I was getting dressed the other day and on my agenda was working from home where I was unlikely to have any Zoom calls and then a dentist appointment. I didn't want to wear a dress, I didn't want to wear something off-the-shoulder, I didn't want to wear a t-shirt with the neck cut out. I finally landed on an oversized linen tunic with the sleeves rolled up. But I really wanted a short sleeve top that looks nice, but that I can just throw on with either jeans or shorts and don't have to think too hard about creating an outfit. I started searching online, but also texted Alison:
"Have you done a roundup of short-sleeved tops that aren't full-on t-shirts and aren't shells, that would be good to wear to a casual/semi-casual office or for things like doctor's appointments? Where you don't want to look "done" but you want to look pulled together, but you don't want to show your arms or just haven't shaved your armpits in a few days so sleeveless isn't an option?"She said no, but that it was a good idea, and that I should write the post. So here we are, and here's what I found:
Plus Size Short Sleeved Tops for Summer
Below I share what I considered, what I ordered, and what I ended up wearing. Read right to left, first row through third. Below my thoughts on each of these tops and why I considered them:
- Talbots: This top is going to be a bit sheer, but I think I'm okay with that. We'll see how I feel when it comes in! I love that this top is available in Talbots' full size range including plus petite.
- Modcloth: This is just another pattern of the bird one below. They also have it in solid green, but it felt more obvious that it's t-shirt material. And one with bees, but I don't really want to wear insects.
- Chico's: I like that the pattern is only on half of the top & also on the back. It makes it feel more purposeful, rather than just putting a pattern on a t-shirt and calling it dressy. It's also linen, so great in the summer.
- Anthropologie: The collar gives it a bit more structure than your typical peasant blouse
- Talbots: While this is technically a t-shirt, the longer sleeves and split neck help it fit the vibe I'm going for, and I can see me wearing this with multiple things in my closet. Available in three colors.
- Modcloth: I always like a wrap top and something like this was exactly what I had in mind.
- Chico's: This definitely has the t-shirt vibe, but the colors and pattern are very summery. Plus, linen.
- Knox Rose for Target: I skipped most peasant-type blouses, but this one has a seam across the back that makes me think it wouldn't be as much of a tent. 100% not anti a tent, but again, I had a specific vibe in mind. Also available in a navy print.
- Lands' End: And for what I did wear, it was this shirt from Lands' End in pink. I bought it in a size bigger than my norm specifically for added air flow, and wore it tied in the front, with the sleeves rolled up one extra roll so they were above my elbows. I didn't spend a lot of time outside, but I was comfortable in the 85-degree weather.
Shop These Plus Size Short Sleeved Tops:
I narrowed this list down for myself and just ordered the tops from ModCloth and Talbots. I'll report back what worked and what didn't once it all arrives!
Hey Alison here! After she texted me and before she wrote this post, I started doing a search for plus size short sleeved tops. Some of what Debbie and I found overlapped; here are some other ones I found on my search:
Top Row: floral wrap | floral puffed sleeves | red gathered shoulders (comes in other colors)Middle Row: blue and white tie dye | green floral | yellow floral wrap
Bottom Row: blue floral wrap | blue gathered (comes in other colors) | black floral
