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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13 comments
sara says:
gorgeous!
Rachael says:
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.
Belle says:
I always check the size guide, but I find them to be a hair small.
StephaniE says:
What kind of bra would you wear with this top? Any way to avoid a strapless bra?
Belle says:
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.
Anokha says:
I want more elegant going out tops for when you’re in your thirties!
Em says:
I second this. It would.be great to have some casual elegant too! Thanks Belle.
Denise says:
+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!
Jen says:
“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.
Kate says:
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.
Belle says:
Truth. It’s so much easier now that J.Crew, Anthro and a few others have plus-size lines.
Nellie says:
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.
Belle says:
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.