In your mid-30s, going out takes on a different look than it did in your 20s. Drinks are more expensive. Nights end earlier. And the clothes are different — fewer backless halter tops, more shoes that you can walk more than a block in without getting a blister. So let’s call this a top for a grown-up night on the town.
This Black Organza Polka Dot Top is phenomenal. I adore the sheer-dot on the balloon sleeve. And the square neck is definitely on trend.
This top would be so much fun with a skinny black pant and a minimal black sandal. I also like it with a simple mini-skirt and those Tamara Mellon sandals that are supposed to make your legs look longer.
Plus-size? Obviously, an exact replica is impossible to come by. This Everleigh blouse has a lightly puffed sleeve and the pattern on sheer vibe. Or try this square neck puff sleeve top sans sheer.
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gorgeous!
This is the second River Island top you’ve shared that I intend to buy! Are there tops true to size? I’m usually a small/size 4.
I always check the size guide, but I find them to be a hair small.
What kind of bra would you wear with this top? Any way to avoid a strapless bra?
I just wore a regular black bra. The straps fell partially under the solid fabric, but you couldn’t tell because my hair was covering.
I want more elegant going out tops for when you’re in your thirties!
I second this. It would.be great to have some casual elegant too! Thanks Belle.
+1 for this. Also maybe a post on what to wear while dating at 35+? I’m single again after 18 years (sigh), and while i’m definitely not looking to date for a very, very long time…on the off chance that I consider it at some point, i’m certain I have nothing in my closet for that! My closet is only equipped to go to work and to kids activities!
“Plus-size? Obviously, an exact replica is impossible to come by. ”
If only it wasn’t and brands just extended their core size range to accommodate all women.
I concur with Jen. Although I am fairly good at altering some basic pieces to fit a plus size friend there are times her frustration is palatable.
Truth. It’s so much easier now that J.Crew, Anthro and a few others have plus-size lines.
Belle, I appreciate that you can’t control a certain piece’s availability in certain sizes, but I would be grateful if you didn’t make a habit of posting straight-sized items with no plus-size analogue. Your comment that “Obviously, an exact replica is impossible to come by” comes off as pretty cavalier and makes it sounds like plus-size women reasonably cannot expect to find analogues of trendy pieces.
I know this comment will come off as overly sensitive so I hope you and others will take it in the constructive spirit in which it was intended. I realize that you’ve said you don’t have firsthand experience shopping for plus-sizes really appreciate that you do strive to post options plus, petite and tall sizes.
The reality is that the vast majority of the straight sized pieces available have no plus size analogue. Given the unique styling of this piece, I knew there wouldn’t be one. But I did my best to find some pieces with similar elements, as I do with many of the items posted to this site. Sometimes, I get lucky and find one near identical. Sometimes, I choose the plus-size item first and match the straight size item. Sometimes, I choose brands that offer a plus line specifically. I do my best to be inclusive, but the fashion industry doesn’t always give me the options that I want or that you need.