Most of the outfits I put together for everyday wear start with the top, because it sits closest to the face and gets noticed first. This list runs from crisp button-downs and peasant blouses to baby tees, crochet, velvet and sequins, with off-the-shoulder necklines, halters, lace trims and polos mixed in. What makes any of them look finished is the bottom you pair it with: a close top wants volume below, a loose one wants a cleaner line. I've given each of the 50 tops one complete outfit, and noted where I'd change the sleeve, the coverage or the fit for different bodies.
Shoulder Seams, Armholes and Hem: My Fitting Room Test
Before I think about which jeans go with a top, I run the same four checks on it. They take a minute, and they catch most of the problems that make a cute top look off once you're out of the house.
- Shoulder seam. On a fitted or semi-fitted top, it should sit on the bony point of your shoulder. A seam halfway down the arm makes the whole top look a size too big.
- Armhole. Lift both arms above your head. If the fabric drags up past your ribs or the armhole digs in, it will bother you all day.
- Hem against your bottoms. Stand side-on in the jeans you plan to wear with it. A top that ends just at the waistband or a couple of inches below it is the easiest length to style untucked.
- Daylight. Hold light fabrics like white cotton, chiffon and eyelet up to a window. If you can see your hand clearly, you'll need a camisole.
Buttons are worth a look too. If a shirt gapes between the buttons at the bust, sizing up rarely fixes it; a shirt cut with more room through the chest, or a small snap sewn between the gaping buttons, does.
1. White Button-Down Top With Straight-Leg Jeans
A white button-down is the first shirt I'd buy anyone, but only if the shoulder seam lands on the shoulder bone. Relaxed is fine; dropped past the arm and it starts to look borrowed. Tuck just the front into high-rise straight-leg jeans and roll the sleeves twice so the wrists show. Tan loafers, a structured crossbody and small gold hoops, with a brown belt to tie shoes and bag together. On petite frames I look for a hem that stops at the hip; taller women can carry a longer tail. Leaving two buttons open and adding a fine pendant softens it.
2. Black Off-the-Shoulder Top With Wide-Leg Jeans
The thing that ruins an off-the-shoulder top is a neckline that creeps up every time you lift your arms. I look for a fold-over band with real elastic in it and a little stretch in the black knit. Pair it with high-rise blue wide-leg jeans so the fitted top has something to balance against. Pointed black flats keep the leg long; low block heels dress it up. A strapless or convertible bra is non-negotiable here. If you want more coverage, a three-quarter sleeve and a hip-length body beat a cropped cut.
3. Floral Peplum Top With White Jeans
Where the peplum starts decides whether this top flatters you. It should flare from your natural waist; if it begins right under the bust, it reads maternity. I pick a floral print with two or three colors and put it against white straight-leg jeans, which gives the pattern a clean background. Nude sandals, a woven bag and simple studs finish it. Long-torso women should look for extended-length styles. A cropped cardigan works on cool days, as long as it ends above the flare.
4. Striped Boatneck Top With Ankle Pants
A navy-and-white Breton with slim ankle pants is one of those pairings that never dates. The knit should skim, not cling, or the stripes bend over every curve. I put it with navy, black or camel trousers and let red ballet flats add one jolt of color; loafers keep it quieter. Pearl studs, a structured tote and a slim watch. A boat neck widens the shoulders, which helps balance fuller hips, and a neat half tuck stops wide stripes from swallowing a small frame.
5. Lace-Trim Camisole With Tailored Trousers
The lace camisole goes wrong when it looks like lingerie, so I always surround it with tailoring. Satin or matte woven, wide adjustable straps, a strip of lace at the neckline. Tuck it into high-rise trousers in black, cream or charcoal and throw a relaxed blazer over it when you want cover. Pointed flats, a small top-handle bag and drop earrings. Wider straps and a higher back make bra choice easy. A fluid cami is also kinder to the bust than a fitted, rigid one.
6. Crochet Top With Linen Pants
Crochet and linen are both chosen for airflow, so this is the outfit I reach for on the hottest days. Under a cream crochet top, either buy one that's lined or add a fitted nude tank, since white under open stitches shows its outline. High-rise linen pants in beige or olive, flat leather sandals and a woven bucket bag. Keep jewelry simple; chains catch in open crochet. Waist-length tops suit wide legs, while a longer tunic sits better over a straight trouser.
