You need quite a few women's shirts in your wardrobe: casual shirts, dress shirts, long sleeve shirts -- where do you start? This women's shirt buying guide is here to help you figure out how to buy women's shirts that you need. Follow this guide and when you open your closet, you'll see just the shirts that are right for your body type and lifestyle.
Before you choose the shirts that have the right details for your shape, think about the different shirts available. Then you can fill your closet with the ideal shirts that you need.
Tee shirts: Once a casual mainstay, tee shirts are now made in nicer fabrics and with better fits so you can wear them more often than just when you're relaxing. With a variety of necklines and sleeves, there's sure to be a few tee shirts that will look great on you.
Tank tops, tube tops and halter tops: Perfect for layering or for wearing when it's hot outside, these sleeveless shirts come in many different styles and fabrics--from casual tank tops to wear at the gym to sequined halter tops fit for a party.
Long sleeve t-shirts: For colder weather, you'll want some long-sleeve t-shirts. Choose long-sleeve shirts with similar necklines as your short sleeve shirts so you'll still feel great when you're bundled up.
Henley shirts: With a button placket of two to five buttons at the neck, a henley shirt let's you adjust the neckline to flatter your face and your chest. Henley shirts are fairly casual and often have long sleeves.
Polo shirts: As with henley shirts, the button placket of polo shirts lets you adjust your neckline. The addition of a collar lets you choose a polo shirt that flatters your face (the key is to go with the opposite shape of your face). Polo shirts are almost always short sleeve shirts.
Tunic tops: Tunic tops are longer than other shirts, and this longer length makes them perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. Available with several different necklines and sleeve styles, tunic tops are flattering for many women, but women who want to conceal a tummy or add height will appreciate tunics the most.
Women's blouses: The basic women's blouse is influenced by a traditional men's shirt, but women's blouses range from career shirts to elegant, special blouses.
Camp shirt: With a button-down front and a collar, the camp shirt is the most casual of all women's blouses and is often available with fun prints.
Wrap top: The wrap-around design and the tie-waist of wrap tops makes them more dressy than a casual shirt, and a nice fabric can make a wrap top even more special.
Kimono-style tops: Inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos, kimono tops share the distinct sleeve design and often have a banded or tied waist. A blouse with kimono influences usually looks very dressy.
Fancy tops: Beaded tank tops, sequined tunics or sheer blouses: the fanciest of all women's shirts has to be the party top. Choose fancy tank tops and other party blouses that highlight your best assets -- toned arms, defined collarbones or a feminine bust -- and you'll be the center of attention wherever you go.
You deserve to feel confident and beautiful every day. When you have shirts that look good on you -- that show off your best assets and conceal the parts you don't love -- you'll be on your way to feeling fantastic. Many of these tips can be applied to your other women's clothing as well.
Big bust: Make sure the shirts you choose have bust darts to accommodate your chest. A loose flutter sleeve can also flatter your bust. Avoid double-breasted shirts and horizontal details. Let your neckline accentuate your bust without putting too much out there.
Small bust: A fitted shirt will be the most flattering. You can also benefit from a shirt with an empire waist. Choose shirts in colors that are brighter than your pants or skirts.
Love handles or tummy: Shirts made of soft fabrics that don't cling to your body will be the most flattering. A wrap shirt that ends past the widest part of your body will look great, too.
Heavy arms: Avoid tiny sleeves, like cap sleeves. Long sleeves that taper at the wrist will help slim down your heavy arms. If your upper arms are the issue, try wearing 3/4-length sleeves; they'll show off only the narrowest part of your arms.
Short waist: Match the color of your shirts to your pants or skirts to elongate your body. Avoid shirts that are fitted at the waist.
Round face: Avoid round collars -- look for a collar shape that's the opposite of your face.
Narrow shoulders: Wide collars, horizontal stripes and wrap tops will all add a little more substance to your stature. Avoid raglan sleeves or kimono-style shirts.
