STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

bri · BCBG

lots of bottoms, NO tops! help!

Elle · Hermes

My solution to this problem is layering. I wear most of my tops all year long - in the winter: camis under a cardi or blazer, sweaters over a short sleeve button up, etc. That way, all your warm weather tops get used in the cooler months as well so it makes a little more sense to spend some money for nicer ones.

rocky · Coach

That is so funny because I have WAAYY more tops than bottoms. I feel like my bottoms are the most basic, and the top makes my outfit stand out. So I can wear the same jeans with like a gazillion tops and they will be different outfits. No one can really tell from a quick glance that one pair of jeans is slightly different than another, so if I buy multiple pairs of destroyed medium wash jeans, it doesn't get me as much mileage as tops that have more variety.

lynnie · Chanel

I am the same way in a sense- the best thing to do is build slowly with pieces that really speak to you. I wouldn't go out looking for tops right now, but next time you are shopping, see if anything really catches your eye, and buy it if its not too $$. Also, buy a couple of cute tops from Forever 21 to mix in with your other tops. Don't buy a ton of cheap tops at once or none of it will feel special. Everything I have bought from cheapie stores I absolutely adore because I'm still picky, even when something's cheap. I also like to look at tops on Bluefly, because you can get an expensive top for a lot cheaper, if quality is a concern. I think layering is also important. I will spend more money on jackets and sweaters, but buy cheaper beaters to layer with things. I agree that your tops don't get the same amount of wear as your favorite jeans- you can't wear the same top 4 days in a row if you get lazy ( well, i guess you could...) But I tend to buy things with coupon codes or on sale at the end of the season so that money isn't as much of an issue. Also, see what kind of cuts/colors would flatter you the most and work best with your wardrobe. You might find that you really need a teal top to go with your jeans and grey trousers, for example. Next time you go to the stores, concentrate on finding one you really love, knowing it would bring together lots of outfits and possibly be worn for many years. Your style seems funky but not too trendy, so I wouldn't worry about it only being a one-season thing. But I agree- I wouldn't spend $100 on a tank top to wear to the bars- it's not worth it, it would get ruined, and there are plenty of cheaper options. Spend your money where it is more deserved.

berryahou35 · Dooney & Bourke

I have the opposite problem! I refuse to spend a ton on bottoms and most don't fit me right. I have tons of tops cuz they're so cheap and easy to fit in to. As far as advice... start by picking them up during sales since you mentioned not wanting to spend alot on something you won't wear so much. If you you just wanna splurge, do it on something like cashmere sweaters.

luckylily · Gucci

I can so relate to what you are saying, bri. However, my issue doesn't have to do w/ my jeans matching lots of stuff. I just don't like buying tops. I have tons of cute skirts, all sorts of colors, cuts, and patterns. I almost always wear them w/ a solid colored tee shirt.

This spring I decided that since I am fully stocked on bottoms, I'm focussing on tops until at least fall. NO NEW BOTTOMS WHATSOEVER. I'm trying to get tanks and patterened tops that I can add layers to in the fall and winter.

honey · Gucci

i have the same problem, it's so much easier for me to buy an interesting bottom and then pair it with a basic top. a lot of times if i find a top i love, i'll buy it in a bunch of colors, and then layer. my staple tops are beaters, and i'm just getting into crinkle camis (i got a bunch from charlotte russe b/c they're 2 for $10). i also really like c & c tops b/c they're very versatile and if you go to places like off 5th or last call (or wait until there's a sale) you can get them for a good price. another good place to look is express, they have lots of cute tops on sale right now for reasonable prices.