Whiting & Davis mesh tops are made from thousands of tiny metal platelets linked together, so they pour over the body like liquid and catch light from every angle. The classic shapes are draped halters with handkerchief hems, open backs and leather or cord ties. They look like pure party wear, yet they're more flexible than you'd think once you pair them with plain tailoring or denim. Gold reads warm and very 70s; silver, pewter and colored mesh feel cooler and more modern. The fabric is heavy and doesn't stretch at all, and that shapes every choice below, from what goes underneath to what jacket goes over it.
How Metal Mesh Behaves Once It's On
Mesh isn't fabric, and it doesn't behave like a silk halter. Knowing its habits makes every outfit below easier to wear.
- It's heavy for its size. A halter hangs all of that weight from the ties at your neck, so tie it snug but not tight, and expect to retie it once during a long evening.
- It has no stretch. Size by the width of the front panel and where the ties land, not by a dress size.
- It starts cold and warms to your body within minutes, which is pleasant in summer and a reason to bring a layer in winter.
- Loose hair, lace and rough knits catch in the links. Keep hair up or behind the shoulders.
Underneath, I prefer a smooth, matte bandeau in either skin tone or the color of your bottoms. Avoid lace or anything with a texture, because the mesh presses into it and the pattern shows through.
1. Gold Whiting And Davis Halter Top With Black Trousers
Gold mesh and black trousers is the pairing I'd show anyone nervous about wearing this top. A fluid, high-waisted wide leg balances the cropped, backless shape and stays matte, so it never competes with the shine. A plunging drape moves when you do, and a smooth black bandeau underneath gives security without showing. Pointed pumps and a small clutch with minimal hardware keep it clean. In a cold room, I'd drape a black blazer over the shoulders instead of pushing the sleeves on, since rough lining dragged across mesh can bend the links.
2. Silver Whiting And Davis Halter Top With White Jeans
White jeans make silver mesh look fresh rather than formal. Choose a high-rise straight leg with no rips, because frayed threads are exactly what loose mesh edges snag on. Crisp denim also gives a nice opposite to the fluid top. Silver slingbacks or flat metallic sandals both work, and crystal studs add a little sparkle near the face. If the halter feels too open, a fitted white bandeau underneath blends into the jeans. A summer rooftop or a concert is where this one shines.
3. Gold Whiting And Davis Mesh Top With Blue Jeans
Can a vintage metal top work with everyday denim? Yes, and it's often the easiest way in. Medium-wash, high-rise jeans in a straight or slightly flared cut echo the 70s roots of gold mesh without tipping into costume. Platform sandals suit the era; ankle boots carry it into fall. I'd repeat the brown of the leather ties with a chocolate leather bag or belt. That small match makes the top look planned rather than borrowed. Keep jewelry minimal, because the mesh already does what a statement necklace would.
4. Pewter Whiting And Davis Top With Leather Pants
Pewter mesh with black leather gives you a dark, monochrome outfit made entirely of texture. High-waisted straight leather pants, or a coated pair if you want something lighter, keep the line long. A fitted black bandeau under a plunging drape keeps the palette continuous. Brushed-metal earrings suit the cool tone. I'd keep chunky necklaces off completely: they knock against the mesh, scratch the plating and can catch in the links. A long black coat for arriving, then off for the party.
5. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With Black Maxi Skirt
A black maxi skirt and liquid silver mesh both move, which makes them a natural pair. A slim column or bias-cut satin follows the body without adding bulk. Position the top so its pointed handkerchief hem sits over the skirt waistband; that point is the detail that carries your eye from metal to fabric. Black strappy heels and a narrow silver bag are all you need. For warmth, a soft black wrap is kinder to the mesh than a textured cardigan. Wear your hair up so the ties and open back show. It's a fine alternative to a gown.
6. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Cream Suit
Cream tailoring is how I'd make gold mesh look expensive rather than flashy. A relaxed single-breasted blazer and matching high-rise trousers, with the halter underneath and the jacket left open. Nude pointed pumps keep the leg long, and a small cream bag stops the accessories from adding weight. I'd skip a necklace entirely here. Metal on metal scratches, and the neckline needs nothing else. This photographs well in daylight and suits an engagement party or a dressy brunch.
7. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With Gray Trousers
Silver mesh with gray trousers is a quieter route than all-black, and I like it for that. Charcoal gives more contrast; dove gray makes it softer. The trousers should sit high and fall cleanly over pointed silver heels. If you add a bandeau, choose a matte one, since a shiny bandeau under shiny mesh just looks busy. An oversized gray blazer works as a layer, but check the lining first. A smooth lining slides over the links; a rough or quilted one drags at them.
8. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With White Maxi Skirt
Gold mesh against a white maxi skirt looks warm and light for summer evenings. A high waistband in silk, satin or crisp cotton supports the draped point of the halter and keeps the proportions clear. This works best when the top's lowest point ends close to your natural waist; a long point over a full skirt can look like it's floating. Delicate gold sandals and a woven clutch suit a resort dinner. Bring an ivory shawl, because metal mesh feels surprisingly cold against skin once the sun goes down.
9. Blush Whiting And Davis Top With Satin Pants
Blush mesh is the softest version of this look. Pair it with champagne, pale rose or ivory satin trousers in a wide leg, which contrasts with the compact triangle of the halter. If the ties are silver leather, repeat that cool tone in your shoes and clutch. Pinks are hard to match, and enameled mesh can look quite different under warm indoor bulbs than in daylight, so hold the top against the trousers by a window before committing. Crystal drops near the face are enough sparkle for a reception or birthday dinner.
10. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Brown Suede Skirt
Brown suede brings out the warm undertone of gold mesh, and together they look straight out of the 70s without turning costume-like. A high-waisted midi in a straight or slight A-line keeps it balanced. Knee-high brown boots continue the line down, and a saddle bag fits the era. Two strong textures are already in play, so earrings should be small. If you add a jacket, choose one with a smooth inside; suede-on-suede is fine, but a nubby wool will catch. Good for fall dinners and indoor concerts.
11. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With Denim Maxi Skirt
A dark denim maxi with a slit turns a silver halter into something you can wear from late afternoon into the evening. Stiff denim has enough visual weight to balance the draped metal. Pointed silver flats are comfortable; metallic kitten heels make it dressier. A black leather bag and slim belt define the waist. Keep hair lifted and away from the ties, since loose hair catches in mesh and pulls painfully. For a jacket, a cropped black one with a smooth lining is the safe choice.
12. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Red Trousers
Red trousers make gold mesh a confident, color-blocked outfit. Pick a clean high-waisted cut, straight or wide, with no embellishment to fight the metal. Gold heeled sandals connect top and bottom. A red bandeau underneath is a nice trick: it gives coverage and turns any glimpse through the drape into a deliberate flash of the same red. Small gold studs, a neutral clutch, and a cream blazer if the brightness feels like too much. Made for milestone birthdays.
13. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With Pinstripe Suit
A pinstripe suit over silver mesh mixes office tailoring with 70s evening wear, and the contrast is the point. A black or charcoal suit with fine white stripes, in a slightly relaxed fit, leaves room for the halter to drape. Leave the blazer open. Black pointed pumps and a polished silver clutch keep it tailored. The jacket also solves a practical problem: an open-back metal top is cold in air conditioning, and the suit makes it wearable indoors for a whole evening.
14. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Black Mini Skirt
A black mini shows off the handkerchief point better than anything longer. Keep the skirt simple and tailored. Sheer black tights and pointed ankle boots give a smooth line. A long black blazer that ends below the hem balances how short the skirt is. Before leaving, check where the skirt waistband meets the point of the top. If the waistband sits too high, it pushes the mesh up and strains the ties, so a slightly lower-rise mini is often better. Built for dancing.
