Does anyone else find buying tops a nightmare?

[DeliciousIrony]

I find myself sticking to dresses a lot of the time because I find them more flattering, but I would really like to add some decent tops to my wardrobe to wear with skirts/jeans/trousers.
I am 5"4, a fairly curvy size 10 with reasonably (but not disproportionately) big boobs. Fairly small waist but wobbly/untoned midriff.

I find that tops are always either very clingy (thus emphasising my less than perfect stomach). OR they skim over my bust and hang outwards, like a tent, which makes me look about 6 months pregnant from sideways on.

I just want a happy medium! Something with structure that does justice to my (hourglass-ish) figure. Especially as I am starting work soon and desperately looking for some nice smart-casual clothes.

I'm going a bit mad browsing online, partly because every picture has the model wearing tops in that irritating half-tucked in way that looks (to me) ridiculous, and you can't see how it hangs properly.
And also because I keep spotting tops which look alright at first glance, and then you realise they have a bloody elasticated hem which I'm sure suits nobody.

Help!

I sympathise.

I have broad shoulders, big boobs and a thick middle and tummy. I also like tops that aren't too clingy.

I bought a top recently that I haven't worn but can't return. A work colleague had offered to do some alterations on it so fits better. Maybe that's the way to go.

Story of my life.

Curvy size 12/14, 32H chest and a small waist. Stomach flat enough but definitely not firm enough for me to want to show it off!

I find h&m basics to be quite flattering if you get the right style. I get the scoop neck 3/4 sleeve tops and the plain t-shirts and they're my favourites. I layer a lot too, vest and a cardi, soft blazer or kimono.

Asos Forever t-shirts are good too as they're really long so you can pull them to sit in a way that covers your stomach, and are clingy enough to show you have a waist.

That's a top tip, Pony. I have a similar figure, and find that anything tight enough to show off the fact I have a waist looks a bit tarty, and clings to undesirable flab, while everything else just hangs from the bristols, and makes me look vast.

I am exactly the same shape and size as you OP so am watching with interest. Was in the shops this morning searching for tops and just couldn't find anything flattering. On the search for a couple of tops to wear with flares if anyone has found any!

Have any of you tried pepperberry? It's not to everyone's taste but the fact that the topsfit is a major bonus!

Yes Doris I used to buy their blouses when I had an office job. I don't like their 'normal' clothes much though, but deffo nice for work!

I might give pepperberry a go sometime, bit pricey for me at the moment.

I'll have a look at H&M, thanks, I didn't look at them when I last went shopping. I think I need to master the art of layering.

Also, why are all blouses/shirts at the moment practically transparent?

Always!! I have broad shoulders, long arms and no chest, so I look awful in all but vest tops. I can't wear cap sleeves or low necks, sleeves are always too short, structured tops are always too loose around the bust. I have given up!

I have quite broad shoulders too, do you think that's the defining factor which makes tops fit terribly? I swear everyone else I see looks so much better in different styles of top than I do.

I've got narrow shoulders and big norks and find buying tops a nightmare too. If they are big enough across the chest they are invariably huge over the back and slipping off on the shoulders.

I go for tops with a drapey bit which means they are semi fitted but not clingy.

Me too. I can do jumpers quite well, but really struggle with tops. I'm 5'1, so most tops are either too long or, if they've v-necked or even scoop necked, they're too low cut. I'm quite slim but have a sticky out tummy so I swear 90% of cuts make me look every so slightly pregnant.

I have about 4 tops I wear all the time. I really need some more but I just can't find anything that's flattering.

yes some ruching/draping is required - this kind of tops work well
www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/tops/fionn-fern-print-top/301744651