The Aritzia Sunday Best Lula Top is a fitted, ribbed top with a sweetheart neckline, a gathered bust and a twist at the center. It ends around the waist, so the rise of your bottoms changes its whole mood: high-rise makes it neat and a little vintage, mid-rise shows a sliver of skin and leans early 2000s. Most of the work with a top like this happens at the bust. When that sits right, the outfits are easy. Below are twenty of them, from jeans to a full suit, plus how to fit the twist, which rise suits your torso and how to keep ribbed fabric from pilling.
Fitting a Gathered Twist Bust
On a top like this, the gathers and twist are designed to sit centered on the bust, with the sweetheart dip landing between the cups. When I fit it, I check three things before anything else.
- The twist sits at the center of the chest, not pulled to one side or riding up toward the collarbone. If it rides up, the top is likely too small through the bust.
- The gathers lie in soft folds rather than stretching flat. Flat, strained gathers mean you need the next size, even if the waist then feels slightly loose.
- The neckline edge lies against your skin without gaping. Gaping at the sweetheart curve usually means the size is too big or the bra is pushing the bust forward.
Size for the bust, not the waist. A slightly loose waist on a ribbed top barely shows, but a tight bust distorts the whole design. For a bra, a balconette or a smooth plunge with a low center usually hides under the sweetheart neckline. Patterned lace shows through rib knit, so smooth cups in a shade close to your skin are the safer choice.
1. Lula Top With Straight Leg Jeans
My first outfit with any new fitted top is high-rise straight jeans in a mid-blue wash, because it tells me whether the length works. Black, cream, pink or a soft neutral top all suit it. Clean denim without rips keeps it smart enough for lunch. Black ballet flats echo the sweetheart neckline; white sneakers are the comfortable swap. A slim leather belt, small shoulder bag and plain hoops finish it. If the neckline feels too open for your day, a thin cropped camisole underneath adds cover without changing the shape.
2. Lula Top With Wide Leg Trousers
High-waisted wide trousers in black, charcoal, camel or taupe give the twisted neckline space to stand out. If you tuck, tuck only the front edge and smooth it; ribbed fabric bunches if you push too much into a waistband. Pointed ballet flats keep it comfortable, low slingbacks dress it up. I'd keep jewelry to a small pendant that sits below the twist, not on it. A structured handbag, and a light blazer for cover, make it right for a creative office or a daytime event.
3. Lula Top With Satin Midi Skirt
Satin and rib knit look coordinated because both are soft, though one is smooth and one is textured. Choose a bias-cut skirt in champagne, black, chocolate or muted sage to suit the top's color. A high waistband makes a continuous line through the body, and that's why the waist-length top is so good with skirts. Kitten-heel sandals, a compact shoulder bag and pearl studs or tiny drops are enough. On cool evenings, drape an open cropped cardigan over your shoulders so the sweetheart shape and twist detail stay in view.
4. Lula Top With Denim Maxi Skirt
A denim maxi skirt makes the top feel current but easy. Look for a straight or slightly A-line skirt with a front slit; without one, a long denim hem feels heavy and restricts your stride. Black looks sharp with dark denim, and cream, pink or blue suit a classic mid wash. Sleek ankle boots in autumn, flat leather sandals in summer. A simple shoulder bag and narrow belt connect the top and skirt. If you're fuller through the hip, an A-line that skims and sits at the natural waist is more comfortable than a straight column.
5. Lula Top With Black Mini Skirt
For a night out without sequins, a simple black mini does the job. An A-line, wrap or tailored mini balances the fitted top and lets you move; a tight bodycon mini plus a tight top is very little ease anywhere. Sheer black tights and pointed ankle boots in cool weather, slingback flats or low sandals in warm. A small baguette bag hints at the early 2000s without overdoing it. A fitted leather jacket or cropped blazer for later. The neckline is already the focus, so small earrings only.
6. Lula Top With White Linen Pants
White linen trousers make every color of the top look brighter: black, emerald, brown, pink and blue all stand out. Pick a high rise with a wide or slightly tapered leg. Flat leather sandals keep it relaxed; woven heeled mules dress it up. A raffia bag, simple hoops and sunglasses. Light linen can be sheer, so I check it in daylight and wear skin-tone underwear. For sun cover, throw on a light open button-down and roll the sleeves so the fitted top shows underneath.
