where can I buy a nice top for my teen?

September 11, 2023 10:17 PM

Looking for a vendor (online or brick+mortar) where I can reasonably expect to find a "nice" top for a teenager. This is harder than you'd think. I must be looking in the wrong places. What are the right places?

She needs nice tops. They must be:

* cotton or rayon -- no polyester
* something prettier than a t-shirt -- think "church service" or "graduation brunch"
* have some kind of sleeve
* be age appropriate and nice looking for a teen girl

BUT

* no bare midriff
* no skintight stretchy stuff
* no bizarre shoulder ruffles
* no necklines that make it impossible to wear a regular bra

Where do we look? Bonus if link to specific thing. I struck out already at Macys, Nordstrom, H&M, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy, Tillys, Forever21 -- but it's maaaybe possible I'm doing the filters wrong? Maybe?

posted by fingersandtoes to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (38 answers total)

How does she feel about button-up dress shirts? With the caveat that I do not know if a teen would find these stylish, I'd recommend Uniqlo: 100% cotton example 1, 100% cotton example 2, 100% rayon example 1. They have similar shirts in aditional colors that are advertised as "rayon" too, but they're only 76% rayon 24% polyester (example, in case some polyester is okay).
posted by catabananza at 11:06 PM on September 11, 2023 [3 favorites]

Target shows a handful of nice-ish blouses in cotton and rayon (viscose) blends. I have no idea what a teen would like, but this seems nice, and so does this one, and this one is OK but maybe too "office."
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:13 PM on September 11, 2023

J. Crew, Uniqlo, Madewell, Nordstrom Rack, Anthropologie, Boden (online only). Both Zara and H&M are sometimes better in person than online, btw. We often find stuff at Loft or Talbot's depending on the aesthetic you're going for (Talbot's is bright and kind of preppy).

When you say teen, how old? Is she average size? That may help narrow things down a little bit. Also, how much are you looking to spend? Look and see if you have a place called "Plato's Closet" near you. It's a consignment store specifically geared toward teens. We found quite a few things there, very reasonably priced. They will have the stuff you are NOT looking for, but the other stuff is mixed in.

I think you may need to search for "blouse", "cardigan", etc. Don't go by material as your priority. Very few things require dry cleaning (this is your reason, right?) anymore. By the way, my younger daughter has that Uniqlo button down in the third link by catabananza and she just washes it, then hangs it to dry. No worries.
posted by dancinglamb at 1:39 AM on September 12, 2023 [7 favorites]

Also, have you looked at TJ Maxx and Marshall's, as well as Ross Dress for Less if there's one by you? All their Fall stuff is coming in now. If nothing else, I love that they separate the clothes by type so you don't have to hunt so hard. We always seem to have great luck at TJ Maxx out of all of these places for some reason; noting that we don't have Ross here - I've only been to them in Florida.
posted by dancinglamb at 1:44 AM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

We've all been there when we just aren't feeling some of the trends (cropped styles, shoulder ruffles, etc) that our peers are all over. It's so much worse when you are young! I feel for y'all shopping especially in this weird retail space when online retail is truly wild. Sounds like you have been through the ringer.

I like a standing collar.
These sleeves are interesting without being ruffly.
I like the cuffed detail and the swingy shape to this one.
This blouse feels similar some of the babydoll styles I have seen on trend, but less low cut. Looks like it would be fun to wear.
posted by kaelynski at 1:57 AM on September 12, 2023

If you don't want bizarre ruffles et al, try looking in the men's section, especially if you are OK with short sleeves. Long sleeves are trickier because they can be too long for many women. I buy a lot of (fun patterned) men's cotton buttondowns used online, choosing sizes/guesstimating whether they will fit me based on the "pit to pit" measurement.
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:07 AM on September 12, 2023

Best answer: Kohl’s?
posted by Thorzdad at 2:25 AM on September 12, 2023

Best answer: What's your price range? These (desigual) are mostly ridiculously expensive, but maybe something there works. (I didn't filter out t-shirts, but you can.)

If returnability isn't critical, you can get pretty specific with etsy searches.

I struck out already at Macys, Nordstrom, H&M, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy, Tillys, Forever21 -- but it's maaaybe possible I'm doing the filters wrong? Maybe?

I don't know if this is what you found but here's a lightly-filtered search I did on Macy's - lots of things that aren't a great match, but mixed in are a bunch of things that might. You can narrow things down more by filtering in the "Top Style" category and so on. Do double-check the materials on individual items though, because I saw one or two that was polyester despite the fabric filter.
posted by trig at 2:37 AM on September 12, 2023

The teens in my life like Sister Jane and Kimichi Blue, which are sold at Urban Outfitters. See a blouse here or this.