7. Satin Blouse With Dark-Wash Jeans
Satin shows everything underneath it, so the first thing I check is weight. Thin satin reveals seams and bra lines; a heavier one drapes over them. Choose a jewel tone like emerald, burgundy or plum and pair it with clean dark-wash straight jeans. Tuck it fully or fold it into a front tuck. Pointed kitten heels and a structured black bag sharpen the high-low contrast. Gold jewelry warms rich shades, silver suits cooler ones. With full sleeves, keep the jeans narrow and skip a bulky jacket.
8. Puff-Sleeve Top With Midi Skirt
Puff sleeves add width at the shoulder, and a midi skirt below the knee gives that width somewhere to land. I like a fitted square-neck top tucked into a high-waisted A-line skirt. Solid top with printed skirt, or patterned top with a plain skirt, not both. Slingback flats or low heels and a compact crossbody. The square neckline looks cleanest bare, so I stop at small hoops or pearls. Broad shoulders do better with soft gathers than a stiff, upright puff.
9. Baby Tee With Cargo Pants
A baby tee should meet the top of the waistband, not stop three inches above it. That small change makes it wearable for most people. A ribbed one in white, pale blue or burgundy against olive or khaki cargos keeps the color doing the work. High-rise cargos help, since they define the waist where the narrow tee meets the loose leg. Streamlined sneakers, a small nylon shoulder bag, a thin chain and sunglasses. For more coverage, a fitted full-length crewneck follows the same formula.
10. Halter Top With High-Waisted Trousers
Halters pull the eye to the shoulders and slightly narrow them, which is why they look so good on broad or athletic frames. I want a knit or woven halter with a supportive bodice, long enough to meet a high waistband. Pleated wide-leg trousers in cream, black or chocolate, minimal heeled sandals and a sleek clutch. Skip the necklace and wear bold earrings. Support depends on the cut: built-in shelf lining, a strapless bra or adhesive cups. A high-neck halter with a closed back gives the most coverage.
11. Gingham Blouse With Denim Shorts
Gingham reads cheerful from across a street, so the rest of the outfit can stay plain. I choose a blouse with a square neckline, short sleeves and a little ease at the waist, then pair it with high-rise denim shorts at whatever inseam you're comfortable in. Espadrille flats, a tan crossbody and hoops. Black-and-white checks look classic; blue or soft yellow feel more playful. If the blouse has ruffles or ties, skip heavily ripped shorts. Cropped jeans work instead for more leg coverage, and cotton keeps it breathable on a market day.
12. Ribbed Tank Top With Maxi Skirt
A ribbed tank is what keeps a maxi skirt from feeling like a sundress. I check the straps first: wide enough to hide a regular bra. Tuck it into a high-rise maxi at the natural waist, wear flat sandals so the long skirt stays casual, and add a soft leather bag with a couple of thin necklaces. Matching tank and skirt makes one long line; contrast marks the waist. The fuller the skirt, the closer the tank should fit. For evenings, a cropped denim jacket that stops above the skirt's widest part.
13. Eyelet Top With Linen Shorts
Eyelet holes are tiny, but they show more than you'd think in sunlight, so I always hold the fabric up to a window before buying. A cotton eyelet blouse with a lined bodice and soft scalloped edges is the easiest version. Wear it with tailored linen shorts in tan, navy or olive, flat slides and a woven tote. If it stops at the waistband, leave it out; longer styles look neater with a partial tuck. It looks more put together than a tee and shorts with no extra effort.
14. Wrap Top With Bootcut Jeans
Wrap tops define the waist on almost everyone, and bootcut jeans carry that line down to the floor. A true wrap adjusts to you; a surplice with a stitched neckline stays put better. I pair it with high-rise bootcut denim, dark or medium wash, and pointed ankle boots or heeled mules so the hem falls clean. A pendant that follows the V looks natural. Fuller busts need wide front panels and an inside snap to stop gaping. Jersey moves with you, woven holds a sharper shape. Keep chunky belts away from the tie.
