Searching for flattering tops.

LoriFLA

I am a longtime reader of YLF. The purchased items that have been YLF (Angie) recommendations have been wardrobe winners. Kut from the Kloth jeans, a pair of Born boots, a pair of Sofft sandals, Athleta capri pants -- these are items that I wear the heck out of and are still going strong after several years.

Lately I have been feeling uninspired and I'm finding it difficult to find tops that are something other than a basic t-shirt. I don't know if it's my weight, body type, or my attitude but nothing seems to work.

I went to the mall the other day, (no Nordstrom) and searched several department stores. I KNOW not to try on those smocked blouson type tops because they don't flatter but did anyway. If a top doesn't have some sort of fitted aspect it can be unflattering on my body.

I tried on a handful of tops. Nothing flattered. Pictured is a blousy-type blue and white print top that was supposed to be off-the-shoulder and a orchidy-pink t-shirt. I bought the t-shirt only. Maybe I'm stuck and not trying on the right things.

I'm looking for recommendations for tops. I think I'm an hourglass/apple/rectangle. I don't know anymore. Thanks for any advice and thanks for reading.

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6 years ago

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Adela

Thistle

Veteran

It's tough right now in retail as a lot of the "good" stuff is gone. Summer sales are in full swing, so many of the top picks are gone.

What kind of tops do you like? What style are you looking to cultivate?

6 years ago

Anonymous

It looks like you have a similar body type to mine, and I find tops hard to find too. T-shirts are particularly tough - but they aren't full-on flattering on many people so there's that...

I like cotton blouses with a bit of a boho feel (off the shoulder, voluminous sleeves etc) but with restrained volume. I don't think there's anything unflattering about the blue/white print, but maybe it's a bit dark for summer ? Banded bottom tops are great, and flattering, but really hard to find. I bet that style would look good on you too. How about something with a cutaway armhole that emphasizes your shoulders? (a silky print tank , in particular )

6 years ago

LoriFLA

Active Member

Thanks Thistle for your reply. Yes, you are right, everything is picked over. I live a very casual lifestyle. I wear a uniform to work and on weekends I go out to dinner or movies. I am mostly looking for blouses to dress up jeans.

I think I have so many hangups -- I don't like to show my arms. I don't like polyester unless it is blended with something or doesn't look too synthetic. I don't like sequins or bling. I do love prints but not as versatile. I think I'm looking for something youthful/sexy/flattering but that is hard to find if I won't show arms.

I like wrap tops. I like v-necks and scoop necks. I like the look of many tops that are in stores -- the flutters, the smocking, the bell sleeves, etc. but these kind of details make me look larger and don't flatter my body.

6 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I was nodding along with what Lisa wrote (and I think that shade of pink is a great colour on you).

Banded hem tops are hard to find indeed, but I just saw that there's one in the NAS (it is long-sleeved though, not sure if that's a problem?).

And how about something with a twist front or knot detail,or something a little A-line like the tees with the stripe (they are slightly more fitted up top and on the shoulder), or something in a peplum style or a top with asymmetrical hemline?

Adding a few more examples below.

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