https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:01:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2019627 Sun, 14 Apr 2019 14:30:53 +0000 Angie 2019627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><u>SOLUTIO</u>N: Breezy woven tops that are dressier than a tee. Sleeves can be your friend. Cotton and silk blends are fab. YES - spend more to get a top that makes you feel fab, and make sure you're okay with the laundry maintenance.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>TIP</u>: Make sure you can layer over them if arctic a/c is a concern.&nbsp;</p> <p>My Summers are VERY hot, now that I live in Salt Lake City part time too. 100 degrees plus -<i> but extremely dry</i>. I cover up and never go sleeveless. I wear dresses and skirts 80% of the time, or cropped cotton pants and white jeans.I don't do shorts. My tops are woven, breezy and pretty - and I often still wear a cami. I need to be able to cover up for cold a/c because I am sensitive to it. So I choose tops that can layer (or at least can be draped with a jacket).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2019297 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 03:32:51 +0000 DonnaF 2019297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why am I reading this??? Where I live, it rarely gets hot and is never humid. Temps in the 80s make top of the news! Plus, I run cold like Angie. But I need hot weather clothing if/when I leave town. I just have to remember what I have and not buy more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018677 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:50:48 +0000 rachylou 2018677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like cotton voile - that super light, airy fine cotton. I like it with sleeves, because coverage from the sun is really important to me. I mostly go with cotton, but I have a little crumply linen jacket. I don’t do tanks. I will do knit muscle tees, if the material is thin. Tbh, I mostly find this sort of thing at Ross. But there is one boutique where I can find pricey fine-thread cotton items, lol... but those are tunics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018664 Mon, 08 Apr 2019 23:07:59 +0000 Windchime 2018664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After sweating through high temperatures and humidity in summer, I’m experimenting this year with the requirement that my sleeveless summer tops (and dresses) not be polyester. I’ve noticed that this vastly reduces the number of options, especially patterned shirts. But I’m so much more comfortable in cotton when the weather is sweltering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018584 Mon, 08 Apr 2019 16:08:41 +0000 texstyle 2018584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm in central Texas and it's typically 90-104 F for about 6 months of the year. It's hot. And then you go inside and it's freezing. I always carry some sort of light jacket for that reason.</div><div><br /></div><div>The tops that get the most wear in high summer seem to be a combination of woven lightweight&nbsp; (but not see thru) tops, some light slub tees, some linen tanks and the occasional light rayon boho style. I don't like wearing dresses or skirts so my bottoms are a wide range of shorts - white shorts, denim, cotton twill, one skort.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are a few in regular rotation but I also have a collection of graphic tees that aren't in my Finds - most of those are from jcrew, lucky brand or AE. I have a very casual semi-retired lifestyle so I can dress casually most every day. I think it would be harder to try and dress more business casual in the high heat - esp. if you had to walk a lot.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018579 Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:55:26 +0000 ChristelJ 2018579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a big challenge area for me, too. My summers are long, hot, and extremely humid. Even though I hate to bare my arms, the humidity forces me to. I wear only loose sleeveless shells in cotton, silk or linen when the summer is at it's worst. When it's slightly cooler, I wear bell-sleeve peasant tops or similarly loose-sleeved tops, and can get away with some synthetics. Most of my tops are inexpensive. Like Suz, I have had good luck at Loft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018574 Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:31:47 +0000 Suz 2018574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand the struggle. Traditionally, I've opted for lower priced options in summer tops for my casual at-home wardrobe. Except for items I plan to wear for going out, going to the city, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>One of the best summer tops I own is one I bought 4 summers ago at The Loft, and yes, it is still going strong. It's made of <b>extremely</b> lightweight cotton voile, almost transparent, but the pattern disguises that and I don't wear a cami with it. It's cotton but rarely needs ironing if I air dry it, since it is so light. (Occasionally I do pass an iron over it.) It goes with everything. It has sleeves so feels covered but is so light it's like wearing sleeveless.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would not neglect a look at the Loft. Most of their stuff isn't great quality, but occasionally you find a real winner. What they have in stock now doesn't look as if it will meet your needs (wrong fabrics and styles) but in another month you might have luck there as the cottons and linens come to the fore.