New Clothes But Not Quite What I Wanted

Prior to my new job, I went shopping for drab clothes.  I don't do this often so clothes wear out and need replacing sometimes.

Mostly I was looking for shirts.  I feel I can change my style a bit since I'm in a new group with people who really know nothing about me.

I bought a shirt in a bolder stripe than I normally wear (wide lavender).  I also purchased a pale pink with a blue crosshatch shirt.  Both are men's shirts, alas.  I also found a women's shirt in a fairly bold stripe ~ I think it's the type of thing that might be on men's shelves next year but who knows.

I've mentioned before, it's often difficult to find passable women's shirts.  Darts besides the bust are a no-no.  There's a lot of leeway in cuffs; I have a couple that are... different.  For instance, one has a tab with the buttonhole on it instead of the stock male cuff.  I'm OK with that.

Rounded collars are a showstopper.  I'd be OK with a "missing" top button because I don't do ties anyway.  It would look "off" to a casual observer but I think it would provoke a "that looks off" thought that is dismissed.

Vertical darts are iffy.  I was always thin (and I miss that!) and used to wear "European cut" or fitted shirts which had vertical darts (in the back only).

Sleeve length is also a consideration: no three-quarter or cap; even short sleeves are not often seen in the office although I may see if I can blaze a trail when the weather gets warm (as I write this, it's 8F here so today's a tights day, not a short-sleeve day).  But women's sleeves are generally a bit shorter than men's, and a bit tighter, even on long-sleeve tops.  That's something that requires a try-on every time.

Oh... one breast pocket on the left side is normal male design; women's shirts may have two or no pockets.  I'm fine with no pockets; I need to think hard about two pockets.

And of course, the fabric needs to be heavy enough.  Guys have a problem with sheer shirts.  Silk shirts are lovely but not that passable.

So finding one or two might require a long day of shopping but the more I can transition my wardrobe to the misses' department, the better I feel when I'm at work.

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