Jeans-and-a-nice-top tops?

[Curlewwoohoo]

I've lost my way with what a 'nice top' constitutes! For when you're going out for a casual meal or to a pub. Situations where jeans are fine, but a hoody isn't. And you also don't want to completely freeze!

I'm 42. I'm a size 10 and am getting quite swamped out now by all the comfy oversize type things I've ended up with. I'm slightly alternative rather than smart.
Jeans wise I've got wide leg, mom, high waist, skinny, straight leg... But I mainly wear jogger fit day to day! I do have a black velvet blazer I've had since the first 00s, if that's useful.

I usually shop on vinted but need some ideas of what to hunt out... Helpful pointers appreciated!

Don’t overthink it!

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/shirts/product.mulberry-silk-shirt-purple.1180095001.html

Agree with pp. Don't over think it. The beauty of jeans is that you need to wear something on top that makes you feel comfortable. It can range from a white shirt, through to a nice quality wool jumper. Classic cuts work well and not too fussy. Just shop around and try a few.

Regarding slightly alternative rather than smart. Again, don’t overthink this; you don’t need to seek out clothes that scream Look, I’m alternative! Just buy good, preferably natural fibre, versatile, ‘normal’ clothes - and express your alternative leanings in your grooming, accessories and how you put things together.

Your velvet blazer sounds completely excellent to wear with silk shirts or well cut t shirts for all Christmas events.

Thank you v much everyone!
Brands for good quality well cut tees?

I like this and think it would definitely dress jeans up! https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/blouses-shirts/blouses/product.floral-appliqu%E9-top-white.1194374002.html

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/clothing/tops/tops-t-shirts/product.wrap-top-black.1187801001.html

Velvet T-shirt - I have an old one from M&S but expect you'd find them at several places at this time of year

There was the same thread a week ago and one from Amazon was recommended I bought it and wore it on holiday and got complimented, I'll find the link

Deal: GRACE KARIN Women Casual V Neck Slim Fit Summer Short Sleeve Vintage Shirts Blouse

I like wearing silk equivalents to every day clothes e.g. this one from m&s. I have a couple from all saints that I love as well (last season but I'm sure they have similar this year)

https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-silk-relaxed-short-sleeve-top/p/clp60489447?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

https://www.marksandspencer.com/collared-popover-blouse/p/clp60626923?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

with a smart warm jumper or cardi.

@Traceyislivid that's a great shirt. I’ve just ordered it in brown. Thanks 😊

Maybe something satin, velvet or sparkly. A nicer silhouette than a t-shirt etc...

I think of dress tops being things like this:

https://m.shein.co.uk/Plus-Draped-Collar-Butterfly-Sleeve-Satin-Blouse-p-13564214-cat-1891.html

IF you are alternative, I have found lace is my friend in keeping with my alternative vibes (although I am goth so I reply HEAVILY on lace accents to keep it classy in my late 30s. I also default to an oversize shirt/blouse over a plain tshirt, plain or striped tshirts with a decent belt.

When I am super stuck I look up general fashion outfits and just order it in black, chuck a lace cardigan/scarf over the top.

@Traceyislivid love this one!

Don’t kill me but saw this Boden top https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/velvet-party-t-shirt-chatsworth-green/sty-t1491-gst?code=H6N6&tc_ch=ps&tc_ve=goog&tc_so=pmax&tc_me=cr&tc_ca=drop-offer&tc_au=&tc_cr=na&tc_campid=UK+-+Performance+Max+-+WW+-+0-45+-+New&tc_adgroupid=&tc_kwid=&tc_matchid=&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0o6Vq6W_ggMVcotQBh1JHwwoEAQYByABEgLH6_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

And this:-

https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/tops-t-shirts/reese-velvet-wrap-top/981684.html?dtm_campaign=FatFace-UK-pMax-All-SE-All-Google-Women-XX&dtm_channel=PPC&dtm_source=GOOGLE&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0o6Vq6W_ggMVcotQBh1JHwwoEAQYASABEgIgQ_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&glCurrency=GBP&istBid=t%3FglCountry%3DGB&istCompanyId=079d57d6-0fc5-4bbf-a486-373c307934d0&istFeedId=0f8996ab-ce76-4a91-836e-0d1ac8489401&istItemId=lrixqirqa

https://www.hush-uk.com/lara-tie-top-black/007321-0456-14.html?fo_c=1586&fo_k=309167c41b4236e40bceec772bbcc67d&fo_s=gplauk&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0o6Vq6W_ggMVcotQBh1JHwwoEAQYDSABEgKVQPD_BwE

@Doggymummar what's the sizing like on that?

American Vintage is the place to go for well cut tees.

https://www.americanvintage-store.com/gb/en/women-short-sleeve-t-shirts/

@Doggymummar did you find the link please xx

Salad seeker she posted at 15.03 - no link but the details.

Nice jumper, possibly cashmere, in a colour that really flatters you and the right length for your jeans is always a good investment. If it's high neck and fine knit, or a lowish V neck you could add a statement necklace expressing your personal taste.

Definitely worth dragging the black velvet jacket out of the cupboard and wearing it with something plain but in perfect condition under it - again think about a necklace. The shops have been awash with velvet jackets for the last 2 years.

What about River Island for something fun, they've got loads of good options

Blue frill long sleeve blouse | River Island

Or

Pink velvet drape asymmetric top | River Island

Or you could go back to the 90s and go for a bodysuit. I always think they work well with jeans or skirts cause of the smooth line.

Black long sleeve bodysuit | River Island

or

Black Poplin Frill Ribbed Bodysuit | River Island

If you're into polyester horrors.