Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Great, simple top from Banana Republic with lovely pleats at the neckline and a flattering empire waist. We like the idea of wearing it under a cardigan, hopefully with a similar neckline, for a layered look. It’s $32, and is available in both regular and petites. Pleat-neck 3/4-sleeve top – Black
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(L-2)
LL
Warning about this shirt. The pleats don’t stay nicely pleated (as it appears on the model) once you’ve put it on. I don’t know what the problem is — maybe they should have somehow stitched the pleats in place? — but I bought this shirt online and was disappointed when I tried it on to see that the pleats got all rumpled and stretched and didn’t lie flat and neat in their place. The shirt fit nicely in all other respects, so I knew it wasn’t an issue that I needed to get a larger size.
Sharon
Assuming it looks good on, that’s a great find, C. That’s what I call a “go-to” top. Wear it with jeans and cute flats to a movie on the weekends. Dress it up a bit with gray trousers and wear to a business-casual client. Or go all pencil-skirty and dress it up more.
The only thing that gives me pause is knowing exactly how it will drape for those of us who are more busty. It’s interesting to me that they didn’t really drape the model correctly – the pleats on the right side are sort of twisted on her, like she pulled it over her head but didn’t really straighten it out. But in general a great find.
Amber
I also have this shirt. I agree with LL that the pleats don’t stay perfect, but I like the way mine lays. It’s kind of messy, but in a good way to me.
For women who have a small chest (I wear an A), it gaps A LOT. I have to wear a cami under it or else you could see everything if I bent down. I really like it, though. It’s fitted below the bust so it makes me look thin, but with a bigger chest. Plus it looks as good with jeans as it looks with a suit.
Lobbyist
I have this shirt. The pleats are all messed up. Only okay for sloppy weekend wear.
Jay
I tried this on in the store. Not good. None of the BR tops in this fabric worked–they were all too clingy (even going up a bunch of sizes) and seemed like they would stretch out a lot. I am not impressed with BR’s tops at all lately.
MelD
Is this one made with that really thin jersey BR likes to use? I think that fabric looks okay on some styles that are meant to be tucked in or are looser, but look awkward when you are meant to leave it untucked and it just shows every lump and bump. I also find that BR jersey tops don’t do well under a jacket because the jacket causes the shirts to pill immediately.
meg
off-topic question: does anyone have any experience with Brooks Brothers’ wool sweaters? They have some on nice sale right now and I’m curious as to their quality and how they wear through time. Thanks!
txclerk
I love BB’s wool sweaters. I think they are great under suits or with nice jeans and have had no problems with them falling apart or losing their shape. In general, I think BB’s quality is great.