Smart casual tops - where to buy?

[PriscillaSnail]

I'm looking to replace some of my lockdown tshirts with tops that are a little smarter and prettier. I'm basically looking for tops I could wear for a nice lunch along with jeans or perhaps skirt / tights / boots. I'd say about the same level of "smart" as a work shirt, but less dull!

I'm 42 years old and a size 12 / 14 with massive matronly boobs, so I'd like to steer clear of anything that emphasises the chest. I love V-necks and collared tops / polo shirt type, but most scoop necks make me look like a battleship about to be launched! I can't do sleeveless either.

I suit almost all bright, jewel colours, but sadly not black, white or caramel. Kettlewell have lovely colours, but all their tops are a bit plain - and most cling a bit too much to the tummy area. Any ideas? I see loads of women out and about in pretty, summery tops and I've no idea where they're finding them!

Hopeful bump for the morning crowd!

Oliver bonas, whistles, phase 8 on occasion, nfd

Following!

As no one else more fashionable has replied, I am going to suggest Esprit. I wear a lot of jewel colours and have found some nice flowy tops there. And some pure cotton too. Cos also has a lot of fuchsia, cobalt and green at the moment but somehow their shapes don't suit me.

Thank you for the info. I'd forgotten about Esprit, but I've had some real wins from there in the past. Something about the way the clothes are cut work really well for me.

I've also spotted some gorgeous Oliver Bonas tops, but I'm struggling a bit with colour. This one is lovely, but I think will wash me out. www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/striped-button-collar-white-knitted-short-sleeve-top-335852#selection.color=13

Does anyone else wish they would use a selection of models in different sizes? Nothing's going to look the same on me as the (very slim) Oliver Bonas model!

My go to is Seasalt.

Ah @PriscillaSnail you're talking about the famous MN 'Janet'.

It has been suggested that all clothes sellers must have a picture of a 5ft 4" , size 14 lady in her mid fifties modelling the clothes, alongside the usual model.
Underneath will be the words, and this is what it will look like on you Janet

Just placemaking for ideas, as I want exactly the same thing for my slightly fatter body. It was 25C in the office yesterday, and I boiled!

@DameCelia

Ah *@PriscillaSnail* you're talking about the famous MN 'Janet'.

It has been suggested that all clothes sellers must have a picture of a 5ft 4" , size 14 lady in her mid fifties modelling the clothes, alongside the usual model.
Underneath will be the words, and this is what it will look like on you Janet

😀 Not a bad idea. I too am often frustrated because the models are either Size 8 or Size 28. No one in between.

If you’ve got the budget then Sezane do lovely tops

I have some nice cowl neck and boat neck tops from Phase 8 and Jigsaw which are a bit more dressy. Apparently cowl necks are not fashionable but I think they suit big boobs!

Following for ideas

I have had a few wins in Monsoon recently! I know it’s not a trendy choice on here but I am 29 but also with massive boobs so cut/quality is important.

I’ve found really nice quality, well cut to fit my chest and plenty of colour/pattern which I like.

All seem to wash well. Some stuff on there is far too “hippy” style for my liking but there are some gems if you take a good look!

I like the Boden jersey blouses.

Have you looked at Whistles? They do lovely tops.

I love this

www.whistles.com/product/tia-square-neck-daisy-blouse-34756.html#cgid=Tops_Clothing_WW&is=true&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=tia-square-neck-daisy-blouse-34756&pos=4

Loving Oliver Bonas