Madewell may be a more simple style but could hit the mark. See this.
posted by inevitability at 4:07 AM on September 12, 2023 [6 favorites]

Seconding TJ Maxx and Marshall's. These places are better shopped in person to make sure the fit is what you expect. The variety of brands makes it impossible to know if the sizing is true or runs big or small.
posted by soelo at 4:26 AM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

Unfortunately what's in style right now is bland colored button up collared shirts.

They are probably more expensive than what you'd (I'd) buy for a teen, and church service appropriate is, well, deeply debatable. But I've personally been liking Nooworks and Yevu for clothes that have some personality in this the blandest of times.

My absolute best shopping tip though? Instagram. If your kid has Instagram they're probably already being served clothing ads. She should click on ads for the things she likes and let the algorithm do its thing. It learns fast. MOST of the clothes I've bought in the last few years I've found on Instagram first. Pick what's appropriate from there.
posted by phunniemee at 5:43 AM on September 12, 2023 [2 favorites]

Maybe try Uniqlo?
posted by easternblot at 6:31 AM on September 12, 2023

* no bare midriff
* no skintight stretchy stuff
* no bizarre shoulder ruffles
* no necklines that make it impossible to wear a regular bra

Unfortunately ALL of these--the ruffles, the bizarre cutouts, the crop--are VERY in style right now. You will need to do a lot of sifting. I would actually suggest maybe Poshmark or ThredUp, where she might find stuff from a season or two ago before the Puffy Sleeves took over.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 6:52 AM on September 12, 2023 [2 favorites]

My teen grand-daughter and I are going to check out our local Plato's Closet this weekend because she's heard it's the place to go. If you have one near you and have time to shop in person check it out.
posted by mareli at 6:59 AM on September 12, 2023

Reformation? Maybe this (Joelle top) or this? (Bailey knit top)

Maybe Free People - this (Landy Printed Top) is 100% cotton.
posted by hepta at 7:03 AM on September 12, 2023

I just want to echo comments indicating that it's not just you, it's the trends right now. On top of it, I'm super curvy so while I'd rather buy shirts tagged as mens, they don't fit most of the time.

I'm wearing a lot of linen t-shirts right now. Watch out for blends - I took a look and my goto recommendations are cut with polyester.

I'm also wearing a lot of short sleeved sweaters right now (Modcloth has some super cute stuff!), but you're going to have to read tags for fabric composition.
posted by joycehealy at 7:49 AM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

H&M maybe?
posted by DarlingBri at 8:24 AM on September 12, 2023

I was going to say Anthropologie but I just looked at it only to realize that it follows this season's ruffly trends. Somewhere less fast-fashion would be a good bet, though maybe less teen-friendly.

The suggestions above to go with poshmark or somewhere second-hand is a good one. There's tons of fun stuff out there.
posted by urbanlenny at 9:00 AM on September 12, 2023

What size does she wear? I get these things at Anthropologie mostly but it's unclear to me if she's in adult sizes or not. "Teen" covers a lot of ground.
posted by potrzebie at 9:13 AM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

Quince has some solid color, washable silk options that might work.

But honestly, as a 30-something adult “conservative blouse” is my least favorite category of clothing to shop for and it was also terrible when I was a teen. There are too many weird ruffles and prints and bad fabrics on offer no matter what the current fashion cycle is. Instead I wear sweaters or nice tanks/shells with a cardigan or duster of the weather is at all appropriate for it. Button downs are also a reasonable choice, but depending on proportions may be hard to fit (broad shoulders and/or a large bust make it difficult to buy button downs off the rack).
posted by A Blue Moon at 10:24 AM on September 12, 2023 [4 favorites]

Do you have an Evereve or Altar'd State near you? The ruffle trend and puffy sleeve trend is strong but there were some shirts without all that. Another strategy would be to try stores that cater to women's work wear such as White House Black Market, Kohl's, or Anne Taylor Loft and look for a boring blouse that could be made more teen friendly with fun jewelry or accessories. Good luck!
posted by PurpleNico at 10:53 AM on September 12, 2023

J.Crew Factory may be a good option - they have some nice blouses and shirts.
posted by notjustthefish at 11:59 AM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: she's adult size medium. Juniors idk, that sizing is so wild. I think she's very average 14 year old size. Neither particularly thin nor thick nor unusually tall nor short. But in every other way it's tricky with her. Avoiding polyester is a necessity both because of skin sensitivity issues and avoiding BO, and she can't stand weird sleeves, is uncomfortable with immodesty, and doesn't want anything masculine, including button-downs. What she wants - perfectly reasonably - is soft, flattering tops that make her feel pretty and safe and comfortable and presentable and appropriate, and it kills me that I am having so much trouble finding anything like this for her. What the hell is going on with the fashions? I know I'm old, but damn.

