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Original poster

Which top?

661 replies

OldGrannyish · 22/04/2023 14:54

Friend's 50th birthday. DH doesn't like one because it's too grannyish and MIL says that one is better (but then, she is a granny!)
Which is better? I prefer one over the other, but my fashion sense is questionable

Black jeans and probably a dark blue (or black?) cardigan with it

Which top?
Which top?
OP posts:
Thread gallery
91
MrsMitford3 · 22/04/2023 17:50

@OldGrannyish Everything you are posting is the same kind of wrong.

Where are you? I'll go shopping with you!

I agree with PP's -go to Zara.
You are so young and the fabrics and colours you are choosing are so dated and uninspiring.

Wear the jeans and shoe/boots you are comfortable in but buy a new top!!

MysteryBelle · 22/04/2023 17:50

Ruthietuthie · 22/04/2023 17:33

And what do you think about the two mint velvet blouses? A silk blouse in a neutral but elegant color looks really luxurious.

This is good idea.

GeriKellmansUpdo · 22/04/2023 17:50

To be honest I think ops number two choice is better than a lot of the frilly numbers and jumpsuits people have suggested.

And not flammable. She can go near the birthday candles!

MrsRinaDecker · 22/04/2023 17:50

The sequins are good as well!

BeaLola · 22/04/2023 17:52

You are 42 and a size 8 - the world is your oyster -pls don't wear either

Willowthecrisp · 22/04/2023 17:56

I know you hate shopping OP but go and try on a bunch of outfits that might suit you. Sounds like you’re a pear shape? The ‘uniform’ of a midi floaty dress, denim jacket and sandals/chunky boots/ white trainers has worked well for me as a pear shape. Jeans have never done anything for me.

BraveFaceScaredInside · 22/04/2023 17:58

OldGrannyish · 22/04/2023 16:52

Ooooo this in bright pink would be good with black jeans and is dressy enough but understated x

Mummyoflittledragon · 22/04/2023 18:00

A lot of these posts are for man made fibres. Confusingly you did put up a viscose number. I really like some of these styles and it would be great to get you out of your comfort zone a little op. I’d love to have your figure. Seriously. I used to be the same size as you. Also pear shaped.

But if you cannot find anything you like, maybe consider a tailored shirt. Hates and Curtis have some lovely cotton ones on here. The small amount of Lycra will ensure you show off your shape. Every shirt is paired with trousers / jeans so you can see colour suggestions.
https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/womenswear/shirts/blue-label/fitted#

Women's Fitted Shirts | Hawes & Curtis

Shop women's fitted shirts for a sharp office look. Smart cotton shirts with streamlined silhouettes in the latest styles and tones. Free UK Returns. 90 Day Refunds. Click & Collect.

https://www.hawesandcurtis.co.uk/womenswear/shirts/blue-label/fitted#

TrianglePlayer · 22/04/2023 18:01

Some of these suggestions are awful. And some of you are being so unkind to the OP! Plus some people saying “oh god you can’t possibly wear bright colours with black” and then loads of links with bright coloured tops.

NatashaDancing · 22/04/2023 18:01

OldGrannyish · 22/04/2023 15:17

I "have" both but can send back.

Its a buffet with seating rather than a sit down meal in a new trendy pub place in the city. Might be dancing.

I have black (bootcut) jeans. Nothing tight, needs to hide a belly Blush Size 8-10. can't wear yellow or synthetic fabrics.

They're both awful.

If you're a size 8 or 10 and presumably around 50 as well, the world is your oyster.

Niftythrifter · 22/04/2023 18:02

@OldGrannyish What about a nice blouse in broderie Anglais?You can find them pretty much everywhere. Dress it up with jewellery and other nice accessories.

I have just seen someone wearing black jeans, black ballet flats and nice cream silky top. Looked nice and I am sure they were heading out for drinks, so I think it could look appropriate for a party!

GeriKellmansUpdo · 22/04/2023 18:02

Yes, she asked for no polyester, and everyone has suggested polyester.

