Nice tops with a bit of a sleeve and nipped in at the waist? Where?!

[Headachiest]

I went on a huge trying on spree at a shopping centre yesterday. John Lewis, M&S, Mint Velvet, Mango, Zara, Next, Hobbs, Phase Eight… you name it.

All I am looking for are tops that:

• have a bit of a sleeve to cover the worst of the bingo wings
• they can be plain or patterned (but not too juvenile)
• no dangly bits at the neck or wrists
• ideally V neck rather than round neck as it’s much more flattering for me
• are nipped in at the waist rather than being a box up and down.

Readers, I found one top. Very nice it is too as it really emphasises my waist.

However, everything else I tried on was absolutely awful. The worst was M&S. Every single top was sack shape. This top could have been lovely. It was not. It was as wide as my hips all the way through the waist.

Why is the high street so bad at the moment? Who are they designing these clothes for?

But most importantly - where can I find some flattering tops?! Please post links!

Have you looked at Abercrombie? A selection below that might work for you.

www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/long-sleeve-faux-silk-cinched-top-47301320?categoryId=6570770&seq=02&faceout=model1

www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/puff-sleeve-poplin-o-ring-top-48530319?categoryId=6570770&seq=01&faceout=model1

www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/long-sleeve-smocked-puff-sleeve-wrap-top-46942819?categoryId=6570770&seq=01&faceout=model1

Have a look at Brakeburn
This is my favourite style of top too
Their stuff is great quality cotton
Their sizes are very generous so size down

Have you tried a wrap top? I can't suggest any at the moment but maybe go on ASOS and get some ideas?

I got a few from shein with sweetheart neckline. Slightly ribbed

It’s an impossible search trying to find clothes that are not box shape, it’s all done for cheapness not fashion, drives me bananas.

Try Fat Face, Apricot and Blue Vanilla

What about this?

www.asos.com/topshop/topshop-ditsy-floral-tea-blouse-in-multi/prd/202030134

Vintage repro is your friend when it comes to nipped in waists. Vivian of Holloway, Collectif and places like that. Collectif has a sale at the moment.

Thanks for all the recommendations. Just going through them now and have ordered some tops from the Collectif @BodGaoithe!

Thanks for all the recommendations. Just going through them now and have ordered some tops from the Collectif @BodGaoithe!

I have the same problem OP. Most of the tops I've seen this year are like maternity tops.

I avoid anything with gathering around the neck, yoke or under the bust, and have learned to add darts and adjust side seams. My ancient sewing machine is earning its keep.

A bit tedious to begin with but I'm getting quicker at alterations.

I hear you OP, I'm an hourglass shape so all the boxy, shapeless, high-necked tops and dresses make me look like a sack. Sosandar have lots of pretty, fitted tops with lower necklines. I have quite a few and they are really nice - you can often get 20% off codes etc. Some examples below.

www.sosandar.com/red-floral-print-button-front-sweetheart-neckline-top
www.sosandar.com/green-white-spot-print-sweetheart-neckline-top
www.sosandar.com/blue-white-floral-print-ruched-neck-top

They look great - what's the sizing like? I have never shopped there!

@Headachiest I'd say that they are pretty true to size, everything that I've bought has fitted well and is flattering. They've washed well too.

Shein is your friend. Search for butterfly sleeve and flutter sleeve.

@uncomfortablydumb53 I'd never heard of this brand so thank you! Just trial brought some sale bits with the 20% off

@pokerdone
That's great. I hope you're pleased with them!

Have a look at supermarket ranges - honestly, TU and George are responsible for most of my smart but basic tops and I can't fault them given many have lasted me years. Otherwise, have you tried Gap?

@Athena51 look what you made me do... Bought three tops for the price of two. Your recommendation that they wash well was key 😄

Empire tops nip in just under the bust, would they work?

Or buy boxy floaty and tuck them into jeans?

Try this from silk fred, really flattering and lots of colours if you like it! True to size. Ps I find sosander very big so you might need to size down

www.silkfred.com/womens/clothing/tops/blouses/bella-and-blue/white-kimono-knot-top

I’m following as I want similar , not into puffy sleeves though. Thinking about this

www.yesstyle.com/en/tcuc.GBP/coc.GB/info.html/pid.1072065878?cpid=1072065877&googtrans=en&utm_source=GoogleAds&utm_campaign=1432250345&utm_term=&utm_content=53635953502_275139652512&utm_medium=Shopping&bac=18ODQZN1&mcg=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr5iQBhCsARIsAPcwROPJzt5VB1w0-jJHgfw3TS8E71ibr_-_cirU8zVb956d20bmkzzLKngaAnLsEALw_wcB#%23productImageCover

WYSE blouse/shirts

Oh gosh, I hope you like them or you'll be cursing me 😀

Roman.co.uk?