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018433 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 17:10:02 +0000 Gaylene 2018433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another thumbs up for EF silk, cotton, and linen summer tops. I’ve some that have lasted through 3-summers-worth of wearing and washing and still look good enough to wear for a casual evening out with friends. Like Irina, I keep an eye out for sales but, even at full price, my EF tops have been worth every penny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018431 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 15:46:35 +0000 Irina 2018431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t know your price point but Eileen Fisher does excellent summer tops. Flowing, great quality of silk and they would work with everything. I like them a lot and buy when I can get them on sale and in petite. Cotton and linen EF tops I find a bit more casual but good, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops/page/2#post-2018421 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:40:36 +0000 JAileen 2018421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought new tops at Kohls. They are not super high quality, but they’re fine for my needs. My life is very casual, so I’m mostly wearing shorts and crops when it gets hot. And it does get very hot here (regularly in the 90s, and often over 100). Spring and Fall last a blink of an eye, so we’re either freezing or roasting. However, we don’t have humidity. I also bought a few sleeveless tops, but can’t seem to find pictures of them. These tops last me several seasons. But if something were to happen to them, they’re not so precious that I would be heartbroken. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018418 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:31:43 +0000 Irina 2018418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kerry, I didn’t notice a problem with sweat stains. My tops are roomy, not tight and with a scoop neckline. I walk to work and back, 40 minutes each way and it is important to stay cool while walking in the summer. I dot’t wear polyester for that reason. I pick tops in a simple design, I call them my t-shirts. My office is casual but I found that jersey t-shirt even silk ones just don’t look work appropriate.<br /> I also wear linen tops in a similar design or button downs. I have too many summer tops for our short summer. It is easier for me to buy summer clothes, winter clothing is a real problem.<br /> Some more of my top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018415 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 14:24:18 +0000 Anonymous 2018415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with you 100% about the summer patterns, though I don't like stripes either for myself! Maybe it's cause they are always including white, or blue, or both-at least here by the water.<br /> How about using texture as a pattern-lace, ribbing, mixed media, etc? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018394 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 13:04:09 +0000 kerry 2018394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barbara Diane - my worry exactly about Boden - if I can get a promo, I might try one or two just because the quality is so good.</p> <p>Jenni NZ - oh yes, air conditioning is a whole other animal. Always need a topper for the grocery store! I find tanks so hard - figure flattery is one issue but huge arm holes are the other. In the interest to being open to all of the suggestions here, I tried on some tanks yesterday - no go. I think the issue was the shoulder was too wide. I wonder if something veering toward racerback would be more flattering?</p> <p>Irina - silk tops would be great for work - they feel too dressy for my very casual summers and how about sweat? I have this idea in my mind that it’d really show up?</p> <p>always trying - I agree with staying away from spandex when it’s hot and you’re right it’s almost impossible to find cotton bottoms without it. A few seasons ago Gap had 100% cotton shorts. I bought a couple of pair and they became workhorses. When I tried to buy another pair the next season they only had ones with spandex! Now I’m babying the ones I have for fear I’ll never be able to replace.</p> <p>Roberta - maybe it’s TMI, but I find dresses have their own hot weather issues - thigh rub! Skimmers help but they make things hotter too. Oh the challenges!</p> <p>epgal - I’ll check out Madewell offerings. Thanks! I’m also thinking of trying tanks with a lightweight kimono ... something like Loft seems to carry.</p> <p>RainB - I like patterns too especially because I tend to plain bottoms so it does double-duty of camouflage and interest. Outside of stripes, I find a lot of summer patterns too preppy/twee/something - not sure how to describe it. I absolutely agree with your “avoids” list.</p> <p>Fashintern - I agree that many summer tops seem throw-away and it’s so depressing for the environemntal impact but also for the work needed to replenish every summer. And although my season is rather short, I still need quite a few to avoid having to do laundry every other day!</p> <p>lisa p - agreed! I also don’t think summer dressing is kind to those who are more ample of the chest. Lots of cute, modern summer tops look much better *to me* on the flatter-chested. Except for the west coast, I think most of Canada never gets the ‘ideal’ weather for fashion - we’re either bundling up or stripping down! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018328 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 22:16:56 +0000 Anonymous 2018328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad that someone started this thread - I have been thinking about this for a few weeks now. &nbsp;Dressing in summer is the bane of my existence. Year after year, I end up with the worst collection of unflattering loose t-shirts and ill-fitting shorts , and wonder what the heck I"m supposed to be wearing . &nbsp;All the usual issues have been listed here already, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles with finding stylish, modern , flattering summer tops. