Tshirts - YouLookFab Forum

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How do you intend wearing these T's? As layering items or as tops?

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I recently got some nice 100% cotton scoop and v-neck T's at esprit for only $12 each. They're longsleeved and I use them just for layering, but they probably have short sleeves as well.

And they're petty nice quality. I think they would get the Angie seal of approval

16 years ago

nancy

Active Member

I think I would wear them as tops. Sometimes alone with a skirt or perhaps under a summer jacket.

16 years ago

AntjeH

Active Member

Nancy, have you looked at the blog entry and comments about tees? There are some pointers in the comments for tops that might present alternatives: http://youlookfab.com/2008/03/.....e-t-shirt/

16 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Angie, what do you think of Boden's double layer t-shirts? Are those too casual for summer? It seems like the double layer might be more structured and flattering (I generally don't think I look nice in a T--I have a slight pooch which shows if the fabric is too clingy):

http://www.bodenusa.com/col.as.....oom_viewer

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I can second Maya's approval of the Boden long sleeve T for layering. Great price, excellent quality. Runs a bit small--especially the scoop neck.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Antje knows me too well. I do not encourage T-shirts unless they are for layering and you keep the rest of the layers on. And even then do they need to be impeccable and you need to look great in them (which is quite hard). There are countless alternatives for tops (even if you’re still in your 20’s). Sorry to be the bearer of bad news Ana and Nancy. If you hear of a T-shirt bonfire, it was me that started it. Let’s talk about knitted tops instead.

16 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Yeah, I was reading some of the reviews on the site and people said they were actually 2 t-shirts layered, and they would sometimes bunch up. That would definitely happen to me, so I'm not too heartbroken, I was going to pass on them anyway. I'm just trying to find some summer tops that don't make me look pregnant, and don't have those cursed cap sleeves. It's proving almost impossible at this point, and it's really starting to heat up here.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ana, are you looking for tops for skirts or pants? Have you tried BR and the Loft? There shall be an entire renewal of Summer merchandise over the next two weeks so hang in there. And then that will be it until end of season July sales.

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I sometimes have trouble differentiating between T's and knit tops. I don't always know where one begins and one ends.

http://www.espritshop.com/Shop.....ve%20tees#

This is the top I got from Esprit. It says it's a longsleeved T, but it seems to have a lot more shape and weight to it than what I think of when I think of a tshirt. How can you tell?

16 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Yeah, I was wondering that as well, Maya. Some places list knitwear as sweaters, and others as knitted tops.

I'm looking for both kinds of tops, since I plan on wearing walk shorts and my denim skirt I got at BR (I just got it back from getting it hemmed, so now it hits me right above the knee):

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=547463

I tried BR and the Loft, but haven't found anything. BR has a lot of cap sleeved tops, which I can't do at all. I like some of the stuff at the Loft, my only problem is that it seems like most of their clothing is black, which just isn't me. I am looking for something that is this sort of shape, to wear with walk shorts:

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

Here's another example:

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

But I don't like the colors (both only available in black). I've found some tops that are close, but the empire waist is ruched or pleated, which is not attractive on me at all.

What sort of top do you think would work well with a skirt?

Oh yeah, did I mention that the shirts have to have a back? I don't like backless stuff on me at all. That's actually turned out to be a huge challenge. Maybe I'm being too picky.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, that is the same the shirt I got from Esprit. My husband couldn't stop rubbing his hand on my shoulder and back because he loved the way the shirt felt.

Ana, I don't think you are being picky. I find it very difficult to find summer tops as well. Because of my bust size, I can't find empire, princess, or babydoll styles that the seams actually land where they are supposed to land. Seaming plays into alot of visiual interest in tops--so w/out that seaming, a shirt is just a shirt. Like, the first Loft shirt you posted...I love that. But if I tried it on, the banding that is supposed to be under the breast, would actually start at the fullest part of my bust. Ick.

16 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Nicole, I know what you mean. I sometimes have that same problem if I'm at a store that caters to women who have a smaller bust. And then if you get a size that fits your bust, it's big everywhere else.

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I have an amazing and inexpensive minimizer from Bali that took about 1.5 inches off my bust. Maybe you could try something similar?

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Super denim skirt Ana. Cap sleeves are tricky, quite right - go sleeveless and show your shoulder bones instead.

Have your tried Macys. Esprit.com, Ann Taylor and Nordstrom? I was in there today. Nice woven blousie tops that are cool.

Minimizer might do the trick.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I have started the new bra process. I need to find a new style, my body has changed. Maybe I'll look into minimizers. Maya, what is the style of the Bali that you like so much? I have not worn minimizers since HS. They always made my boobs look weird, but I'm sure they've come along way since then! I'll give it a try.

What I really need is someone to design a two layer bra...like what I wear to the gym, but in ONE bra. The outer bra needs to be smaller than the inner bra. I would go around wearing two bras all the time, if the straps didn't look so bunchy.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Interesting. Why is a two layer bra a better idea Nicole?

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

Nicole, this is the one I got:

http://www.amazon.com/Bali-Wom.....038;sr=8-1

Everyone's boobs are different so I don't know if it will work for you, but I was rather surprised. I spent a solid 5 minutes trying to figure out where that 1.5" went, and I still do not know.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, Thanks for the link. I'll check it out. I've had Bali bras in the past. Today I'm trying out a new Chantelle, but I know I'm wearing it, so I don't think I'll wear it again.

Angie, I like the way two bras make me look. Smaller, higher and firmer. A lot smaller actually. It might not be the best way to treat my breasts though--it is VERY confining, but it is still comfortable.

