Of course, “must have” is relative. I’m excited about these swing tops with asymmetrical hems and see many styling possibilities for all body types. I am adding them to this season’s Spring and Summer’s Must Haves list because they are fun, comfortable and different.

Asymmetrical hems come is all forms, but in this case I’m referring to more of a “handkerchief” asymmetrical  hem, meaning that the front hem is shorter than the back hem with either rounded or pointy side seams. I’m not entirely sure when the style detailing first came about but it resurfaced in the 80’s, which is when I first wore the trend. And I just purchased a bright orange version of the purple Zara blouse below.

This type of asymmetrical top is available in jersey knits, knitwear and woven fabrications, and in cropped, regular or longer lengths. Choose your neckline and sleeve style. Generally, asymmetric tops work best in soft and drapey fabrications because they collapse gracefully along the contour of the body instead of making you feel like you’re wearing a tent.

Depending on the length, pair this top with slim-fit, bootcut and wider cut trousers, shorts or jeans. Pencil skirts will also work. The shorter the top (think cropped top), the wider you can go on the fit of the trouser/jeans silhouette because you’re creating a waistline by wearing a waist defining under layer with the top, OR actually showing off your bare waistline if you dare. Longer asymmetrical tops tend to look best with slim fit bottoms.

If you’re after a breezy Summer top, this is it. If you like to surrender your waistline, this is it. If you’re after a new type of blouse silhouette, this is it. Feel like camouflaging your tummy and hips in a cool way, this is it.  As you can hear, I’m all over the silhouette because it’s simple yet interesting.

Do yourself a favour if you haven’t already done so — try one on the next time you’re in stores and let me know what you think. I hope that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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