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018225 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 07:28:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2018225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many summer tops seem designed to be throw-always, built for just one season, ugh! </p> <p>What about silk tops? They can often be hand washed. Linen is a summer classic for a reason. It can feel substantial and still be cool. </p> <p>I agree with Astrid’s suggestion—as long as you’re buying new, why not get dresses? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018224 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 07:16:49 +0000 RainB 2018224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's hot and humid pretty much all year round where I live so it's almost always summer dressing I wear a lot of dresses and most of my woven tops are similar to the ones you posted and almost all of them have sleeves. Tops with patterns seem to hold out better too since stains and pilling aren't as evident (I'm clumsy )<br /> Summer has begun for us and it's even hotter so I tend to avoid anything that -<br /> 1. Requires layers to make it work<br /> 2. Is fussy, fidgety or too tight<br /> 3. Anything that requires dry cleaning. Hand washing and air drying would help with the longetivity for knits too I think.<br /> 4. Is polyester </p> <p>Fabrics like light cotton, viscose rayon and really soft rayon somehow are super comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018208 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 03:09:46 +0000 Roberta 2018208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Astrid, I wear dresses when it's really sticky. There was a particular Boden dress a few years ago that fit and flattered, and I bought it in five variations! Boden linen tunics are just great too. I buy them in the Long version and they are fine for work. Title Nine dresses are super comfy but a bit casual for work.</p> <p>I can't stand layers at my waist when Chicago summer is at its height. If it is just hot, I wear knit "sport" skirts (like Title Nine) and a tee. I like knit linen tops but find they don't hold up as well as woven do.</p> <p>Boy, I can't WAIT to get out of wool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018206 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 02:59:53 +0000 elpgal 2018206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a combination of strategies.<br /> - cotton/linen Courier tops similar to the ones Madewell has<br /> - Silk button downs for work<br /> - Silk tanks with cardigans<br /> - Patterned woven tops in prints<br /> - a few poly tops for ease of laundry </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018198 Sat, 06 Apr 2019 00:48:03 +0000 Irina 2018198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Silk tops is what I wear. I have some sleeveless but my office is too cold for them. Below are some of my new purchases for this summer - Joe Fresh, COS, Max Mara Weekend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018179 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 21:56:34 +0000 always trying 2018179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabric content is my main consideration for things worn out doors, or any time when I am not spending most of the time without AC.&nbsp; that means breathable like 100% cotton or such.&nbsp; Tops are easy but it is not easy to find bottoms without spandex.&nbsp; Anyhow my summer wardrobe is no spandex, and no polyester whenever possible.&nbsp; Seeing more wrinkley lighter linen this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018168 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:40:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2018168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm-we have just finished our summer in NZ. Ours is hot and humid on most days in my city, with occasional days of rain thrown in which may be a bit cooler. Most of the time I wear sleeveless to work which pretty much all Kiwis accept as professional enough for women, it suits our climate best. I do take light cardigans to throw over if aircon is set too cool. In one job I control the aircon in my own office but not in the other shared office.<br /> My favourite tops actually are polyester but loose. The two( first green ombré, second red print) are the same style, one cost $80 the second $60 both on sale. I also wear tanks like one tunic-like red one, nice and loose, and one camo one which I put a mesh top under for modesty but wear alone in weekends with shorts or cropped pants. Sandals keep my feet cool and are worn most days, despite closed shoes in some of these pics. Cropped pants worn a lot. Dresses for parties, dinners out, weekend barbecues.<br /> Ignore pic 3 it’s a mistake and clicking “Remove photo” on phone is not working!<br /> I feel paying more is OK if you think you might wear 30 times over 3 summers. The ombré top from 2017 has 22 wears now and the red print from 2018 12 wears so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018167 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:26:52 +0000 Barbara Diane 2018167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought a linen Boden top with elbow sleeves a few years ago. The fabric was more substantial than I was looking for as I wanted it for the hottest days. </p> <p>I am looking for lightweight tops with elbow or 3/4 length sleeves and at least mid density colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018165 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 20:19:25 +0000 kerry 2018165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, that’s my hesitation about being spendy - summers are hard on clothes and they often don’t last more than a season. I guess I’ll have to think about 30 wears or at least CPW. Love crisp woven cotton! Hard to find in a style that flatters - big HEWI.