What is classed as a non-frumpy 'nice top'

[Badtasteflump]

Feel a bit lost. I'm late 40's, recently acquired peri-belly, decent legs, big but not saggy bum, quite large of nork, 5ft9, size 12/14. Working on the peri belly and gradually losing weight to get me back to my 'happy' size of 10/12.

In the mean time I want a few inexpensive tops to wear with jeans for nights out - inexpensive is important as I'm hoping they'll soon be too big!

I always seem to go for long plain button down shirts as my 'uniform' and it's all a bit samey. Anything patterned or floral seems to turn me into Aunt Maud. Any suggestions please? Thank you 😊

Are you ok with bare arms? I always think a black sleeveless polo neck looks chic, simple and not too try hard. Hair up with some hoop earings or similar?

Sorry op, following as this sounds like me! Literally the only thing that looks good on me is a straight across neckline black top with long sleeves. Agree so many frumpy tops out there if you have any form of a tummy! Also size 12/14

https://prettylavish.co.uk/products/lulu-sleeveless-ribbed-roll-neck-black?currency=GBP&variant=40540233760861&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google+Shopping

This sort of look.

Similar discussion going on on top? www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandbeauty/4790516-which-top this thread

Something that will skim your belly, this is nice and would be lovely over skinny jeans (making the most of your great legs!)

link

and this

or a more fitted top/tank with a blazer over will look good 👍🏻

@Laiste I'm not sure about my upper arms, would prefer at least a short sleeve I think....nice top though! Loving all the suggestions so far though, thank you. I also usually go for v necks or big scoop necks as I'm quite booby. I think I'm still following Trinny & Susannah's rules from 20 years ago though - do they still apply?

Lol - i too am booby. And yes, i do feel i should be in deep v's ect.

However when i wear a properly high neck (in black) i find it sort of blends the boob shelf away. No long necklaces though, however tempting. It takes the eye right back to boob land 🙄

I just find it makes a change from your look being all about the boobs/neckline for a change. Draws attention up to your face and earrings ect.

Incidentally i've recently discovered how flattering a low square neckline is on big norks. (for full disclosure I found out by accident. I put a pull on body-con dress on backwards by accident and it looked miles better than the right way around with the square 'neck' at the front instead of the back).

I'm a 34 H cup. Though I absolutely love all the broderie anglaise, puff sleeve, embroidered blouses on other people, I know I will look a right mess in them!

I tend to stick to tshirts tbh, but I would like to branch out a bit. I'm thinking maybe cami tops under a soft, unstructured blazer? But I'm not convinced by that either.

Boat necks can look surprisingly good on me as well. Sometimes it isn't just the height of the neckline, it's the width as well

Yes! i think it's why the lowish square neckline works. The width and the straight lie 'stops' the eye before the cleavage.

straight line