taylor blouse and a couple of others. I just put it on over my head.

I'm not a huge fan of pocket flaps (or chest pockets really) on myself or most other people though.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. I'm inclined to just return it. Diana, I think your assessment is right.

Liz, that's interesting. I never thought off white looked bad on me. Optic white isn't all that good on the other hand. I hadn't planned on wearing a scarf with it. I was planning on using it as a layering piece under pullovers, etc.

unfrumped

Veteran

It's a great aim, finding the right shirt. I'm thinking this is not the right cut that "gets" you. But, it can be helpful to try the different size so you know more about Equipment. And agree, there are different fits within the brand, so sometimes it can be that one style that seems to fitted works great sized up, whereas another style doesn't work at any size. Also I do question the color--though it's neutral and of course will mix with everything, it doesn't light you up. there might be a different mid-tone neutral that is better but still quite versatile, and there is lots of selection in colors (if you include multiple brands) so I wouldn't just go for cream/white because it's safe. I generally don't look great in very light colors or most shades of white--though I still have a few items, again, for usefulness--so I'm learning to really hold out for items that are the right shade and depth of color.

JG

I'm glad you'll keep looking. I think Diana's right about the armholes, and petite sleeves will be too short. I wonder if you'll be happier with a shirt that doesn't have pocket flaps. To me they draw the eye downward and shorten the torso. Under layers they can create bulk and bumps.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Interesting! Now that you mention it, I have hardly anything in my wardrobe that is white, off white or light-colored... that should be telling me something. Still, I like contrast in my outfits, so I was looking for a crisp neutral. Much to ponder...

Liz A.

Veteran

Yes, it's not that I think you look BAD in this color, but for the
money, I'd want you to look fantastic. I've seen some of your other
posts and remarked to myself how striking you look. I'm not sure what
your best neutral would be... maybe a light peach color or something slightly warmer than this...

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm following your search with interest, since I've been looking for a white shirt, also, and prefer fluid to crisp for me.

I second Diana's assessment on fit.......and my sewing list is getting longer, too!

Kristin SF

Veteran

You might also check Everlane - nice silk blouses, beautiful colors, and no pockets:
https://www.everlane.com/colle.....lk-blouses

Also, a review;
http://www.lesantimodernes.com.....-silk.html

Anonymous

Feeling you Amy. I was recently at my Nordstrom trying these on. The S.A. brought me another brand as well, Nexx maybe? And there were issues with each of them, in both sizes I tried. The Nexx were a bit more opaque, but the white had a yellower cast (not good for me). I needed to size up for my shoulders in the Equipment, and then the blouse was HUGE. I ended up leaving empty handed. I really thought this type of big shirt would be a no-brainer. Boy was I surprised.