LOFT Stripe Ribbed Boatneck Top
Fall closet MVP #1
In September, I bought two tops for fall that I’ve been wearing on repeat. This stripey number is one of them.
I love striped tops, and I feel like I can never own too many of them. But I wasn’t sure that this one would work out because of the fabric and its very, very stretchy quality. This top is 95% rayon, 5% spandex. When I looked at the various sizes in store, I was struck by how small the sizing seemed, so I sized up to a large. It seemed promising in the dressing room, so I took it home with me.
Because it’s so stretchy, it’s very comfortable. It moves well with me, the way a ballet dancer’s clothing can move. It’s light yet warm—a really nice piece to wear alone during warmer fall days and I imagine it will be a great layering piece as the winter approaches.
It is quite form-fitting, as you can see in the photo. It does not hide lumps and bumps. Sometimes I do feel a little self-conscious, wearing such a tight top with my curves. I’d love to say I’m full of confidence and body positivity, but I’m not. However, I do wear what I want to wear1, whether or not conventional wisdom says it’s flattering, age-appropriate, or on trend. I dress for me and for the occasion, not to please some imaginary audience member who is trying to decide if I’m too short, too fat, too old, or too uncool to be seen wearing something cute.
I place a lot of value on comfort, and this top delivers. I wore it many times this fall with my favorite Vuori shorts, and that was a great combination for running around on warm autumn days. I plan to wear it during colder winter days with jeans or dress pants and an open cardigan for warmth.
Recall that I found this top while shopping in my local LOFT store. I was so curious to see the marketing images used for this top, given how very form-fitting it is. Not too surprising—the model chosen for this piece of clothing is very thin and small-chested. It’s amazing how much retailers shy away from using models with bigger chests (and bigger everything, really), given that the average American woman is about 5’4” and weighs 171 pounds. Average breast size is 34DD. I’m always looking for size and ethnic diversity in advertising, wondering when retailers are going to catch up with the rest of us. Looking through the most recent images on LOFT.com, I think they are doing well with ethnic diversity, but size diversity is almost nonexistent.
Consider me your slightly-more-average model for this piece: it’s a great shirt. Soft, stretchy fabric; move-able comfort; dancerly grace; adorable stripes; a great piece for the transitional fall-to-winter weather, I’m happy I took a chance on it. Currently, this top does appear to be available at LOFT.com and for less than $20 if I’m reading those discount codes correctly!
Product Details: LOFT Stripe Ribbed Boatneck Top
Sold in stores at LOFT or online at LOFT.com
Price: $49.95 originally but on sale now for as low as $17.49 with a discount code (MORE). Full disclosure: I paid $33 for this shirt in September.
My size: L. I saw multiple reviews on LOFT’s website saying that this top runs small, so size up like I did!
Fit: Form-fitting, tight (but very stretchy!)
This is my goal, even if I don’t always achieve it.