Since I was so rough on Anthropologie’s top assortments in my last review go-rounds here and here, let me begin by saying that I found more to love in my May shopping trips. Inside, the first of 25+ Anthropologie top and swing sweater reviews.
Note: For sizing reference I am 34-29-38, size 6/M in tops, 34D. I am 5’8″.
The Tiered Midi Tank ($88) looked exactly the way I expected on me — like curtains hanging down from my chest. While this top isn’t designed for a larger chest I still like it a lot, even if it’s not for me. I like the open diamondwork on the shoulder straps, the lightweight but not sheer feel of the top tier and the cool shoulder cross-strap in the back. I don’t like how the bottom tier of the shirt is considerably sheerer than the top tier or the way the tank’s ruffles cascade directly below my chest.
The tank is made from viscose (soft!) and rayon. It’s short be design, hitting just above the natural waist. In the photos above I am in the ivory in my usual size 6. It felt huge! The tank is wide and this is my one real complaint about it. Were it narrower and more rectangular I think it would work on more body shapes. Instead, it is a short boxy top disguised by tiers. Very tricky, Anthropologie. I also tried on a size 4 but to be honest I barely saw a difference. Size down for sure, perhaps even two sizes down if the length doesn’t become an issue.
On the plus side, this tank is undeniably cute and perfect for summer. The cool details are where the top wins with me. I don’t think it looks right on me but recommended for others.
There’s some fun proportion play in the Edie Swing Tee ($68), a top whose sleeves look structured online but were more ruffly in real life. Oversized by design, this poly-spamdex tee is longer than recent Postmark tops have been and that makes me happy! This top hit me high hip. It’s worth noting that this ivory version I tried on and its yellow variant are totally different — the yellow version is striped. There’s a small keyhole in the back.
I sized down to a small which was still roomy through the chest but just right over my hips. I’d stick to a small to buy. The sleeves are interesting no doubt. I could see this top being very fun with a longer skirt, or perhaps a mini that hugs the body. For a more modern look I’d do denim shorts and open-back booties. The top has a nice scoop neckline and the sleeves hit in a smart spot — below the chest, above the elbow and on-line with a smaller part of the ribcage. There isn’t much shape in this top but it did seem to come in a bit at my waist. That’s nice.
This ivory spotted version isn’t doing much for me but I’m intrigued by the yellow stripe version. That’s probably the top I’d buy. On sale. Til then, wishlisted.
The Framed Lace Tank ($88) is incredibly successful at being both light and airy while covering everything that needs to be covered. The design feats here are impressive! A boxed bib has straps that cover a bra perfectly, with a large basket panel in the back that causes this otherwise cotton top to stretch to accommodate a variety of chest sizes. The rest of the top falls straight with a mix of lattice, lace and floral design on the front. It’s lovely. It falls to nearly mid-hip on me.
It’s another top that runs very large. I’m in my usual medium above and as you can see from the middle photo the top is only touching my body via the straps. I’d size down to a small for sure. The tank has a double layer of cotton so it’s not sheer. However, I could imagine the lining layer might be itchy for some.
I can see wearing this top for all kinds of reasons or no reason at all. A definite winner and in my cart as we speak.
The next few reviews come from the caves of the Upper East Side Anthropologie in NYC, where lighting is designed to be not-so-bright. (And yet, oh so warm. I was overheating.) I’m on the hunt for some new casual tops and the Opal Top ($78) seems to fit the bill. This split-neck tencel tee (machine washable!) has a longer back and a very soft, comfortable feeling. There is a very light floral print on the tee. There’s a weak box pleat in the back of this top but not much in the way of shape. Luckily, the cut sleeve design is good for slimming.
I was surprised by how much I liked this shirt on! It just feels so easy and simple. I sized down to a small as I always do in Cloth & Stone. The length is excellent, the sleeves cover the shoulders without making the upper arms look wide and the split neck comes down low but not too low. This would be my main pairing with denim shorts…
…on sale. $78 seems like a lot for a top that could easily come from Gap. So I’ll wait for sale.
I was most looking forward to trying on the Campanula Tank ($68) and so of course it was the biggest letdown. This viscose-poly-spandex-good lord tank looks nothing like the catalogue shot to me. Strangely it also doesn’t look much like the model shot either. The yoke of the tank is closer to the catalogue shot; the overall material closer to the model shot. It has pleats galore and is a little longer in back. The pint is a fun Far East inspired affair though this top is Made in the USA.
I tried on a size small, one size down from my usual medium. It felt quite wide. Some reviewers on Anthro’s site have said this top is short but compared to other tops in this set I thought the length was fine here. Mostly I hated the way the pleats in front and back made this top look like a shorter muu muu.
Also…
…the hems of the top are raw, so you end up with long stringy threads like this photo above shows. Lame. Not worth $68. Back to the rack.
Maeve’s Shimmered Azucar Tunic ($98) was another top I was excited to try on and I’m happy to say this one did live up to the hype. You’ll note I have the sleeves set at two different lengths in the photos to show some styling options. Although the top looks a bit stuffy with every bib button done up, overall I was delighted.
The top is cotton with a white plaid pattern. It’s sheer but thick enough that I think in the summer you could get away with just a white or natural bra underneath. I love the little blue and white beads and sequins on the bib, and I adore the defined waist. With the sleeves all the way down to the wrist I felt less in love with the top; for me rolling the sleeves up three rolls is where it’s at.
I’m in my usual size 6 above which felt overly loose — in the middle shot above the back of the top is sitting quite a distance from my actual back. So I’d buy in a 4. After taking the winter off from runs I’m back on an aggressive training schedule that includes runs, crew and bungie ballet (don’t ask) so it’s possible my size is changing, but I think all of the tops I tried in this set just happen to run large. If you’ve tried on any of these tops and feel the same or different please share in the comments!
This top is coming home with me for sure. What do you think of the tops in this reviews set? More to come…
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