15. Graphic Tee With Pleated Trousers
The trick with a graphic tee and pleated trousers is the tuck. A full, tight tuck keeps the casual shirt from looking like it wandered into the wrong outfit. Pick a clean print and a decent crewneck, then high-waisted trousers in black, gray or tan with a slim leather belt. Loafers for a smarter day, white sneakers for errands. If the tee is long, fold the hem under before tucking. Patterned trousers and a big graphic together fight, so choose one.
16. Square-Neck Knit Top With Midi Jeans Skirt
A square neckline only looks good when it lies flat against the chest, so that's what I test in the fitting room. A soft knit with short or three-quarter sleeves, tucked fully into an A-line or front-slit denim midi below the knee. Ballet flats, sneakers or heeled sandals all work, which is why I like this one for busy weeks. Compact shoulder bag, small earrings. Dark denim looks smarter, faded blue more weekend. A smooth bra under a close knit keeps the drape clean.
17. Ruffle Blouse With Black Jeans
Ruffles look grown-up when there are only a few of them. I want them at the collar, shoulders or cuffs, never tiered over the whole blouse. Ivory, blush or a small floral against black straight-leg jeans; ankle boots and a satchel in cold months, pointed flats in spring. Stud earrings only. A front tuck gives shape while leaving room. Broad shoulders look softer with ruffles running down the placket; narrow shoulders can take flutter sleeves to add width.
18. Polo Top With A-Line Skirt
A polo tucked into a skirt is a small surprise, sporty on top and pretty below. I look for a fine knit with a soft collar, not a thick piqué that bunches at the waist. Tuck it into a high-waisted A-line in cotton, denim or twill, knee-length or midi. Loafers and a top-handle bag for polish; sneakers if you're running errands. Striped polos want a solid skirt. Leave the collar flat. A relaxed polo can be half tucked if a fitted one feels too snug.
19. Smocked Top With Wide-Leg Linen Pants
Smocking stretches, which is why it fits such a wide range of bodies. The thing I check is whether the rows lie flat or pull into ridges across the bust; ridges mean go up a size. Wide straps or short sleeves and a square neck, over flowing wide-leg linen. Platform sandals keep long hems off the ground; slides work with cropped pants. Woven bag, light earrings. White on cream looks airy, and a colorful print sits better on neutral trousers. A waist-length hem means no tucking at all.
20. One-Shoulder Top With Tailored Pants
A one-shoulder top changes plain tailoring into something you'd wear to an occasion. Fabric has to hold its shape; thin jersey slides and twists on the strap side. I pair it with high-rise tailored pants, either black over ivory for contrast or one tone of navy or burgundy head to toe. Pointed pumps or slim heeled sandals and a small structured bag. No necklace; a statement earring or cuff on the bare side. Look for an inner shelf if you need support, and keep the trousers plain.
21. Embroidered Peasant Top With Flare Jeans
Embroidery adds handwork and color, so I keep everything around an embroidered peasant top simple. Stitching at the neckline or sleeves with enough drape to move. Dark-wash high-rise flares make a long, balanced line, with ankle boots or platform sandals under the wide hem. A saddle bag, hoops, maybe one bangle. A front tuck shows the waistband. I pick accessories in one color already in the embroidery. Petite women look better with smaller motifs and moderate sleeves.
22. Mock-Neck Top With Plaid Trousers
A slim mock neck is the top I layer most in cold weather, because it sits flat under a blazer or wool coat without adding bulk at the collar. Black, cream, burgundy or forest green, tucked into tailored plaid trousers. Loafers or pointed ankle boots and a structured work tote. A watch and small earrings are enough. If tight necklines bother you, a lower mock with real stretch is easier. A solid top lets the plaid lead. Swap the shoes and it goes from the office to dinner.
23. Denim Shirt With White Pants
Chambray is what I mean by a denim shirt here. Heavy rigid denim tucks badly and adds bulk at the waist. A light or medium wash into white straight jeans or tailored trousers, with tan loafers or clean sneakers. A cognac belt and matching bag give warm contrast. Roll the sleeves twice. Under white pants, choose underwear close to your skin tone rather than white, which shows through. Pearl earrings soften the denim nicely.
