K/R: J Crew tuxedo shirt - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: J Crew tuxedo shirt

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

1-6 is the J Crew Tuxedo shirt, size 8. I tried on the boy shirt in size 6 & 8 in the store and the 6 was tight across the bust, but the boy shirt is more fitted around the waist than this tux shirt which they did not carry in store. .
7-11 is my current Anne Fontaine shirt which I bought pre-pregnancy. It's stretchy and fitted, but is a little more snug around the waist since I'm still 15 lb up..
K/R on the tuxedo shirt? Interested to hear your opinions! Thanks!

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26 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, Natalie - it is so tough to say, because your body is still adapting, right? So you may need a slightly smaller size in a month or two. Right now, the AF looks on the snug side to me (gorgeous shirt, though -- wowza!!) and yet the J Crew is looking a bit boxy/ and slightly large in the shoulder area. Having said that, I really love the shirt, and we are not seeing it styled here, which affects so much.

What are you thinking?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Suz, I was surprised how big and boxy the shirt felt, but am not sure if it's supposed to be like that or not. I have to admit the first thing I thought when I put it on was "I look like a waiter!"
I do love my Anne Fontaine, but am wondering if it's too tight right now, which is why I was looking at the tux shirt. Wondering if I should try the size 6 tux shirt?

catgirl

Veteran

Hmm, I am not sure of the j. crew. It's not looking as snappy as I'd like - as Suz said, maybe a size down? Not that I'm ANY expert on white button-downs!

K. Period.

Veteran

Do you feel like this tux shirt is a shirt that you'll wear a lot, even after your shape adjusts? It isn't inexpensive and I feel like you are saying it doesn't make you feel fab. I would say pass on it for now.

You can try a size down and see if it will work. I tried this same tux shirt in my normal size and a size down and it just didn't work for me. I felt like it was too big and boxy and that it stuck out horribly as it crossed over my chest. It felt like I was wearing a stiff bib. Whether it really looked that way or not (and I suspect it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought), I had to return it because I felt dowdy and blocky in it. I'm not normally a fan of J Crew's boy shirt fit, so I don't know why I am surprised each time I try it on and don't like it. You would think I would learn my lesson.

ETA: Would the metal tipping on the collar of this one drive you nuts? It looks like it is a nice, soft fabric and slightly fitted, plus less expensive. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/tw.....sultback=0

Or this one, which also comes in chambray! (I think I'm ordering.)
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....sn_results

nancylee

Veteran

I agree that the tux shirt is a wee bit boxy to be flattering. I so much prefer the AF shirt, despite it being a little snug right now.

I know it's tough, but I'd hold off until the post-pregnancy weight is gone before doing a lot of shopping. Another month or two will make a big difference. But you know that already.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

As I understand it, the fit of this shirt is supposed to be relaxed and a bit boxy through the mid-section. But it still should fit in the shoulder. I haven't tried this one on yet, but I did try the boy shirt and it worked on me. I am wondering if J Crew's shirts work better for a small (you might say nonexistent) bust?

Thistle

Veteran

Natalie, I feel like it is not good enough for you. Honestly, you have such a beautiful, luxe, bombshell style and this just doesn't fit that to me. Maybe you are taking your style in a new direction, but this just feels to boxy and androgynous to me for your style.

Day Vies

Veteran

It has lots of potential. I love the pintucking down the front. I agree with Suz it's not styled. True it's boxy in the front but that doesn't seem to be the vase with the back. I say play with it a little and send it back if it's no fun or you find one with more shape built into it.

Anonymous

Cute! I love this style and love it on you. I vote keep. I think you can't have too many crisp white shirts.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

gp, what do you mean "boy" shirt? Was it the same Thomas Mason for J. Crew tuxedo shirt, but for "boys"? Like DV, I like the style of the shirt on you as much as I love your AF shirt.

I'm so glad you're showing me this, because I have the light blue tuxedo shirt on its way to me. It seemed Angie's was fitted in the waist area, but I'd have to go back and look at the photos again. I recall liking it, because of the length, which I'm also seeing on yours, which is a nice selling point for me.

Perhaps, trying a size 6 may help you decide. Let's see what Angie has to say.

Deborah

Veteran

Natalie, take this with a grain of salt, as I don't wear button downs. I think the shirt is too boxy. It is lovely and has some great features but the boxyness and length just don't read as 'fab' to me. BTW you on the otherhand are looking totally fab. Cannot believe you have not long given birth.

