Although go-to classics like T-shirts, tank tops, button-down shirts and turtlenecks in both tailored and fluid fits are great to layer under all sorts of jacket styles — you have more options. The top styles below are particularly popular with my business casual clients because they drape well under jackets and the necklines are complementary. They can also be worn in casual settings with jeans, in solids or in patterns. 

I’ve provided examples for each type of top, but there are many, many versions to choose from at retail. Choose dressier fabrics for business casual environments. 

1. Boat Neck Top

Boat necks can fit close to the neck like the example on the left, which I call a “slash neck”. Or they can fit a little wider around the neck like the example on the right. They are available in both knits and wovens, although I’ve found a knitted boat neck to layer more neatly under a jacket because it’s stretchy. Slash necks are particularly well suited to long necked ladies, ladies with a small bust, or those with sloping shoulders. 

2. Diagonal Sleeve Blouse

The diagonal sleeve is magical and not to be confused with cap sleeves, which are a tighter and shorter style. Choose a diagonal sleeve blouse with a crew neck, V-neck or boat neck in a woven or knit for jacket layering. The V-neck diagonal sleeve blouse is especially flattering on a large bust.

3. Drape Front Blouse

This is the most on-trend option here, but you have to be at peace with the excess volume around the midsection. The V-neck drape front blouse, which is referred to by some retailers as a wrap-front blouse, works extremely well under a tailored blazer with a low stance. Modern and fresh, adding a little loose arty drape to the severity of the blazer. 

They are nice in knits and wovens. You might need to size down to rein in the volume, and use fashion tape to prevent the fronts from falling open. I sewed in press studs to keep the fronts closed, and of course, wear the style with a camisole. 

4. Sleeveless Silky Shell Top

Simple and effective, especially in a shade of solid white, a bright, a graphic or a floral pattern. I’ve shown V-necks, but they’re just as good in crew and scoop necks, so pick your preference. Sleeveless tops are extra streamlined under jackets because they eliminate bunching. But unless you’re fine with baring your arms, they limit the removal of the jacket. Choose one in a fluid fit.

Wear these tops untucked, fully tucked or partially tucked with trousers, cropped pants, pencil skirts or jeans. The first three styles are especially good when you need the flexibility of removing your jacket. The sleeveless top is less flexible, but sometimes a jacket looks best styled with a very simple under layer, so they have their place. 

Classic wrap tops with side ruching are still a good choice under jackets, although they’re harder to find because most are formfitting. And formfitting tops at the moment are not as fashionable as ones with a fluid or oversized fit.

The roundup is early this week because there are some great swimwear sales happening right now. Nordstrom and Lands’ End are my go-to places when shopping for one-piece swimsuits for clients. We also have luck at Bare Necessities, Zappos and occasionally at J.Crew. Remember that swimwear sizing is much smaller than apparel sizing. Size up one to two sizes. Many of these items are on sale, so go Team Bargain Hunter. 

• Magic Suit Yvonne Halter One Piece Swim Suit: As modern as it is retro. Very slimming on the midsection and flattering on the thighs. Great on all body types. Nice bust support. The halter neck has to be tied quite tightly though, so if you think that will bother you give this suit a miss. 
• Profile by Gottex Tutti Frutti Skirted One Piece Swim Dress: A gorgeous suit for regular busted ladies. It’s a little skimpy on a large bust and a small bust won’t fill it out either. Extremely flattering on the midsection and thighs. It has a detachable neck tie that offers some security when you swim. But the suit looks best strapless. Also available in plus sizes. 
• Miraclesuit Jena One Piece Swimsuit: A different style of full-piece suit. Provides good bust support despite the one shoulder style. Glam and alluring. Gorgeous in cobalt. 
• La Blanca Sheer & Present Danger High Neck Maillot: This style is fab for the small busted and rectangular shaped lady. Does not provide tummy support. Fab back detail. 
• Seafolly Retro Tie-Front Maillot: This suit was soooo fab on one of my clients, and offers pretty good bust support (it has removable cups). It’s retro deluxe and extra fun in a vertical stripe. It does not hold you in on the tummy area so don’t get this suit if that’s a requirement. It can also be a little fussy with two back ties. But my goodness, it’s a little darling if you like the fit. 
• Lands’ End Regular Slender Floral Tunic One Piece Swimsuit: A pretty suit with excellent all-round support. Great for a large bust. Read the rave reviews. 
• Lands’ End Regular Floral Beach Halter One Piece Floral Swimsuit: A retro suit with great support on the bust and midsection. 
• Miraclesuit Oceanus Free Flow Shaping One-Piece Swimsuit DD Cups: Probably the most supportive suit of all, and brilliant on a larger bust. 
• It Figures! Making Tracks Convertible Shaping One-Piece Swimsuit: I haven’t seen this suit on a body, but it has potential. The pattern is unique and the fit looks covered and supportive, yet alluring.  
• Badgley Mischka Solids Wide Strap Draped Front Maillot: A very flattering suit on pear shaped and hourglass ladies. The width of the shoulder bands broadens the shoulder line, which evens out proportions on the hip and thighs. Very supportive and glamourous. More rave reviews on Nordstrom. And here’s the version with a narrower strap. 