24. Bow-Neck Blouse With Pencil Skirt
A bow at the neck is already the accessory, so I keep earrings small with this one. Choose a light blouse with a moderate tie that doesn't swamp the collarbone, tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt with stretch or a back vent so you can actually walk. Pointed pumps or slingbacks and a structured tote. Small prints look good under a blazer. If a full bow feels too formal, knot the ties loosely and let them hang. A hem at or just below the knee balances the soft blouse.
25. Cap-Sleeve Top With Barrel-Leg Jeans
Barrel-leg jeans curve out at the knee and need a slim top to make that shape look intentional. A cap-sleeve tee in jersey or fine knit does it. I check the armhole first, since cap sleeves end right at the shoulder and a tight armhole cuts in. Tuck into high-rise jeans with a narrow belt. Sleek loafers, ballet flats or low sneakers keep the curved leg from looking heavy. If you want more coverage, a short sleeve to mid-upper-arm. A hip-length top can be folded under instead of stuffed into thick denim.
26. Sequin Top With Straight-Leg Trousers
Sequins snag on almost everything, so I start with a lined top and keep the bag smooth. A relaxed shape and comfortable arm openings matter because sequin seams are stiff and rub under the arm. Matte straight-leg trousers in black, navy or charcoal, pointed flats or low heels, a small satin bag. Scattered sequins rewear better than solid coverage. Leave a short top loose; tuck a long one gently. One sparkly piece per outfit is plenty.
27. Cowl-Neck Top With Leather Pants
A cowl only works when the drape is in the cut, not in a top that's too big. I check by leaning forward in the mirror. Satin, jersey or fine knit, with straight black or brown leather pants and pointed ankle boots. A compact bag and geometric earrings bring some edge back to the soft neckline. Cream, bronze, burgundy and deep green all sit well against dark leather. Sleeveless versions take a tailored blazer. Choose a fabric thin enough to tuck flat. It's my go-to for a dressy dinner indoors.
28. Ruched Top With Midi Skirt
Ruching hides a lot, which is why I recommend it to clients who feel self-conscious around the middle. Gathers along the side seams or down the center front, in a fitted knit. Pair it with a smooth midi skirt in satin or knit so there's one textured piece, not two. Low heels and a small bag, or sneakers for weekends. Bright top, neutral skirt; or one color head to toe for length. Don't size down. Ruching pulled tight looks strained; relaxed gathers fall smoothly.
29. Sheer-Sleeve Blouse With High-Waisted Pants
A blouse with sheer sleeves gives you arm coverage that still feels light in a warm room. The bodice must be opaque, and I run a hand along the inside seams, because cheap chiffon seams scratch. Tuck it fully into high-waisted straight or wide pants in a matching solid. Pointed pumps, delicate earrings and a structured clutch for a dinner or celebration. Puff sheer sleeves look dramatic; slim ones are quieter. If the sleeves have dots or lace, keep the trousers plain.
30. Tie-Front Top With High-Rise Shorts
Tie-front tops let you set the coverage yourself, which is why I like them for women unsure about crops. Tie the knot just above the waistband of high-rise shorts and the gap closes when you stand. Tailored cotton, linen or denim shorts with a moderate inseam, flat sandals or canvas sneakers and a crossbody. Bold tropical prints want solid shorts. Plain tie-fronts can take stripes. An open tie-front button-down over a fitted tank gives the same shape with more cover.
31. Long-Sleeve Mesh Top With Black Jeans
Mesh looks cheap when you can see a bra through it, so I either buy it lined or layer a matching cami. Printed long-sleeve mesh with black straight jeans grounds the pattern. Ankle boots, a small shoulder bag and silver hoops. Abstract florals, soft animal prints and watercolor patterns all suit thin mesh. Bend your arm in the fitting room; mesh without enough stretch pulls at the elbow. A high neckline balances the sheer sleeves, and clean jeans keep the print as the only focus.