7. Lula Top With Cargo Pants
A romantic neckline and utility cargos make a good contrast. Pick high- or mid-rise cargos in olive, stone, charcoal or black, straight or loose, with flat pockets. Retro sneakers make it practical for walking all day. A compact crossbody and small hoops. If you go mid-rise, sit down and reach up in the fitting room; a waist-length top shows more skin than you expect once you move. A cropped bomber is the natural extra layer. The fitted top keeps the loose trousers from looking sloppy.
8. Lula Top With Pleated Mini Skirt
A pleated mini brings out the playful side of this Sunday Best Lula Top. Gray, navy, black or a subtle plaid, worn at the natural waist. Loafers with ankle socks look preppy; knee-high boots suit cold weather. A structured mini bag and studs. An open, relaxed blazer adds contrast to the fitted top and short skirt. Pleated minis flip up on windy days, so I'd choose a skort or wear fitted shorts underneath. Keep to two or three colors.
9. Lula Top With Tailored Shorts
Tailored shorts with front pleats and a slightly loose leg make the top look polished but not formal. Black, beige, cream or chocolate suit nearly every color of top. A slim belt marks where the two pieces meet, which matters with a top that ends right at the waistband. Loafers, ballet flats or low slingbacks, a structured top-handle bag and small earrings. On cool mornings, an oversized blazer with the sleeves pushed up. It's useful for brunch or a warm office with a relaxed dress code.
10. Lula Top With Faux Leather Pants
Faux leather trousers sharpen the soft rib and gathered neckline. I'd pick a straight or slight flare over a skin-tight cut, which is harder to sit in and looks dated. A cream, pale pink or blue top lightens black leather; black on black is sleek. Pointed boots or low kitten heels lengthen the leg. A clean shoulder bag with little hardware. For a coat, choose wool or an oversized blazer rather than more leather. Faux leather doesn't breathe, so it's best for cool evenings and air-conditioned parties.
11. Lula Top With Flared Jeans
Flared jeans bring out the top's retro feel. Dark wash is smarter; faded blue is relaxed. They should fit closely through the hip before widening below the knee. The hem is everything with flares: decide on platform loafers, pointed boots or block heels first, then hem so the jeans almost touch the floor. If you're petite, a shorter flare or a careful hem stops the jeans swamping you. A small shoulder bag, a narrow belt and a cropped suede or denim jacket that stops at the waist.
12. Lula Top With Slip Skirt And Blazer
A slip skirt and an oversized blazer layer well over a fitted top. Try black with an ivory skirt and gray blazer, or cream with chocolate and tan. Pointed flats or low slingbacks, a structured bag and simple earrings. Leave the blazer open. A heavy blazer can press the gathers flat, so check the fit of the top’s bust detail with the jacket on; adjusting your bra straps or switching to a smooth balconette usually fixes it. A good foundation is what makes the whole layered outfit hang properly.
13. Lula Top With Capri Pants
Capri pants and a waist-length top make a neat, slightly retro outline. Choose a slim but comfortable pair ending around the lower calf, below its widest point; a hem right at the fullest part of the calf makes legs look heavier. Black capris are the most versatile, with white, pink, blue or green on top. Pointed slingback flats, a small structured bag, narrow sunglasses and simple hoops. Skip wide belts; the short top and cropped trousers already add two horizontal lines. A light cardigan over the shoulders softens it.
14. Lula Top With Parachute Pants
Want the top to feel sporty? Pair it with relaxed parachute trousers in black, gray, olive or beige. An adjustable waist lets you decide where they sit and how much skin shows. Streamlined sneakers and a nylon shoulder bag keep the casual direction, with small hoops or studs. A zip hoodie or light bomber for cooler days. Trousers should break slightly over the shoes but not drag, so I use the ankle toggles if they're too long. It's comfortable for travel and long walking days.