We are at the end of the best swimsuit selections. If you are after a suit, purchase one soon. By the time you’re ready to wear one in June, July and August, the style assortment will be very picked over and most of the sizes sold out.

Shopping with business casual clients has been extra fun recently because of the assortment of fresh and wearable Spring trends. Along the way I realized that you can refresh your business casual capsule by adding a few key silhouettes. So if your business casual style feels stale, this is a good place to start. 

These items are easy to remix with existing pieces, which makes them all the more fab. I’ve stuck to neutrals but any colour palette that tickles your fancy is good. Also, I’ve given a few examples of each item, but there are many more versions available and you should find the one that’s best suited to you. 

Non-Leather Moto Jacket

The point is to have fluid options beyond the classic tailored blazer. So think shorter moto styles in boxier styles. Spring and Summer tweed, cotton and linen blends are ideal. Mixed media and knits are fab too. Sleeves can be long or cropped. Wear this style of jacket open. Closed is an option if you prefer a more structured look. Of course, a lightweight leather jacket that you can wear comfortably in the office is also a good idea.

Fluid Pullovers

Spring knitwear is brilliant for many reasons. It keeps you warm and covered. It’s easy to throw on and comfortable to wear throughout the day. No gaping at the bust when layering over a jacket. Plus, knitwear can feel as lightweight as a blouse or tee these days if you choose the right yarn and gauge.

The point is to wear fluid knitwear over trousers and skirts. The silhouette isn’t tailored through the mid-section, but a little more roomy. A welted style adds the structure back in, but non-welted styles with high-low hemlines can work pretty well too. Wear this style of top under the roomier non-leather moto. 

Cropped Pants or Ankle Pants 

Give bootcut trousers and pencil skirts a break with tapered cropped pants. Wear the length just past the ankle bone, or three to four inches above the ankle bone like the two styles shown here. These are proportionally easy lengths to style on all body types. You’ll further elongate the outfit by adding heeled footwear and by fully or partially tucking the top. Think solids or patterns.

Ankle Strap Pumps 

One of the most effective ways of refreshing a business casual wardrobe is by incorporating on trend footwear. The two examples below are spot on. The ankle strap pump was created to pair with cropped pants, and looks just as amazing with skirts and dresses. You can wear them under bootcut trousers, but that means covering up the detail of the ankle strap. Refresh your memory by following these guidelines on how to choose comfortable and flattering ankle strap footwear.

D’Orsay Pumps

D’Orsay pumps or flats are another way to go, and you’ll be surprised at how they successfully update the most classic business casual outfits. Most of the vamps are high, but d’Orsays with lower vamps do exist, as do styles with only one cut-out side. You’ll probably need to size down half a size in order for them to stay on your feet. The Vince Aurelian Pump and the Cole Haan Amalia Skimmer Flat have been winners with my clients because they are quite comfortable.

A new set of belts is another way to refresh a business casual wardrobe if you like to fully or partially tuck fluid tops. Think solid colours like shades of white, light brown and metallic, or patterns like snakeskin and cheetah. Pastel belts are lovely too. And remember that a new hairstyle and updating your eyewear are two ways to refresh your style before you’ve addressed the wardrobe items. You might find that a new ‘do is all it takes to be set for Spring and Summer.

Express opens its first outlet store, Susie Bubble is working on a book, Primark is coming to US shores. Here’s our roundup of style-related news that made the headlines this week.

• Have you seen the Advanced Style film trailer yet? The documentary premieres on May, 3 in the US.
• Jimmy Choo has created six pairs of shoes made from local materials, such as Aizu cotton and Kawamata silk, to benefit Fukushima.
• Last week Express opened its first outlet store outside of Washington, D.C., 29 more stores are to follow later this year. 
• What do you think of the 13-piece collection British footwear designer Sophia Webster has created for J.Crew?
• Susanna Lau, aka Susie Bubble of fashion blog Style Bubble, has announced she is working on a book.
• Primark, the British budget retailer that’s been working hard on its European expansion, is coming to the US.
• Have a peek at the three sandals — two for the ladies, one for the blokes — Steven Alan has created for Dr. Scholl’s.
• “Savage Beauty”, the Alexander McQueen retrospective first mounted in 2011 at the New York Metropolitan Museum of art, is coming to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in March 2015.

Fun Fashion Fact

Have you ever wondered why women’s and men’s shirts button on different sides? This apparently stems from times when most men dressed themselves, while women in the upper classes were dressed by servants. Because most people were right-handed, and it is easier to button clothing if the opening faces your dominant hand, tailors created women’s garments with buttons on the left side — which would be the right side for the person standing in front of you.