15. Pewter Whiting And Davis Top With Cargo Pants
Pewter mesh with tailored black cargos is a high-low mix I enjoy. Choose a streamlined pair with flat pockets and a defined waist rather than a baggy utility cut. The matte cotton contrasts with the metal and makes the top feel less formal. Silver pointed heels or sleek boots, a compact bag with minimal hardware, and small sculptural earrings finish it. A black bandeau underneath matters more here than in dressier outfits, because a casual night usually means more moving, reaching and leaning.
16. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Green Satin Skirt
Emerald satin gives gold mesh a rich, jewel-toned setting. A bias-cut midi moves the way the halter drapes, so the two pieces feel related. If you want more definition, choose a smooth high waistband that meets the lowest point of the top. Thin-strapped gold sandals and drop earrings instead of a necklace. Satin shows every crease, so I'd steam the skirt at the last minute and avoid sitting for long before photos. An ivory wrap covers you in cooler weather.
17. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With White Suit
Silver mesh against an all-white suit looks crisp and modern. High-waisted trousers and a relaxed blazer with clean lapels let the top show through the open jacket. A white bandeau makes the plunge wearable and disappears into the suit. Silver pumps, a white mini bag, polished studs. White suits mark easily, and plated mesh can rub gray onto pale fabric where it touches, so I'd check the inside of the jacket edges after a long night.
18. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Velvet Pants
Velvet brings depth and softness against the hard shine of gold. Black, navy or burgundy velvet trousers all work; pick one and keep everything else quiet. A high-rise wide leg makes a long line and stops the cropped halter from feeling too bare. Platform heels under the longer hem, a small gold clutch. Velvet pile crushes where mesh rubs, so keep the top's point resting over the waistband rather than tucked against the velvet. Ideal for winter dinners and the theater.
19. Silver Whiting And Davis Top With Black Shorts
Black tailored shorts are the playful option. A high rise, longer inseam and crisp pleats give enough structure to balance the fluid halter. Sheer tights make it work on cooler evenings. Silver slingbacks and an oversized blazer that falls past the shorts give a more grown-up proportion. If you plan to dance, wear a fitted bandeau underneath: mesh swings forward when you lean, and the bandeau saves you from adjusting all night.
20. Gold Whiting And Davis Top With Matching Gold Skirt
All gold is the most dramatic version, and it only works when the textures are visibly different. Pair the mesh with a gold satin, metallic knit or lightly sequined midi so the two surfaces catch light in different ways. If the golds don't match, keep them on the same side, warm with warm or cool with cool, and the difference looks chosen. Simple gold sandals and a cream clutch break up the shine. A cream coat finishes it for red-carpet-inspired celebrations and big milestone parties.
Inspecting a Vintage Halter Before a Night Out
Many of these tops are decades old. I give every one a two-minute check before it goes on a body.
- Flex the leather or cord ties. Dry, cracked leather can snap mid-evening, and replacing the ties is a simple repair worth doing first.
- Run a fingertip along every edge. A sharp, bent platelet will scratch skin and catch on clothes.
- Look for gaps where links have come apart. Small gaps grow quickly once the mesh is pulled by the ties.
- Check the plating at the edges and the point. Worn spots show the base metal and can mark pale fabric.
Storing Mesh Flat, Never on a Hanger
Hanging metal mesh lets its own weight stretch the links over time. Lay it flat, or roll it loosely in acid-free tissue, and keep it in a cloth bag in a drawer. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils. Put on perfume, lotion and hairspray before you dress, because they can dull plating and enamel. Never put mesh in a washing machine, and never soak it.
If the top has picked up a smell or a sticky spot, dab just that area with a barely damp cloth and dry it straight away with a soft towel. Water left sitting between the links is what dulls the finish, so let it air for an hour before you fold it away.
Treat Mesh as Jewelry You Wear
A Whiting & Davis top is most wearable when everything around it stays simple. Tailored trousers make it polished; denim, cargos and shorts relax it; satin, velvet, suede and leather add texture without hiding how the mesh moves. Check the ties, edges and links before every wear, and keep rough fabric and heavy jewelry away from the surface. Then choose the coverage you're comfortable dancing in. A top like this deserves to be worn often, not saved for one night a year.
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