This week is my favorite week! Time to shop for tops! Why the enthusiasm? Unlike pants, it’s really easy for me to find shirts that fit well straight off the rack. And there are so many options; with the wide variety of colors, patterns, styles, necklines, collars, buttons, ruching, and ruffles, it’s easy to use my top as a way to inject some creative flair.
Unlike suits and separates, I already had a ton of tops in my wardrobe. So most of my shopping this week was done in the form of rooting through my closet, determining what could be worn under a suit and what was office appropriate. My “suitable” tops (pun most definitely intended) fall into the several categories. I’ll go through them from the most accepted styles, to pieces that are a bit more controversial. And since I’m working with a lot of my existing pieces, I don’t have prices for many items, but I’ll use my memory and debit card statements to piece together an approximation. On to the list!
Button down shirts – Button downs are extremely professional-looking, and for that reason, I had always assumed they would be extremely boring-looking as well. Until I found two of JCrew’s slim-fit perfect shirts ($20.00 each) while roaming a Burlington consignment shop. They were both pink – one with a white stripe, the other with green, and I liked that they were bright, bold, and a little bit sassy, but still office appropriate. When I found two more at the Dress for Success Excess Inventory Sale (don’t know what this is? Read Week 3!) for $3.00 each, they joined my wardrobe as well. Since accepting my job offer, I’ve been looking for short sleeve button downs because, surprisingly enough, Minnesota gets hot. I found a ruffled, green button down on Target’s clearance rack for $4.50 and a fuchsia Express top with embellished cuffs at Plato’s Closet for $8.00. I’ve gotten several questions about the cleanliness of secondhand clothing, or how to find good pieces in disorganized stores – both of which I address in a recent post on my home blog!
Shells – The term “shell” is just another name for a dressy tank top, generally made of silk. I bought my only shell four years ago from Target to wear with a pageant interview suit. I figured I would only wear it once, but it turned out to be a staple in my closet. My striped, boldly colored, and ruffle-adorned button ups can only be worn with certain blazers, belts, and jewelry pieces. But since my shell a simple shape and a neutral color, it is much more versatile and new looks can easily be created through the use of a variety of accessories. Either of these top two categories are appropriate interview attire.
Solid tees and tanks – Solid basics blend into the background when you’re wearing a suit and can be worn just like a shell. Not to mention, they require no ironing or dry cleaning, and their unfussy necklines pair well with jewelry and scarves. Just make sure it’s made of thick material and is a mundane color – Miami Vice style neons will only draw attention to the fact that you’re not wearing a nice button down or shell. Stay away from ribbed tank tops too – they’re much too similar to men’s undershirts. The Ann Taylor tank featured below - $13 at the store’s outlet.
Patterned tees and tanks – Just like bright colors, patterns also draw attention. However, smaller motifs are less noticeable than large ones, and neutrals gain less attention than color. Use discretion when choosing patterns. Is it acceptable to wear plain cotton in your workplace? Do you work in a graphic-related industry that would be more receptive to bolder fashion statements? If you have any doubt, err on the side of caution and go with a more conservative pick. Featured cami below is an Express tank from TJMaxx and cost $8.99.
Use caution when proceeding to the next category.
Going out tops – I would not be surprised if, once this segment is posted, a UCS counselor pulls me aside and orders me to write “I will not wear clubwear to work” 100 times on lined paper. But I think to have good style, you have to challenge the rules. Not to mention, multifunctional pieces get more wear and therefore stretch your dollar. Now, I’m not suggesting any “going out” top is acceptable. Instead, I’m suggesting that you may have a few gems in your weekend wardrobe that can do double duty under a suit – and that sort of versatility stretched you dollar. To avoid looking like leftovers from last night’s “Business Hoes and CEOs” party, adhere strictly to the following guidelines. Put it back in your closet if:
· You’ve worked at the company for less than three weeks. Remember in week 1 when I talked about knowing the rules? If you’ve been here a short amount of time, it’s too early to consider yourself knowledgeable. Even if you saw someone rock a similar piece, you can’t be sure they’re not a customer, client, or contractor, so have a little patience and stick to traditional attire.
· The top lacks two normal straps. One-strap, halter, and tube tops are never ok in the office. Even if you’re able to cover your shoulders with a blazer, it’s still obvious you’re not wearing a traditional tank.
· It has sequins, rhinestones, or other embellishments that could be described as “shiny.” Limit your bling to your jewelry selections.
· You call it your “cleavage shirt.” This top has a special place in your wardrobe because of its plunging necklines or bustier-style construction, but it’s not work appropriate. How low can you go? Put four fingers under your collarbone. Necklines should be no lower than your pinky.
· Something is see-through. If it’s got any sheer material like lace, mesh, or crochet, it’s a no-go. Same rule applies to keyholes and cut-outs.
· You wore it out last night. Because, frankly, you never can know who saw you in it.
And mine? The ruffled, grey stripe top was $15 from Target.
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