Thanks for all suggestions.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:09 PM on September 12, 2023

Best answer: is soft, flattering tops that make her feel pretty and safe and comfortable and presentable and appropriate, and it kills me that I am having so much trouble finding anything like this for her. What the hell is going on with the fashions? I know I'm old, but damn.

I'm also old but I do not remember any time in my entire life that it was simple to find clothes that didn't make me on some level feel just horrible, ugly, uncomfortable, or inappropriate. Being a woman in the world is pretty dreadful -- it's not something you're doing wrong.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 1:13 PM on September 12, 2023 [12 favorites]

Yeah, it’s awful out there - it’s not you. Nthing Madewell here, and I also find nice cotton tops at Marine Layer and Urban Outfitters occasionally. Something else that can work is to look for simple silk tops (ideally washable and/or on sale); I’ve found good ones at Amour Vert and Everlane in the past. It’s like the fancier fabric gives designers permission not to cover the shirt in pointless ruffles.
posted by scyllary at 2:01 PM on September 12, 2023

Check out the curated resale shops. The good ones will have things that are cool and interesting no matter what's happening in fast fashion. You will still have the depressing struggle of finding natural fibers.

This is a stretch, but it might work for her in the medium-to-long term: I've been buying silk shirts on Ebay for $20-40 that retail for $200-400. If she hits on a brand that suits her and her needs, she can check Ebay and the other resale sites and set alerts for things in her size and budget.
posted by meemzi at 2:27 PM on September 12, 2023

Best answer: Lucky makes a reliably good assortment of simple, comfy but nice cotton blouses (example). Usually available at Nordstroms or Macys. One search term for a more femme collarless button down is “Henley.”
posted by veery at 2:29 PM on September 12, 2023

I struggle with this as an old, and most of my newer dress shirts are from Daniel Rainn (Amazon, Bloomingdale's). Like everything you'll have to scroll through to find good ones. I can personally vouch for the cap sleeve top, which I own several variants of. It's very soft and nice and flattering.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:29 PM on September 12, 2023

(Sorry, the cap-sleeve top at Bloomie's -- there's one at Amazon but it's polyester)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:40 PM on September 12, 2023

What about Ureshii? I first heard about them in an askme years ago. I love their stuff. They make things to order (you send measurements) and you can say type of sleeve, length of sleeve or body, etc. Beautiful quality and lasts for years. You choose the material, colour, etc
posted by latnahc at 2:47 PM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

+100 to everyone who has already observed that you're not doing anything wrong, this is just actually harder than it should be.

I have had good luck at Muji and Uniqlo (in the Women's Department). I don't see anything on the Muji site at the moment. Uniqlo has a lot of button ups, but the Pintuck Long Sleeve Blouse or Volume Long Sleeve Blouse might meet her requirements. I didn't check the fiber though.
posted by amandabee at 2:47 PM on September 12, 2023 [1 favorite]

Another vote for curated resale or consignment shops. If the shops are willing to buy the items, the quality is usually better. More expensive but more organized too than “thrifting”. My kids have found lots of great brands for far less than you would pay for new.
posted by gryphonlover at 4:51 PM on September 12, 2023

Unique Vintage specializes in vintage-inspired clothing but has a lot of light cotton sweaters that could belong to any era, if vintage stuff is not her jam. Eshakti has styles that you can customize. They might skew too office-y for her taste?
posted by corey flood at 5:08 PM on September 12, 2023

If you like the top that veery linked to, another search term that might be helpful is "popover." Here's one from Banana Republic that could work.
posted by Mender at 6:12 PM on September 12, 2023

I think LL Bean might be a hero in this search. They have TONS of cotton shirts in different cuts, with different sleeve lengths and necklines. None are ruffly, none are mid-riff baring. The ones that are patterned have interesting patterns that are definitely nicer than a t-shirt.

Pact might have some decent options, although the colors are more muted.

Toad and Co has more casual stuff but cute and more teen style, I think.

Amour Vert is also worth noting. Beautiful styles, but pretty expensive and a lot of it is silk instead of cotton. The sale section might deliver though!
posted by luzdeluna at 8:07 PM on September 12, 2023

Another search term that may help is popover +blouse? Then check the fibre composition separately, unless you found a retailer that specializes in natural fibres. This was the first result when I googled it (which is bizarre as I am in Australia, LOL).
posted by Coaticass at 10:44 PM on September 12, 2023

On preview, what Mender said!
posted by Coaticass at 10:46 PM on September 12, 2023

How do you two feel about thrift shops or clothes swaps? I've gotten a ton of good servicable options from them in the last few years.
posted by creatrixtiara at 7:59 AM on September 14, 2023