Pushmepullu · 22/04/2023 18:04

MarissaG · 22/04/2023 17:23

OP if you are set on wearing your black boot cut jeans then the top you linked could work. With a blazer and heels?

Show quote history

I like that jacket and sounds like it would suit OPs figure. Where’s it from please?

NatashaDancing · 22/04/2023 18:04

TokyoSushi · 22/04/2023 15:31

Oh gosh OP, neither and the fact that you're 42 makes it even worse!

Keep the black jeans, my friend went out last nice in black jeans, a sparkly grey t-shirt and shoe boots, she looked lovely!

And a size 8 - 10 to boot.

Monkeymonkeymoo · 22/04/2023 18:07

I think we’re probably a similar shape and size.
Would you consider a top like this: https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/sale/products/rosebush-black-cotton-cardigan (done up, with a plain black vest top underneath)

Personally I’d probably wear it with a black A-line skirt (below the knee) but it would definitely work with black boots too.

KEW Rosebush Black Cotton Cardigan

The One Hundred Stars collaboration with KEW Royal Botanic Gardens. This range has been created from one of the world's foremost archives of rare and historically significant artwork, held at The Royal Botanic Gardens, KEW.

https://onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/sale/products/rosebush-black-cotton-cardigan

thecoperope · 22/04/2023 18:09

I like the first one, I didn't know floral shirts are frumpy, I think they are nice and I've worn them pretty much every day since I was 14 and started buying my own clothes. That's going on 15 years. I think its pretty x

Ruthietuthie · 22/04/2023 18:10

@Monkeymonkeymoo's cardigan is a really nice choice.
And yes to the previous poster who suggested cream silk top, black jeans, and Chanel style ballet slippers.

Strawberrydelight78 · 22/04/2023 18:11

Neither I usually wear a dress. If your worried about being cold take a shrug or cardigan. But usually if there's a lot there it's never cold with all the bodyheat. This would look nice with black jeans. You don't want to wear a dark top with black jeans. The one on the left looks like something my granny would have worn and she died in 93.😂😂😂

Which top?
NatashaDancing · 22/04/2023 18:12

Bunce1 · 22/04/2023 16:46

White tailored blouse is also a great look with black jeans and defo hells with a ponty front.

That's a great look- much nicer than a "nice" top. If I wore black jeans I'd go for a dramatic, over- sized shirt.

Matildahoney · 22/04/2023 18:12

With your size and body type you've described I'd go slim jeans, cami top and oversized blazer, which would help balance you out.
Zara is your best bet, or h&m, or new look for a blazer.

SpamIAm · 22/04/2023 18:12

I think it's rather ambitious to try and make you completely change your style as some posters are - you obviously want to be comfortable in what you wear. Sure, bright colours with black isn't the greatest combination but probably still about 80% of the female population still wear it 🤷‍♀️

If you must use one of the first ones you posted, I'd go for the shirt. I just find the cut of the sleeve on the t-shirt so ageing. Otherwise, the green sleeveless blouse you posted was lovely (please tuck in!) or the blue leopard one.

As general comments, burgundy is one the the universal colours that suits everyone. Some shade of yellow will suit you. You are completely normal in proportion - have a look at how to dress for a pear shape if you're interested. I actually think dresses are particularly lovely on pear shapes, you just want something that's looser on the bottom half and then it doesn't matter that you're a different size to the top.

GonnaGetGoingReturns · 22/04/2023 18:13

A lot of people seem to be missing the point that OP can’t wear synthetics. If it was a synthetic or sequin top she could maybe wear a silk or cotton vest or slim cami under it.

Hush do some nice printed silk blouses, I got a very nice one with a tie bow in a sample sale shop that is near Goodge Street but I’m sure there are similar on their website. Agreed with cotton jumpsuits - I’m a curvy 12 and this can suit me.

AgrathaChristie · 22/04/2023 18:14

Your black jeans, boots or heels.
White t shirt or sleeveless drapey top in a fabric you’re comfortable with.
Black soft drape blazer ( one upthread in camel colour) you could wear black jeans, black top, camel blazer.
Then silver jewellery either chunky or delicate as you prefer.