Thick or thin straps on a small rectangular frame?

Well, hello! I'm new to the YLF forum, looking for some advice from you lovely ladies in all your wisdom (and fabulousness). I hope this is in the right part of the forum - I've only just joined, and I'm not quite familiar with everything yet.

I'm a young woman in high school looking to begin building her wardrobe, pretty much from scratch. Obviously, I have a very limited budget - only what a part-time job and the occasional holiday spending will earn. So, I'm working on comprising an easy closet of layering basics mixed with personal staples; and in an effort to save money, I was wondering if it were a wise idea to skip out on thick-strapped summer tanks in exchange for thin-strapped camisoles, which I intend to purchase anyway and use throughout the year. I'm planning on springing for a good covertable bra, so if I could save a little money by skipping redundant purchases, I'd be very happy indeed.

So, what do you think? Modesty and style are very important to me, but so is keeping to my tiny budget. Would this be a wise move? Would the cami straps flatter me any more or less than the thicker-strapped tanks? I've heard that small, thin women were the only ones who could really pull off spaghetti straps and still look in-proportion... is this true? (For the record, I'm TINY. 5'2 and 90lb... and a rectangle who likes to pretend she's a pear.)

Thank you all so very much for your time!

15 years ago

Losermom

Active Member

Welcome Leonarose! I'm pretty new here myself so I cannot really comment on your specific question. But I'm impressed that you are approaching building your wardrobe with so much care and thought. At your age I just went with cheap. Well, somethings don't ever change with me...

Kristine

Veteran

Hi Leanrose, I'm a taller rectangle but thin. I find spaghetti strap tanks do absolutely nothing for me because I have a small bust. I like tops with a little more structure, so I look for pockets, ruffles, texture. The plain cotton tanks work fine for layering, but on their own they look a little flat on me. But not all rectangles are alike so if you can post pictures we can give you more specific advice.

malcontent

My body type is different so I'm not certain what would be the most flattering for your silhouette. However, I tend to think women look a bit underdressed, in terms of formality and modesty, in just a tank or thin-strapped top, and I especially dislike the look if bra straps are on display.

So, I'd say thin straps are okay if you are sure you can still wear a bra and keep it fully concealed. But I agree with Kristine that tops with a little more structure or volume-adding detail will probably be more flattering. If your body is straight and small, you would be flattered by details that add visual weight to the hips and bust. A cami-tank is likely to just cling and emphasize the smallness of the frame without adding any curve or much visual interest.

I hope that's not too discouraging. I think you can still wear tops like you have in mind if you add another light layer or find camisoles/tanks that have more finished details. Anthropologie often sells detailed camisoles, if you want to check for ideas.

Leona

Thank you for the insight, ladies! I really appreciate it, and you seem to have picked up on my main concerns. Having a pretty boyish frame and having a none too secret love affair with a-line skirts, I agree that a more substantial top would probably do me best in this case. Camisoles have the tenancy to come across as a little immature on their own, but I could probably dress them up some with the right accessories. I like the open neckline, and the thin straps show off my slender shoulders. But, they necessitate the need for a strapless bra to keep modest, and are otherwise quite plain.

I don't have any pictures to offer at the moment, but could probably take some over the next couple days, if you think that they might help. In the mean time, would it help to post what sort of look I'm hoping for, and the options I'm currently considering?

cciele

Welcome! You are wise in your efforts to build a wardrobe without redundancies. The tank vs cami issue, I'm not sure my opinion is age-related (I'm in my 40s). I see camis as underclothes (much like leggings), not as a top by itself. Whereas the thicker strap tanks can be worn as is. There are some great ones around now with ruffly detail that would balance out your top part.

Yes, please post more about your options!

I never thought to look at camis the same way as leggings, Cciele. That's an interesting point! So far, the general consensus seems to be in favor of the tank as a basic top and not the camisole - so now, I suppose that it's time to review the options and find out what works best.

This, encapsulated, is the look I'm currently hoping for:
http://www.blendfashions.com/P....._1456.aspx

A similar example, this time with a thicker knit:
http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/.....038;sku_0=::TYS&CM_MERCH=IDX_00017__0000002201&origin=index

You may have to click the 'more pictures' button to see the whole outfit, but that's almost exactly what I had in mind. It's an easy, feminine outfit for summer, and can be dressed up with a denim jacket or made chic with a scarf. I love the fit-and-flare shape, but, as it's been pointed out, it may not be all that flattering on by body.

Here are some of the options I was considering:

Downeast Basics Wonder Camisole:
http://www.downeastbasics.com/.....ole-2.aspx

This is the camisole I was thinking of stocking up on. It comes in a bunch of colors, is restocked every season, and has a fairly modest neckline. It's smooth cotton, and would layer well - it also has a pretty modest price, at $10 list.

Lands' End Layering Scoop Tank Top:
http://www.landsend.com/pp/Sol.....038;sku_0=::HKN&CM_MERCH=search-_-layering&origin=search

This is another very simple wardrobe basic. If I were to stock up on these, I'd probably use them for basic layering as well - another option, instead of going with all camis. They seem pretty similar to the 'Wonder Camisole' above, and Lands' End products are usually hailed for being very long-lasting. However, they also have no real detail to speak for - but at $10 to $15 a piece, they're fairly inexpensive.

New York & Company Uptown Shirred Sleeveless:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....H%3Auptown

For $20 ($10 at the moment, but it probably won't last by the time I have some cash), this top has thick sleeveless straps, shirring at the bust, and a deep v-neck. I'm a little concerned that the v-neck might be a little too deep, though, and it's a little more than I like to pay for a tank at full price. As well, I fear it wouldn't work as well as a layering piece as a camisole would, and that's primarily what I'm looking for. But all and all, I think it would definitely be worth considering.

Victoria's Secret Sleeveless plunging v-neck tee:
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=2201

A little less pricey than the Ny&Co top, but less detailed, and probably equally low-cut. Otherwise, it's just a simple, smooth cotton tank - nothing too special or too elaborate. But, for a simple summer top, it's a nice variation than the ribbed scoopneck tanks you see everywhere.

Well, those are the options I was most seriously considering - but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd be more than happy to hear them. You're probably tired of hearing it by now, but I really appreciate all the help.

Queen Mum

leona.
just wanted to comment on that NYC shirt... I have it in a snake print and I love it. It is a very nice fabrication and wears very well... not too low cut at all. A great simple top for $10.

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