Broad shoulders: Deep V-necks or raglan sleeves will offset your broad shoulders. Avoid shirts with wide collars, wide necklines and shiny fabrics.
Of all of the shirts available, now you know which ones will flatter you. But you don't need to buy every shirt you find that fits that description. You will make it until laundry day if you have:
Three or four tee shirts in your favorite colors
Three of four tank tops for layering in winter or for summer wear
Two or three long sleeve t-shirts
Three or four fun tee shirts, like a graphic tee or a boat neck tee
Five or six blouses for work
Four or five weekend shirts
As with all of your clothing, be sure to follow the instructions on the care label. Most of your casual shirts can be laundered at home, but shirts made out of special fabrics -- chiffon, silk or cashmere, for example -- will need to be dry-cleaned or hand washed.
Make sure you have quality hangers to hang your shirts on; after all the searching you did to find the perfect shirts, you don't want them to become misshapen in the closet! Delicate shirts should be folded and kept in a dresser drawer.
Are there any rules about what accessories I should wear with different shirts?
The necklines and sleeves of your shirts are the main dictators of which accessories you should wear. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
A scoop neck or V-neck opens up the perfect spot for a necklace or a scarf.
A high neck -- like a crew neck or a boat neck -- lets you to move your accessories up to your earrings. Go ahead and wear larger or dangly earrings.
A sleeveless shirt or one with cap sleeves looks best with a few bracelets or a large cocktail ring.
How do I choose the right bras to wear with my shirts?
First, you'll want to be sure that the bra straps are concealed.
If you have a larger bust and need a bra with more supportive straps, you'll want to steer clear of tank tops with narrow shoulder straps.
If you're wearing a shirt with a wide neck, like a boat neck, make sure the straps sit a little farther out on your shoulders.
If you're wearing a racer back tank top make sure you have a bra with the same back to avoid looking sloppy.
You may want to shop for a convertible bra so you can change the straps around for different shirts. Some convertible bras change to racer back, one-shoulder, halter, strapless or other configurations.
Second, make sure the cups have the right amount of padding for the shirt. A tee shirt or other close-fitting shirt needs a smoother, more padded cup, while a shirt with a scoop neck needs a bra with demi-cups. As long as you have a variety of bras to choose from, you should have one that's perfect for every one of your shirts.
Is it worth it to splurge on designer shirts?
You just can't beat the quality of designer shirts, but -- even when you can buy them at a discount -- designer shirts can be an expensive luxury. If you'd like to add a few designer shirts to your wardrobe, but you need to be budget-conscious, consider buying shirts in classic styles. Do you often wear a white button-down shirt? You'll love a beautiful designer version of this shirt. Are fancy tank tops your party-outfit stand-by? Add designer tank tops to your closet for special occasions. You don't need every one of your shirts to be designer to have some luxury in your life; just shop for your favorites.
Finish your outfit with pants
Pair your new shirts with the women's pants you'll find here on Overstock.com. From the jeans you'll want to wear with your tee shirts to the trousers you'll want to wear with your blouses, we have women's pants that will complement all of your new shirts. Create a new outfit when you're online shopping and have it all shipped together--you'll save even more with our low, flat shipping rate.
Dress it up with skirts
When you want to dress up your new shirts a bit more, you'll want to have new skirts. Sleek pencil skirts will be perfect for the office when you pair them with blouses. A casual denim skirt pairs easily with polo shirts or tank tops. Shirts and skirts make a stylish combination, especially when you shop for cool brand names on Overstock.com.
Looking smart in suits
If you need to be even more dressed up than you are in skirts, you'll want to wear women's suits. Looking professional is easy with the suits you'll find when you're on Overstock.com. Pair your suits with blouses on days when you're giving a presentation or meeting new clients. When you want to be a bit more casual, wear a pretty camisole under your suit. No matter what look you want, you'll find the suits and shirts you need here at discount prices.
