Comments on: Bargain Friday’s TPS Report: J.Crew’s solid three-quarter sleeve stretch shirt

By: MJ

MJ — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:51:12 +0000

I would disagree on contrast stitching making a shirt too casual. For instance, most bespoke (Savile Row-type) shirts employ very subtle contrast stitching to denote the thought and style put into the making of the shirt. Thus, if it’s loud, and machine-done, and cheap, yes…too casual.

If you stick with J. Crew’s higher-end shirts (and not too fashion forward), they do have many work-appropriate shirts. I have a ton of shirts from them (some as old as ten years) that still wear nicely.

By: mkm

mkm — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Awesome — agreed, and many thanks to Cat for a great overview of J.Crew’s offerings! I feel otons better about my suit/blouse choices :)

By: Cat

Cat — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:37:21 +0000

I agree that many of J.Crew’s shirts aren’t office appropriate (many of them are made of very (too) thin cotton, or have loud-ish patterns, occasionally ruffly or otherwise “interesting” seaming, or drawstring/tie at the neck effects that make them better suited for a jeans look.)

Some of theirs have contrasting stitching, which I think is fine for an average day (such as if this blouse had white instead of pink thread) but I wouldn’t wear that look with a suit.

But this shirt, and others that they display next to the suiting in the store, I think are perfect for the office. Plus, several of the fits (this one and Kathryn) have the perfect bust:waist:hip ratio for an hourglass – and are long enough to stay tucked without effort – love.

By: mkm

mkm — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:19:28 +0000

Curious, @Cari and any others: what factors would make a button-down blouse too casual for the office?

I tend to rely on them with suiting (haven’t really gotten into shells/camis with suits, as I always feel like I’m in a pajama top or restricted from removing my jacket)… So, long story short, I definitely want to know if I’m inadvertently looking too casual in button-down, collared shirts!

By: Cari

Cari — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:46:28 +0000

A co-worker once said that they find JCrew button ups too casual for professional wear. I tend to agree, not that I don’t own two.

By: LPC

LPC — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:21:33 +0000

My sister introduced me to that J. Crew shirt this summer and I promptly passed the idea on to my daughter, who started her first post-college corporate job in June. Great when you don’t want to be wearing a jacket in the office.

By: divaliscious11

divaliscious11 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:20:37 +0000

Mel-
They aren’t cheap but Rebecca and Drew make shirts sized with your bra size considered.

http://www.rebeccaanddrew.com

I think Pink does as well

By: Meg

Meg — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Mel-

I have the same problem, too! The JCrew shirt advertised is actually one of the best ones I’ve found. I usually get them in a long (which I can never find on sale!) since I’m 5′9″ and have a long torso. I’m a 34D, and the gaping is minimal in a medium size.

By: Nevadamtnbear

Nevadamtnbear — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:55:09 +0000

Kate1 – I am in partial agreement. I normally don’t care for 3/4 length sleeve shirts. I find them uncomfortable if I have to wear a jacket, I don’t like the length because I feel as though I need to scrunch over my elbows to feel comfortable. And I just don’t think they are all that flattering compared to a well fitting short sleeve shirt or a long sleeve shirt.

By: lawdiva

lawdiva — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:20:23 +0000

Is that Limited shirt meant to be untucked? It doesn’t seem long enough to tuck into a skirt.