Here are 25 casual and dressy Summer tops that have been winners with my clients this season. All tried and tested. Be sure to look at all the colours, and all the size options because some items are available in plus, petite, tall and regular sizes.
- Perfect Shirt in Linen: If you can make peace with the crease, try this shirt. The sleeves scrunch perfectly and I can’t rave enough about the loose and carefree fit. Warning: the pink is neon, which is why I love to wear it, but it might not be your cup of tea.
- Pom-Pom Shell: If I was going to add a sleeveless blouse to my wardrobe for Summer, it would be this style in citron. It’s lined and gorgeously retro.
- Foxcroft Leopard Print Shaped Shirt (Plus): A brilliant tailored shape. It works well on a larger bust line so don’t let the breast pockets put you off. Also available in brown.
- Bellatrix Sheer Print Shirt: An attractive pattern in mauve and orange, and even more rich in person. You’ll just have to take a peek.
- Pleione Split Neck Roll Sleeve Mixed Media Top: Lightweight, does not require a camisole, forgiving, covered and made of both a woven and knit. Great assortment of colours.
- Vince Camuto Placed Pattern Peasant Blouse: Fun abstract pattern. Boxy, romantic and fabulous. You’ll be surprised at how well this blouse works on a full bust line.
- Travelers Classic Zebra Sierra Top: Amazing in both regular and plus sizes because asymmetrical hemlines can be very attractive. Crease-resistant.
- Pleione Dolman Sleeve Print Top with Banded Hem: Kimono-esque, pretty and quite alluring.
- Travelers Classic Zebra Print Lindsay Top: Also amazing in both regular and plus sizes. Cold shouldered, very bold and eye-catching. Trust me, it looks better in person than in the photo. Also available in black.
- Bobeau Stripe Roll Sleeve Top: A classic. The substantial weight of the fabric ensures a good drape. The rust and white striped version is available in stores.
- Vince Shimmering Silk Dolman Top: A stunningly simple and crisp modern classic that can be dressed up or down.
- Elie Tahari ‘Marney’ Drop Hem Silk Blouse: My client launched me into orbit when she tried this one on. Modern relaxed elegance.
- Silk Safari Tank: Easy breezy.
- White Circle-Lace Shell: A pretty little retro darling. Great on it’s own or layered under a jacket.
- White Twist Front Shirt: Waist defining and forgiving at the same time. Perfect over tapered Bermuda shorts. No camisole required.
- Linen Cotton Chambray Shirt: Classic and divine. The colours are mouth wateringly fresh.
- Floral Pintuck Drop Waist Top: Great for the office over a pencil skirt. No jacket required.
- Ruffle-Front Blouse: Romantic, ventilating and flirty.
- Femme Back Zip Shell: This may look like a boring shell, but it’s so lovely. It has an interesting side seam and hem detail when worn un-tucked. I vote green. Simple tops can look best. Great layering piece for the office.
- Asymmetrical Pleated Front Print Top: Another simple top that looks better in person than in the photo. Great sleeve length.
- Striped Cotton Three Quarter Sleeve Tee: This is what I call a feminine rugby stripe.
- Madewell Lookout Pullover: Ventilating and covered fabness. Also available in black.
- Free People Polka Dot Easy Rider Button Up: Nice high-low blouse in a festive polka dot. Oversized, yet collapses back onto the body.
- Type Z Daina Blouse: Bright, boxy and happy.
- Organza Peony Top: Very pretty, both on it’s own and as a layering piece. Dress it up or down.
Although there is still a shortage of sleeved tops in stores at the moment, it’s a GREAT improvement on last year. Feel free to share your fabulous Summer top finds in the comments section below and add onto the list.