i realized the other day that possibly for the first time in my entire life, i own almost as many pairs of pants as i do tops. and given my recent purchase history (snagging these jeans and these crops), the pant collecting isn’t stopping any time soon. so in an attempt to even the numbers out once again, i’ve been on the hunt for a few more versatile classic tops that i can pair with everything from skinny jeans to skirts. here are eight tops to add to your wardrobe that can be worn over and over again:
ruffle sleeve chambray || if there is one staple that every girl needs in her wardrobe, it’s a chambray shirt. whether it’s a classic style or one with a little flair, a chambray is a power player that can be worn a zillion different ways. you all know that i love a good denim on denim look (as styled above) most, but chambray looks great with just about anything! wear it unbuttoned over a sundress or bathing suit, tucked into high-waisted pants or knotted at the waist with a maxi skirt.
white eyelet blouse || i recently saw this cute eyelet top on shannon of itsy bitsy indulgences and it immediately screamed “spring!” i love how she styled it with jeans here and here. eyelet is perfect for warmer weather since it breathes well and its feminine detail looks especially cute when juxtaposed against a more masculine silhouette like a boyfriend jean or trouser. i just ordered this one so i don’t necessarily need this version but it would be adorable paired with an olive wide-leg crop, these jeans, a midi skirt, and definitely these sandals.
black knotted top || one of the easiest ways to accentuate your waist (and create that coveted hourglass shape) is to knot your tee. and it’s as easy as it sounds -grab opposing corners of your top, cross them just below your belly button and tie them in a knot. hello, waistline! an equally as easy way to show off your shapely torso is to simply buy a tee with the knot already built in. case in point, this one from madewell that comes in white and black. while you can truly never have too many white tees, i prefer the black one since i find it easier to dress up. a knotted top is a perfect match for anything high-waisted like these these white jeans or for a fancier look, i love the idea of pairing it with a midi skirt with a playful black and white pattern and a bright red lip.
black and white striped tee || if a chambray is the number one staple on this list, a black and white striped tee comes in at number two. to achieve ultimate chic french girl style (which is my goal every time i get dressed), pair a black and white striped tee with a pair of perfectly tailored denim, slip into a black patent block heel, layer on a trench, throw your hair up in a low messy bun, add a bit of rouge to your cheeks and lips and finish off with a pair of black sunglasses. all that’s missing is your grocery bag with a giant fresh baguette sticking out and a view of the eiffel tower.
cute message tee || over the years statement tees have made their way back into the zeitgeist being elevated by brands like madewell and j.crew. not only do i love the sentiments of this “love first” tee, i also appreciate the fact that it can be dressed up with the addition of a great jacket or blazer. i’d tuck it into a pencil skirt, throw on a fitted blazer, and add a pair of neutral pumps for an office appropriate look. besides message tees, denim skirts (another garment of my youth) have also made a resurgence in the past few seasons and would be a perfect alternative for a pencil skirt for a casual weekend ensemble. swap the blazer for an oversized cardigan and the heels for sneakers and voila, the perfect brunch outfit.
ribbed thermal || on the days when comfort trumps everything else (which is most days, let’s be honest), having a cozy thermal in your arsenal is key. you may remember this top from my buttons post but i loved it so much i included it again since it can be worn with everything from jeans to joggers. it also comes in a handful of colors including two of the season’s hottest hues -mustard and blush pink. i’d wear it tucked into high-waisted skinnies and mules now and with shorts and slide sandals as we transition into spring. it would also be perfect for lounging around the house with these plush joggers.
silk wrap top || while silk isn’t the friendliest fabric (for cleaning purposes at least), it does offer polish not always achieved by other materials -making it a perfect piece for your date night/girls night wardrobe. aside from that, the specific silhouette of this wrap blouse is almost universally flattering as it accentuates the smallest parts of you as well as elongates your neckline with its deep v. i’d pair it with dark denim and slingback flats or a mini skirt and leather booties.
cotton muscle tank || finally, perhaps the simplest yet also the most versatile of the bunch is this cotton muscle tank. i prefer madewell’s version for the fact that it’s thin enough to layer under sweaters and button-downs but also substantial enough to wear alone -especially in the heat of summer. i often wear mine with skirts and slacks at work (a sleeveless shirt is still office appropriate unlike a spaghetti strap) but also pair them with denim in the spring. i own one in white, grey, and black. they’re perfect all-purpose pieces for all four seasons.
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