Makrame

Veteran

This does not look fab enough for you. Personally, as an apple, I am always looking for feminine, fitted shirts like the AF, not something boxy and straight (even though it may work wonderfully for other body types). I think JCrew in general is supposed to be a good fit for rectangles.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone! I was sure I was going to love it given the rave reviews, but I admit I wasn't thrilled once I put it on. I think you guys are right about J Crew being better for rectangles or boyish/less busty figures (not that I am huge, but the nursing rack does make me curvier than usual). I think with the bust and the apple combined, the bib part of the shirt tends to stick out and look more stiff/noticeable than it is in the catalog pics or Angie's pics. I wonder if sizing down might help, but I suspect I might run into gapping at the bust and it will still be boxy looking. Looking at the pics again, I do like the shape of the Anne Fontaine more and it has darts and more feminine styling, which suits my ladylike style more. I really felt like I was wearing a man's shirt with the tuxedo. I like it from the back, but not the front so much.
I did like the fit of the boy shirt better on me, but it's very plain vanilla styling and I tend to like pieces that have more unique details/wow factor like patterns or a double collar or other statement detail. K can shop, thanks for the suggestions--I do like the tuxedo shirt with metal tips, but worry that it's too sheer.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Vicki, I don't remember exactly which shirt it was but the collar said "Boy" (rather than "Perfect"). Maybe it was this one?
Thomas Mason boy shirt
I don't know if it was that expensive though.
Anyways, I find I don't wear button down shirts alone that often if they are plain solid colors with no styling details. So that's why I was considering the tux shirt, because it was more interesting to me. I actually was thinking of wearing it with jeans like in the picutre, for casual MOTG, in addition to using it for work. But it doesn't seem to look as good on me as on the more tomboy styles/figures like Angie. Hoping she chimes in, since she owns this shirt. I might be willing to try a size down, but not sure it would really help the other issues. I think I may just stick with the Anne Fontaine.
As for shrinking size, yes, I am trying not to buy too much right now. Although I haven't lost any weight in the last couple weeks since the rapid 20 lb wt loss, so I think I'm at a new plateau and will lose the rest of the weight much moe slowly.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Love the tuxedo shirt on you Natalie! KEEP!

Inge

(website)

I'm with Denise here. I believe the tux shirt is supposed to be slightly boxy and I think it looks super on you, Natalie (right size too). Scrunch the sleeves a bit and go for it:-)

krishnidoux

Veteran

I say return. I looked at the pick before reading your post and thought you were hesitating between the first and second shirt; and immediately prepared to write: keep the second one over the first! Then I see you already own this fantastic piece, and it's the first one you are hesitating on. I don't like it as much, the front panel is overpowering to your delicate frame. As Angie says in her post today, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" (Or, as Beauty and the Beast's Lumière would say, If it ain't Baroque, why fix it?).

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

The shirt is similar on me. I think the size is right, so it's a matter of liking the style and silhouette or not. Clearly the forum is divided on this one. I am normally on Team fitted, but in this case I really love the roomier fit. I vote keep, but only if you love it!

annaj

Veteran

I love the tuxedo shirt, but I actually prefer the AF on you, even with your post-baby body. It won't take long for you to shrink back to size, so it won't feel quite as tight. The AF shirt looks great on you "as is" though IMO.

I'd try sizing down on the tuxedo and see if that works better for you.

Tanya

Veteran

I actually the think that the tuxedo shirt is fitting you the way it is supposed to, but whether you like that kind of fit or not is an entirely different animal. I wouldn't keep somehing that doesn't make feel wonderful in it.

siniestra

doesn't show ur curves...is a bit boxy and almost like a chef tunic inspired...maybe a size down or something semi fitted ...i seen u in great things!!! so don't hide

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I really like the shirt on you Natalie - and I like that it's a different vibe than your AF shirt. I vote keep.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think the tux shirt looks good since you are looking for a roomier fit than the white shirt you currently own. My only hesitation is that I had a similar shirt that I rarely wore because the pleats needed to be ironed and I'm bad about ironing.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Interesting that there is some support now from the tux shirt! I suspect it's a matter of style preference and comfort level with fit--fitted vs. boxy. I've always tended to prefer more fitted styles, but I know the current fashion is more roomy silhouettes. Sara, that's a good point. I am horrible about ironing/steaming--I never have time to do it so I just wear things wrinkly! My AF shirt doesn't seem to get wrinkled and the back is stretchy so it works well.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here's my 2 cents:

- This is a boxy tux shirt - period. I'm not sure if sizing down is a good idea. It fits just how it is supposed to fit. Look back at how this shirt fits Tanya and me:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....comparison

- The AF shirt is at present too snug everywhere - not just around the waist.. Just wanted to mention that in case anyone thought differently. Of course Natalie, your body is still adjusting and I'm sure the shirt will fit properly again in no time

I vote return the tux shirt, though. My hunch is that you will not reach for it. Your style is *very* girly, and you don't have an androgynous style streak. No dominant Tomboy Gene. You are of course welcome to restyle the shirt. But my gut says return and opt for something more feminine.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Angie and everyone for your wise advice! I don't wear button down shirts that often so it's hard for me to judge fit and style. Good to know that it's the right size for me. I think the tux shirt is just too boxy and boyish for my girly style though, so I will return it. It doesn't make me feel as fab as I thought it would. I think I will keep an eye out for a more feminine white shirt. In the meantime I'll keep wearing my AF shirt even though it's a bit snug right now--I usually don't wear it by itself, but more of a layering piece, so I think it will be OK covered with a jacket or blazer. Also, I just bought a black button down blouse from Target that has a loose fit, so that can serve my needs in the meantime as well. Thanks everyone for the input!