Some new tops and three keep or returns

I went shopping for tops yesterday and I was frustrated fairly soon. Out of ten tops I tried on maybe one top fit right. And I'm not talking about don't liking the way it looked, but real fit problems!

Here's what I bought, although I'm not all that sure about the three K/R tops. So if you think none of these are worth keeping, please be honest!

#1
Some tops I bought for layering. I'm keeping all of these.

#2
A black shirt for layering under the two dresses next to it, I'm keeping that one.

# 3/4
Striped tee. I like the lose fit of it, but are the colors alright on me? This one is also available in other colors (#5/6), although they didn't have them in the store. And I have to say there were stripes everywhere! Stripes seem to be very popular here at the moment.

# 7-9
Batwing tee and another waist surrendering look. Thoughts? I know that I look better when I accentuate my waist, but most tops I came across were waist surrendering looks.

# 10-13
Oversized batwing polka dot blouse. The neckline is too low to wear it without a camisole, I would use the extra button and sew another button hole if I keep it. What about the placement of the front pockets? Do they look strange? #14 is how it's supposed to fit.

Please keep in mind that I didn't style any of these and just changed out of my loungewear to take these pics.

All in all I was rather disheartened after yesterday's experience. If anybody has any insider tips on where to shop for tops please let me know.

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14 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

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Veteran

Astrid, I am not an expert by any means but have a few comments.

First, I really like the layering pieces in 1. Nice colors and necklines. I also think the simple black t-shirt should be a great layering piece under the dresses. Nice choice.

Second, the striped t-shirt. I think it looks a bit loose on you but you said you liked that. It never occurred to me until someone pointed it out but if you wear a top with sleeves that end at the fullest part of your chest, it creates a horizontal line across your body at the end of the sleeves that may not work. I think this top would have worked much better if the sleeves had been longer or shorter.

The black top in 7-9 has the longer sleeves and a slightly narrower fit and I think it works much better for you.

I am a bit on the fence with the dots. I really like the print and think it would look great tucked and it looks nice belted (I would like to see it with the bottom button left open) but I think it may have a bit too much volume in the middle for you. This may be my reluctance to surrender the waist though.

Astrid

Thanks, dianthus! I think you're right about the striped tee, now that you mentioned it. I didn't see that at all before, but you're right that it's not the best length for the sleeves. The second top is actually dark navy and I like the fit too, I think I'll keep that one. This one is also available in a brighter blue online. Although I'm not sure if it would be worth duplicating.And I totally understand the reluctance for waist surrendering, I'm that way myself. I have to say that I mostly was drawn to the pattern and the color of the last blouse, not to the fit.

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Kirti

I like the roomy fit of the striped top on you and I think the polka dot one looks lovely belted and the colour is nice on you

Suz

I like your layering pieces and the navy top you've already said you'll keep. I also think the polka dot blouse is lovely, but I can't really tell about the pocket placement. Are they lower on you than on the model? If so, that might be a deal breaker. You may be able to come up with a similar blouse that works better (eventually...)

I know, it is tough...esp. since you have just cleared out the closet and have nothing to wear.

Thanks, Kirti.

Thanks, Suz! And yes, the pockets are lower on me than on the model, I think that's because I'm only 5'3''. They are not that visible from afar, but when you really look for them you'll see that they aren't in the best place. And yes, it is though. Well, I'll have to be patient. Do you think I should order the navy top in the other color?

Scarlet

The only one I am sure about is the striped top. The sleeves look good. I think sleeves that length are only a problem when they stick away from the body like a non-fitted men's t-shirt. The navy top isn't doing anything in my opinion. The polka dot one is a nice print and color but seems a little too oversized. I like it with the belt, but then the pockets seem too low. Sorry, Astrid! But I want to be honest. Maybe in another month there will be more options in the stores. I am also coming up empty.

MsMary

I like the first two a lot, but I think the dotted top is just plain too big for you. Can you size down?

Thanks, Scarlet. I've decided I'll keep the navy top since it was really cheap and is comfortable, but I won't duplicate. Good to hear that the striped top gets some love. You're right that the last one is too big. And no problem, I'm glad you're honest! I don't want to keep things that aren't right now that I've tossed my old things out.

Thanks, MaryK. I've tried to size down but that doesn't work. Then it's just as roomy in the top half and too tight around the hips. Seems like the polka dot blouse is going back! Now I just have to decide on the striped top.

Beth Ann

You've gotten great feedback already! I wanted to chime in that I think the dolman sleeve in 7-9 is working well for you -- softness without too much volume.

Meredith1953

I am not sure about the polka dot number due to the pocket placement. However I do like it styled with that belt! That looks really cute! I like all the rest really well!

Jonesy

I really like the stripes and the dark solid batwing top (navy?). I think the polka dot blue blouse is just too large on you. I know it's supposed to be oversized, but it just looks waaaaay oversized on you; love the color though, and the polka dots! Too bad about the next smaller size...

Thanks, Beth Ann.

Thanks, Meredith. That the picture with the belt looks best is clearly evidence why I'm hesitant with waist surrendering tops.

Thanks, Jonesy. I've decided to keep the striped top, the polka dot blouse is going back.

ManidipaM

I like the stripes and the dolman --- indeed, enough to say that I would get more colours in those if I could. (Yeah, I had a horrid weekend of trying on tops too, so I know how hard it is.) Take into account my own bias FOR waist surrender, though!

I agree that the biggest problem with the polka dots is the pocket placement. What happens if you move them up? Will the old stitches show? I can't tell the fabrication, but it MAY be worth a shot. Because it's a very cheery colour and print, looks GREAT with your hair, and the bigness can be a deliberate feature if you add skinnies or belts or a trim pencil skirt...or even a sheath underneath

fashionista

I liked all your layering pieces in #1 and #2.
The red striped tops looks better to me than in #5 and #6
I loved the black tops in #7, 8 and 9
I somewhat feel the top in #10 looks a little tight and out of shape to you but looks better with a belt as in # 13

Thanks, Manidipa. I'm going to wash the dolman first and see how it holds up before I'll think about duplicating again. I don't think I'd be able to move the pockets. I already had a look, but the fabric would show the stitches, I think. I simply have to keep the print and color in mind, there has to be something similar out there. I mean polka dots are such a classic print.

Thanks, fashionista. Seems like everyone agrees for the most part. I'll keep everything but the last blouse.

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