topic Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS in Fashion

NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Shanus — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:01:50 GMT

We were invited to a Wine 'N Cheese thing last night...4:30-6:30. Not cocktail attire, for sure, but not my usual tees or sweaters either.

I stood in my closet realizing that "nicer" tops are non-existent in there. I've passed on the peplums, fancy balloon sleeves, lace trims or all over lace and the shark hems. Short of sparkles and other adornments, what would be appropriate w/ black slacks for these occasions that may come up and where should I look?

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Susan Louise — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:08:25 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
We were invited to a Wine 'N Cheese thing last night...4:30-6:30. Not cocktail attire, for sure, but not my usual tees or sweaters either.

I stood in my closet realizing that "nicer" tops are non-existent in there. I've passed on the peplums, fancy balloon sleeves, lace trims or all over lace and the shark hems. Short of sparkles and other adornments, what would be appropriate w/ black slacks for these occasions that may come up and where should I look?

@Shanus You made a long list of elements you don't like...so what do you like in tops that are not casual?

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Bri369 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:08:57 GMT

Literally every retailer in the world has "nicer tops."

A white shirt, a crepe blouse, a chiffon blouse, a light weight knit - the choices are endless. Accessories and jewelry can make a simple t shirt or blouse fancy enough for something like that.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

ID2 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:11:25 GMT

Adding a lovely scarf to anything makes an outfit fancier.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

KrissyE — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:11:45 GMT

Dennis Basso has some nice tops that are not as casual and could be dressed up. With black pants and pumps, jewelry-- you'd be ready to go!!

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Shanus — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:14:00 GMT

@Susan Louise There may be a fabric I haven't seen that may be somewhat "Sat. Night" or a style I'm missing. Tunics seem to be most prevalent and are too long. Wondering if anyone is having this issue.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

SilleeMee — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:20:25 GMT

Just don't wear a white or very light colored top...especially if you are going to be around wine and food. I would opt for something with a print or something with a nice texture. Avoid sleeves with bell design or overly large cuffs...those are accidents waiting to happen.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Shanus — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:35:10 GMT

@SilleeMee All great points. Thanks.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

LTT1 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:51:08 GMT

@Shanus @SilleeMee

I like these:

From Garnet Hill or Sundance Catalog

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

LTT1 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:56:59 GMT

@Shanus

Yes about the tunics.

Also, I purchased two Logo tops that are peasant-style. (Very plain)

Will post the style.

It has a collar which makes the blouse more formal, IMO

Also, it is a great fabric.

substantial

A347193

LOGO by Lori Goldstein Woven Crepe Collared Blouse w/ Shirred Neck

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Magny — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:55:46 GMT

Louis dell’Olio has been presenting beautiful things for many years. Hard to Imagine how you never got any of his.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

magicmoodz — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:04:08 GMT

I personally feel you can get a lot of mileage from a white/ivory silk shirt and black pants.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

kaydee50 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:09:28 GMT

It's no longer available but SG's #A297683 worked for me on a recent cruise where it wasn't "formal" night but I wanted to be a little dressy. Washes and travels very well. I'm sure she has something similar available.

I would stay away from solid white under any circumstances especially around wine!!!

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

Shanus — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:10:31 GMT

@magicmoodz I do have several white silk blouses, but as @SilleeMee pointed out, not the best choice for eating/drinking wine.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

magicmoodz — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:18:17 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@magicmoodz I do have several white silk blouses, but as @SilleeMee pointed out, not the best choice for eating/drinking wine.

@Shanus

I understand what you are saying. I too can be a "saver" of my finer garments. But then I have to ask myself why. Besides, there are very few "dressier" occasions I attend that don't include food and drink. That silk shirt is worthless if it is just going to hang in my closet.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

fancy pantsy — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:23:43 GMT

i love the images that @LTT1 has provided and i would look into those options for sure. i have a few dressy tops left from when i was working (very conservative and without bells and whistles) that i save for the rare dressy occasion that i attend.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

bdoby — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:29:02 GMT

What is the big deal on this. A good looking shirt with or with out sequins is appropriate. It is a wine tasting event. Jeans and a good sweater is appropriate also.

Don't make an issue of this. Heels, jeans or black slacks, a good pair of pearl earrings and there you go. Have fun

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

SilleeMee — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:30:30 GMT

Animal prints are very popular right now. This one from Tolani looks great with black pants. This particular top comes in plus sizes only. But you get the idea. Can be really dressy if you add some jewelry.

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

LTT1 — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 18:42:25 GMT

@SilleeMee

Love this look you posted!

Re: NOT “CASUAL” TOPS

PINKdogWOOD — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 18:46:36 GMT

@Shanus Here are a few of my suggestions - I'm betting at least a c ouple of those tees/tops are solid colors ie white & black, even a red or blue. Can you tuck the shirt in (and I'm not talking a 1/2 tuck either unless you want to and it looks good). Or Leave it out and add a belt (if you still have any!) Top it off with a statement necklace, a long necklace, balanced with great earrings. Add a bracelet or 2 or 3 if you can.

If you think you may need a jacket/blazer or a nice maybe lightwght cardi for the evening, maybe lose the belt (or not)

Cool shoes & a small handbag, a clutch kind of item.

BAM!