15. Lula Top With Column Maxi Skirt
A column maxi skirt gives a long, smooth base. Pick a knit, ponte or stretch-woven skirt with a back or side slit so you can walk. One color top and bottom, black with black or cream with soft beige, lengthens the body. Pointed flats or narrow ankle boots continue the line, with a medium bag and a long coat in cold weather. The top already defines the bust and waist, so the skirt should skim the hips, not squeeze them. Thicker ponte is kinder than thin jersey, which shows every line.
16. Lula Top With Corduroy Pants
Corduroy trousers are my autumn choice for this top. A high-waisted straight or wide leg in chocolate, camel, forest green or rust adds texture. Cream and black tops match these earthy shades most easily. Leather ankle boots with a matching belt, a cropped wool jacket or long coat, a structured crossbody and gold jewelry. Corduroy is already a strong texture, so don't pile on too many other heavy materials. Rib, cord and smooth leather give enough contrast together.
17. Lula Top With Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts give more coverage than short hems in hot weather. Look for a high rise, a straight leg and a crisp crease, ending just above or near the knee. A black or jewel-toned top with cream, taupe or gray shorts. Minimal sandals for relaxed days, loafers for something tidier. A slim belt, medium shoulder bag and simple sunglasses. Long shorts can make legs look shorter, so a defined waist and a slightly roomy leg are what keep the proportions right. An unlined blazer adds polish without heat.
18. Lula Top With Matching Suit
Wear the top under a matching suit in place of a plain camisole. A relaxed blazer and high-waisted trousers in charcoal, navy, beige or chocolate make a smart frame around the sweetheart neckline. Choose a top that either blends in or contrasts cleanly; black under gray is sleek, cream softens brown. Pointed pumps, slingback flats or loafers, a structured tote and subtle jewelry. For work, button the blazer in front of a mirror and check how much neckline shows. Worn open, it's more relaxed.
19. Lula Top With Cropped Cardigan And Jeans
A cropped cardigan over the top handles changing temperatures. Start with dark straight jeans and loafers, ballet flats or white sneakers. The cardigan should end near the top's hem so the proportions stay neat. Wear it open, or fasten just the top button for a softer look. Cream with camel or black with charcoal looks cohesive. The cardigan needs room through the chest; a tight one flattens the gathers and pulls across the bust. A small leather bag and delicate earrings for classes or a casual workday.
20. Lula Top With Trench Coat And Trousers
A trench carries the top through spring and autumn. Pair it with high-waisted straight trousers in black, taupe or navy and a beige or stone trench worn open for a long vertical line. Pointed loafers, ankle boots or sleek sneakers, depending on the day. A structured tote suits commuting. Tie a light scarf to the bag rather than your neck, where it hides the twist. If the trench is oversized, keep the trousers clean and tailored so the layers don't swamp you.
Mid-Rise or High-Rise for Your Torso
Because this top stops at the waist, your torso length decides how much skin each rise shows. If you're long-waisted, mid-rise bottoms will leave a visible gap when you stand, and a high rise is the way to get a neat finish. If you're short-waisted, a high rise may hit right under the bust and make the top look like it's tucked in; mid-rise jeans and trousers often look more balanced. Test both standing, sitting and with your arms raised before deciding which you prefer.
How Rib Knit Ages and How to Slow It Down
Rib knit stretches and recovers, which is why it hugs so well, but heat weakens the stretch and friction raises little balls on the surface. Pilling usually starts under the arms and where a bag strap rubs. I wash fitted ribbed tops cold and inside out, in a mesh bag, and dry them flat; the dryer is what makes them go baggy. Hanging a wet rib top stretches it lengthwise, so fold it once it's dry. If pills appear, a fabric shaver used lightly on a flat surface removes them without thinning the fabric.
It All Starts at the Bust
One fitted, feminine top can do far more than jeans. It works with tailored trousers, satin skirts, cargos, denim, shorts and outer layers. Balance its close fit and detailed neckline with simple bottoms and quiet accessories. High rises give a neat waist; mid rises bring out the retro side. But the step I'd never skip is getting the bust fit and bra right before anything else. Once that foundation is secure, the top adapts to casual days, smarter plans, travel, changing weather and dressier evenings.
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