Where should I look for basic tee's and tanks?

LaurenNK

I'm having a heck of a time at my local stores finding what I think are decent quality tee's and tank/sleeveless tops.

Right now I'm just after the very basics. Black, white, brown, and a couple bright colors for spring/summer.

I'm really liking the cute pleats I've been seeing at necklines this year, so would really love that on one or two pieces to prevent boredom.

Can anyone recommend their fave brand for these basics? I don't mind (actually prefer) shopping online.

18 years ago

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Steph

Julia

Active Member

Most of my tanks come from AT, ATL and BR. BR has more color choices while the other two have laced cami's. I bought two silky tanks from BR with pleats at necklines last Fall and I wear them a lot.

I don't own much Tshirts since I don't wear them outside and for layering purpose tanks are good enough.

I found a yellow cami with side rushing at a local boutique store for $15, I'm sure I'll wear that a lot too.

18 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

I agree with Julia on those stores for better quality stuff. If you don't mind a slightly lesser quality, few more suggetsions:
1. If there's one wehre you live, H&M! The basic cotton stuff is of decent quality, and the prices can not be beat, especially if you consider white and similar colors basically disposable after one seaon. I just got there two basic scoop neck tees with tiny pleats at the neckline and short sleeves, cotton, for $8 each!
2. Express and The Limited have tons of color choices for the basic tees and tanks
3. online Victoria's secret tons of choices as well: http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....rfnbr=2456
4. American apparel http://store.americanapparel.n.....-tops.html

18 years ago

LaurenNK

Active Member

Thanks ladies!

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How do you intend wearing basic T's and tanks ,Lauren?

18 years ago

LaurenNK

Active Member

Mostly the tees would be around the house and up in the woods while camping or barbecuing in the back yard with jeans or bermuda shorts (once I find some that fit me properly).

Tanks would be the same, but also under a cardigan (again, as soon as I find a cute cropped cardigan that I think is me).

I'm hoping to find some that aren't strictly "basic" ... something with interesting stitching, or like I mentioned above, with the pleating details. Does that make them "unbasic" enough to wear out and about? Here's what I mean:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses
Am I totally off track?

18 years ago

Anonymous

I think your choices are very nice!
Angie are these exempt from the boring T-shirt rule? Is it the fabric of the T-shirt that we want to avoid, or is it the cut of the T-shirt that is boring? If the style is spiced up like these are they nice enough to wear on their own? Or would they still need a layering element?

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

They are indeed if the material is better than “T-shirt material”. Halleluiah!

You want to avoid both, San. Occasionally you’ll find a superb quality basic T for layering only. Boys especially.

Lauren’s first two choices are super casual and perfectly acceptable. Well done Lauren. I’ve seen them in the flesh and the fabric makes the cut. The last ones fabric is suspect. Be careful.

18 years ago

LaurenNK

Active Member

Woohoo! I just might get to understanding all of this after all

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are doing splendidly Lauren!

18 years ago

christie

Active Member

I know you are looking for more interesting tops, Lauren, but for basics I always turn to JCrew. All of my tanks and T's come from there. They are for layering and wearing around the house only, of course. JCrew has a really wide range of color choices, and the material is very soft. Plus they have a wide range of styles. I like keep a look out on their sale page.

As much as I love their clothes, I admit that their T's are really hit or miss on the quality. I have a few that I have had for years--seriously--and others that start to fall apart right away. This is why the sale's page is best, so you don't waste money on a dud.

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Hey Lauren, You should check out EspritShop.Com They have some really cute tee shirts that are more stylish than plain ones. And their prices are very resonable. I have had good luck with the quality too.

18 years ago

LaurenNK

Active Member

Thanks Angie
It's funny how finally admitting that I'm not at all happy with my clothes, and therefore my look, is affecting me. Since I first started to realize it, I've been almost embarassed in what I currently have, but then I remember that I really have a plan to improve and this awesome resource to help me create the basics and sturdy guidelines and I get cheery again.

Thanks for the store ideas Christie & Nicole.

Speaking of J Crew...
Last summer I was a bridesmaid for a friend and now am stuck with a strapless, knee-length turquoise sun dress with a dimply fabric from J Crew. They don't have it online anymore, but it is fitted through to the waist and flares out slightly from the hips.
Back then I hated it, but would wear anything for my friend's wedding. Should I now reconsider and possibly hold onto it for any reason? Maybe in case I need to attend a wedding as a guest? Or is it a no-no to reuse a bridesmaid's dress?

18 years ago

christie

Active Member

I have that dress (if it is the sundress I'm thinking of) in two versions: the strapless and halter. I wear them all the time during the summer. I say hang on to it. Throw on a nice cardi and some wedge heels, and you're dressed perfectly for a dinner out.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Super advice from Christie on the dresses and Check out Esprit as Nicole suggests. I am a great fan.

18 years ago

Patience

Veteran

Angie, on the shirts that Lauren posted from AT, what is it that is suspect about the fabric of the third? It's not cotton, so is it that the drape may be unflattering for what's underneath (clingy in the wrong way)?

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My mistake, Patience. Quite right. Thanks for pointing that out. There is a loft T that looks just like that in T-shirt fabric, but the one that Lauren posted is not. It's a knitted top. Great.

18 years ago

LaurenNK

Active Member

Yay! I really liked the neckline on that one. Whew, so relieved.

I'm actually going to REALLY try to get to the mall tomorrow morning. I know for sure there is an ATLoft, Gap, and The Limited. Hopefully I'll find something interesting in my price bracket.

Maybe if I keep my trips to only 3 stores, and really only plan on it being window shopping, I won't be overwhelmed and won't get disappointed if I don't find something perfect.

I've started this funny habit of buying something if I like it, then wearing it around the house to see if I really do like it and if it works with different bras or pants or tops, etc. I've found that a 3' box that you call a dressing room just doesn't give you enough of the big picture, so I prefer my mirrors at home and the flexability to try things on with different articles of clothing. Most of the time I end up returning it for one reason or another.
My question is: is this ridiculous? Should I try harder to make up my mind in the fitting room so I'm not wasting trips on returns? Or maybe I'm not the only one...?

18 years ago

Steph

Veteran

Hi Lauren. I am a serial returner, so I don't think it is stupid at all to take something home and try it on with a bunch of different things before deciding whether you want to keep it. I also think it is important to sit in it, bend in it, walk in it, etc. Those aren't always easy to do in a dressing room. Trying the clothes out at home will mean you keep what you truly like and aren't as likely to have a bunch of pieces in your closet that you never wear.

Also, I adore the J. Crew dress you are talking about and I would definitely keep it. The nice thing about J. Crew bridesmaid dresses is that they are just fun dresses that can be worn to a party, dinner, etc. The one your friend chose is more casual than most, which makes it even more versatile. It isn't like you're wearing a floor length satin bridesmaid dress with a butt bow, basque waist and mutton sleeves. You can (and should) absolutely wear the J. Crew dress again.

18 years ago

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