Whether you’re a girl who loves comfy t-shirts, long tunics, or a refined blouse, the trick to pulling off all of these tops is to style it correctly. Combine a top with the wrong bottoms or accessories, and you end up looking like you robbed your grandma’s rag bag. To help you step up your fashion game, we chose five of the hottest tops and put together some of the best styling tips to help you look your best when you slip into your favorites.
Top #1 – Tunics
Is it a shirt? Is it a dress? Wear it wrong and a tunic will look sloppy. But as looks from the 1970s become hot again, tunics are on-trend right now. The good news – if you style them right you’ll knock it out of the park. And there’s far more to do with tunics than throwing one on over a pair of leggings (although leggings under a tunic are always a DO).
Since tunics are extra long and oversized, make sure you balance them out by wearing slimming pants, whether it’s cropped trousers or skinny jeans. The trick is to keep the look slimmer on the bottom. One fashion blogger suggests adding heels if you’re going to wear a tunic, especially if you have shorter legs. Tunics can cut off your legs making you look shorter, so pick your favorite pumps to lengthen your legs.
Top #2 – Crop Top
Crop tops are hot, especially during the summer months. They’re loved by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Lupita Nyong’o. Of course, they’ve been around since the 1980s (made famous by Flashdance), and they’re just as trendy today.
So how do you style them? One idea is to wear a crop top with high waisted pants. When the hem of your top is short, a high waist on your bottoms ensures you’re not showing too much skin. If you want a crop top look that’s perfect for all figures, Cosmo suggests going with a coordinated two-piece in horizontal stripes.
Crop tops also look great with midi skirts, shorts, or your favorite pair of jeans. And remember, they don’t have to be skintight. Baggier fits can be a great option too, especially if you’re nervous about trying the style.
Top #3 – Button Down
The classic button down top – you’ve probably got a few hanging in your closet. While it’s a basic piece, it can actually be styled in some very creative, fun ways. Take a page from one of the biggest fashion icons of our time – Victoria Beckham– and wear a button down under a trendy vest. Take a sleeveless dress from summer to fall by wearing a button down underneath it.
For a bit of edge, wear a classic white button down with a black leather skirt and over the knee leather boots. Layer it beneath your favorite sweater and let the collar peek out. Add a ‘90s vibe by tying it around your waist. If you’re really feeling adventurous, knot the bottom leave the top few buttons unbuttoned, and wear it as an off-the-shoulder top.
Top #4 – T-Shirts and Tees
When you think comfort, you probably instantly think of those t-shirts and tees you have in your drawer. But your favorite t-shirts can go far beyond weekend wear or kicking around the house. For example, make it work-appropriate by layering a simple white tee beneath a sleek suit for a bit of edge. Pair an oversized t-shirt with a long black pencil skirt for a more polished look.
A light tee can look great under a simple slip dress. Add the right hat and a pair of shades, and you’ve got a cool-girl vibe. You can even tuck a neutral tee into one of your feminine lace skirts for a look that’s perfect for a date night.
Top #5 – Blouse
A blouse, particularly a nice silk blouse, is a timeless wardrobe staple. Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or going to work, an elegant blouse is a major workhorse to have in your closet. Keep a silk blouse laid back by styling it with a pair of jeans and simple pumps. Who What Wear suggests creating a fresh take on a classic blouse by pairing a pastel blouse with a pair of pants in a different pastel. It’s unexpected and perfect for a day at the office.
For the summer months, a one-shoulder blouse makes a perfect choice that’s light and sexy. A white blouse that’s off the shoulder or a one-shoulder style will look cool and fresh. The bow blouse is a must-have in your wardrobe, too. Add it to a pencil skirt for work or wear it with jeans and sky-high pumps for a night out.