</p> <p>Thanks Vanessa and Jussie!</p> <p>Janet I like the look of those tops for you. Hope they work out! I get what you mean about droopy. I sized down in a few of the ON tops and they looked so much better! Still thinking though ... And yes to not wanting tops that need a special bra - too low, huge arm holes and thin straps are not my jam.</p> <p>cjh, I feel you may be right that price point doesn’t always matter ... I was a bit turned off buying cheaper because a couple of woven shirts I bought last summer were cost effective but didn’t become the workhorses I hoped they would. Upon analysis I realized I was hesitant to wear them alone buttoned up, preferring to layer with a tank underneath - but that layering is just too hot many days. So I’m focused on tops that are truly stand-alone for me and maybe I’ll have a better success rate. I have experienced every single one of your “too”s! I must be more discerning at point of purchase.</p> <p>Bijou, I just came back from Uniqlo on your recommendation and they didn’t have anything like your cute blouses Maybe I should try a little later in the season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018152 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:03:57 +0000 kerry 2018152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, great strategy. I one one dress and one skirt - that’s it but they’re both for summer and they are easy breezy.</p> <p>nemosmom - I don’t think I can get completely away from cotton tees. I wear the same u inform with some shorts thrown in too. I don’t work in the summer so it’s super casual.</p> <p>smittie, I agree with your assessment that Boden will be hard-wearing - I’m worried though that their wovens might not be light enough. I have some of their tees that are rather heavy. It’s a tricky beast - lightweight enough but not see-through! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018150 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 19:00:14 +0000 kerry 2018150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>suntiger, I definitely agree that wovens are cooler than knits - I think it’s the reason why I can do an elbow or 3/4 sleeve even when it’s really hot. I also appreciate the coverage from sun. Your weather sound likes it’s about 10 degrees hotter than where I am.</p> <p>Katie, I love that boxy woven silhouette for summer too. I had two l8nen tees like that from Gap a few summers ago. The white one only lasted two seasons because of sunscreen and the grey one was never a flattering colour. I wish I could find something like that again.</p> <p>Liesbeth, I find summer is very hard on clothes - in addition to the typical spills, there’s sunscreen, sweat, bug spray and chlorine ... I agree with sticking with preferred fabrications and not too spendy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018139 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:57:59 +0000 Liesbeth 2018139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had this problem last year. I have to have a high neck and I dislike girly and bohemian. Yet I’m not going to wear stiff shirts either. Not much remains... Strategy no. 1: try on a lot, just based on what you like and know is flattering. No taboos with regard to brands. Strategy no. 2: set price point not too high. Even with great quality, I would be the one to spill red wine or sauce on my top especially during bbq and outdoor eating season. Strategy no. 3: look out for prefered fabrics. I am loving tencel modal, though the woven variety tends to crease bad. Modal jersey feels silky and keeps me cooler than cotton. I have to admit we have a short and manageable summer season :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018133 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 17:52:26 +0000 Astrid 2018133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My main strategy when it comes to summer tops has been to buy summer dresses instead. When you have the right dress it’s so much more comfortable in the heat than pants and a top. And when the cut, fabric and pattern is right I can get away wearing only a bralette with it, which is a lifesaver. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018086 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:52:12 +0000 nemosmom 2018086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I struggle SO MUCH with high summer. Summer here is hot and humid, and I spend most of it in cotton tees and lightweight joggers. I'll be following closely!</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018082 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 14:33:24 +0000 Anonymous 2018082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wovens definitely feel cooler than knits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-choose-high-summer-tops#post-2018069 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 13:23:52 +0000 smittie 2018069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would spend the money on the Boden woven tops, which will very likely be high quality, and last because they are woven.</p> <p>I personally love knits because they fit me better (I always seem to have issues with the collar on woven’s). I put up with t-shirts and knits with the understanding that they won’t last as long. For the price:quality ratio, I think BR summer weight knits are pretty good when you get stuff 40% off. </p>