Help. I have zero ability to walk in a store and figure out what to buy for clothes. I wear a uniform polo to work everyday, but now that I am off for the summer I am in desperate need of some tops.
I have a longer torso, so a lot of womens tops aren't long enough. The slightest rise in my arms and should and you can see belly. After my two ginormous babies? No one deserves to have to see that.
I'm also more naturally tomboyish to be honest. I also look ridiculous in anything with a poof in the shoudler/sleeve area. I've also got a pooch in the mid-section.
I can wear a Large, but tend to prefer an XL because I don't much like clinging clothes.
I'm seriously just looking for casual clothes, and I'm stuck even at that.
Jenn, honestly - hiding behind big clothes is often worse for you.
It is so hard to pick things for someone without trying them on or even seeing their whole body to know what works.
I think the biggest thing for you is to pick pieces that you can mix and match to create outfits. It sounds like you dress very simple with top and bottom. Maybe try getting a nice pair of jeans, t-shirt with a v-neck or something and a cute little quarter length sweater to go over it. Just change up a few things here and there and get out of your comfort zone.
what about a few cute/simple sundresses?
I know you like sporty, but also a cute/comfortable shoe too can change the whole look of an outfit.
I suggest you get some catalogs or hit the websites for Eddie Bauer, Lands End, Athleta, and Title 9 to peruse them and pick out outfits you like. Go for an "active outdoorsy look" and you will be good to go. they all also have casual dresses (think long polo dresses, etc) and skirts (canvas, pockets, etc), that might fit your version of "dressy".
Honestly, if I could dress like that every day, I would. I drool over Athleta and Title 9.
oops, just reread that you are looking for tops. I have no idea what your problem is like, since every shirt I have ever owned is too long on me. but, I wuold guess each of those places have a "Tall" category that might work for you. Order a ton and return everything that doesnt work.
You should check out Old Navy online. I have a long torso as well and I know exactly what you mean. They have "tall clothes" which mean longer tops. Also Old Navy allows customer reviews on each clothing item so you can get feedback on if something is roomy or fits small or is true to size. http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=49709
i'm WAY into athleta lately. i bought a few skirts (about 4) from them last year and i still adore them - they held up really well and can all go in the wash. i dont have any of their shirts - but i do know that jcrew is VERY long in the torso (too long for me usually) and always have good sales.
i agree with melissa on the clothes-that-fit thing - unless something is designed to be a little flouncier (like anthropologie type stuff) the one size up can often deter from the look. what about some flowy tanks? i have a lot of stuff like that - a little feminine, but i usually pair it with jeans or something less femme on the bottom (i tend to be a little more casual/less frilly as well).