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

Chantelle and Wacoal are my favorite bra brands, if only because they actually come in my size. I went with Bali in this case because I knew I wouldn't be wearing it all the time so it was okay if the quality isn't as good, and to be perfectly honest, I hate spending money on bras.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I see! So, do you wear two bras on top of each other Nicole? Really?

I have been wearing Chantelle for 12 years and have had no need to switch. I hope that you find your next perfect bra Nicole. I understand that this is a tall order.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I wear two bras at the gym. The first bra is a pseudo-Athletic bra by Glamorise in my regular size. It works for exercising because it is cotton and has an inner sling that gives a little extra support. Then on top of that I wear a true high performance Athletic bra by a company called Shock Absorber. These bras run small, and I wear a full size smaller in both band and cup. But it's more like 2 full sizes smaller because they do run small. (If you have clients who seek assistance on buying sports bras, these are THE best--trust me, I've tried every imaginable athletic bra known to man, and I can confidently run on a treadmill for 30 minutes without so much as a jiggle!) I do not wear two bras under my regular clothes though--only to the gym. But I have been tempted! My new bra shopping is going to take quite a bit of time. I have lost some weight, and will hopefully be losing more. I don't want to invest in anything until my new shape has settled. Here's a link to some Shock Absorber bras at Figleaves.

http://www.figleaves.com/us/ns.....FQod_DKiaw

16 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

I have a shock absorber sports bra and I love it! I only need to wear one to support me, but I'm not quite as big as you are, Nicole. It's the most supportive sports bra I've ever worn, and I like how it keeps your chest separated (to avoid the awful uniboob, I hate that!).

Angie, I have been into Nordstrom's, but not for a couple weeks. I might wait another week or so and then plan a trip over there to look around. Same with Macy's, I think they still haven't gotten their new Summer line in because all I see is their sale stuff. I'll wait for them too.

So far Anthropologie has had the largest selection of blouses that I have liked (and most of their stuff isn't backless, either). I just hate to spend that much on something that should really cost 50% less (or be much higher quality). I can't find a lot of things like their stuff, though. Here's a vest of theirs I like, because I could possibly wear it over a colorful tank (which I have lots of):

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....;color=whi

I LOVE this cardigan (it's very romantic), but I could see how it could possibly make me look top heavy. What do you think?

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....;color=rub

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good to know Nicole and Ana! I have heard of the shock absorber sports bras. The name cracks me up. I shall post an entry about it. I wear a Wacoal sports bra, but then there isn’t that much shock to absorb. If weight loss was your goal Nicole, then I’m glad that you are achieving it.

The first blouse is gorgeous on the mannequin but might be frustrating to wear because the waterfall won’t stay in place. The coral cardigan is very pretty and of course it’s your favourite colour, Ana. It’s not the best style for busty gals because it won’t hang down straight. This style keeps on “curving over the bust” and takes away your waist line. This style is good for an athletic skinny rectangle. Does that make sense?

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I would think the cardigan would add weight to the stomach area too. It appears to have a lot of excess fabric in that area.

I had never heard of Anthropolgie before this site. Every time someone posts a link to one of their items, I'm shocked at the price. I don't mind spending money on classic items that will be in my closet for years...but $150 for something trendy isn't doable for me.

16 years ago

AntjeH

Active Member

I really like the styles and colors of Anthropology, but just like others I balk at the prices (though they do have good sales.) In addition, though, I also find a lot of their clothes very flimsy, especially the spring and summer tops, tunics, and dresses. They seem to work better on women much slimmer and "firmer" than me. For me, a lot of their tops just hug the body a bit too much due to their very thin fabrics and very flowy cuts. I prefer more solid and/or structured fabrics and cuts that don't quite outline every bulge I have in my mid section... Just something to think about for those that struggle with similar issues.

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I don't find Anthropologie trendy. Most of their pieces are quite classic but have some kind of quirk or twist to them, which I like. It gets boring fast to only stick to Banana Republic, Gap, J Crew, the Loft, etc. The quality varies, in my view, largely by the brand. I have had great success with Odille and Sitwell, but Moth and Sleeping On Snow aren't worth their price. They also have non-Anthro brands like Sweet Pea and Joe's Jeans which cost as much as they would anywhere. All in all, I don't find their quality worse or better than any other store I shop at. The problem is just that it's more expensive.

Some of their merch is blatantly overpriced if only because it's so unique that people are willing to spend the extra money. But for example. I just got this top for my birthday and it is probably one of the most flattering pieces I own:

http://www.ps.saintlouisgaller.....57659.html

(It's not actually a T at all--it's woven).

The best part about it is the print. You can't see it, but it's actually tiny little Pacman-like faces eating leaves. I love that kind of eccentricity. The quality on this particular top is also great. It had a nice weight to it, even stitches, straps for hanging, no loose threads, etc. I had no problem spending $88 on such an adorable piece. It has a very classic shape, and from a distance, it just looks like an everyday dot pattern, but it's the closeup that makes it different from what I would find at Ann Taylor or one of its clones.

16 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

double post!

16 years ago

christie

Active Member

Maya, I agree with you on Anthropologie--many of their items are classic cuts with a boho twist. I also love that bit of quirkiness. I have bought a pair of shorts and a dress from there. I do think both were overpriced, but I loved both items.

Nicole, you should check out the sports bras at Title 9 Sports. When I was younger I was much bustier than I am now (what the heck happened??) and I used to wear the frog bra. They also have a heavier-duty style. For everyday, Wacoal has a great minimizer: http://www.wacoal-america.com/.....038;key=75
I have an older version of this in a 32 D, but it doesn't look like they have that size anymore. It makes me look practically flat, which is the silhouette I like with woven button-downs.

16 years ago

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