32. Henley Top With Corduroy Pants
Both a Henley and corduroy lean casual, so the tuck and the bag are what make this look deliberate. A fitted long-sleeve Henley with one or two buttons open, tucked into high-rise cords in rust, olive or chocolate. Suede ankle boots and a leather crossbody. A pendant that sits inside the placket. Fine-wale cord looks smoother and slimmer than wide ribs, which add bulk at the hip. A denim jacket or quilted vest takes it into colder weeks.
33. Cold-Shoulder Top With Slim Pants
Cold-shoulder tops have a bra problem: standard straps often peek out at the cutouts. I check that the shoulder panels are wide enough to cover them before anything else. Choose a streamlined version with tidy openings and no extra frills, then slim ankle pants or dark skinny jeans. Pointed flats or low heels and a structured crossbody. Solid black, navy or a jewel tone looks more refined than a busy print. Voluminous sleeves need plain fitted pants. It's a good pick for a birthday dinner.
34. Sleeveless Sweater Top With Pleated Skirt
A sleeveless sweater gives a pleated skirt a bit of structure on top. Fine gauge is essential; a chunky knit can't tuck into satin without a ridge. I look for armholes cut close enough to hide the bra, then a high-waisted midi in satin or chiffon. Ballet flats and a structured bag for daytime, low heels for a party. Matching knit and skirt reads like a dress; contrast gives more options. On a printed skirt, take the knit color from its quietest shade. A cropped cardigan works when it's cold.
35. Oversized Poplin Shirt With Biker Shorts
An oversized poplin shirt is what turns biker shorts from gym wear into an outfit for errands or a flight. The shorts must be opaque, high-rise and at least mid-thigh; I do a squat test in the fitting room. Layer the crisp shirt over a fitted tank, open or with a few middle buttons done. Chunky sneakers, crew socks and a practical tote. Blue stripes or plain white poplin are the easiest. Watch the shoulder seams; petite women should pick a moderately oversized cut, not a man's extra-long shirt.
36. Corset-Inspired Top With Relaxed Jeans
The corset top is on the list because loose denim makes it daytime-friendly. Look for wide straps, seams that shape rather than squeeze, and a back with real coverage. Relaxed or wide-leg high-rise jeans, pointed flats or kitten heels, a simple shoulder bag. Cotton or linen blends feel softer than glossy satin. If the boning digs in when you sit, it's too small; I always test that. Layer it over a white tee or under an open blazer for less skin.
37. Asymmetrical Top With Column Skirt
Asymmetry looks deliberate only when one side clearly leads. An angled neckline, a diagonal hem or a draped side, over a high-waisted column skirt in midi or maxi. Slim sandals and a long clutch carry the vertical line. One statement earring or a cuff rather than a necklace fighting the neckline. Black, cream or deep red tonal outfits keep it elegant. Check that the long side of the hem doesn't cover the whole waistband, and sit down in it before you buy.
38. Floral Corsage Top With Wide-Leg Pants
One fabric flower is charming; three start to look like a costume. I pick a top with a single secure corsage at the neckline or shoulder, then match high-waisted wide-leg trousers to a color in the flower. Black with cream is graphic, pink on pink is softer. Heeled sandals, a small clutch, delicate earrings. No necklace near the flower. A sleeved knit with a removable pin gives more coverage and more wear. Keep the trousers plain.
39. Striped Rugby Top With Mini Skirt
Rugby shirts are roomy and thick, so they need a skirt with a little structure to look tidy. I tuck just the front into an A-line mini in denim or twill and push the sleeves up to show the wrist. Loafers and ankle socks lean preppy; sneakers make it casual. A structured crossbody, almost no jewelry. Big stripes and a printed skirt is too much. If a mini is shorter than you like, swap in a knee-length skirt or tailored shorts.
40. Knit Vest Top With Bermuda Shorts
Wearing a knit vest on its own depends on the armholes. Cut too deep and they show your bra from the side, so that's my first check. A light vest with Bermuda shorts that hit the knee, in linen, twill or suiting. Loafers, fisherman sandals or sneakers depending on the day; a structured tote and a watch. Cream over tan feels summery, navy and white more classic. Add a fitted tee underneath if you want sleeves. Keep both pieces slim so the longer shorts look intended.
41. Cape-Sleeve Top With Cropped Trousers
A cape-sleeve top covers the upper arm while still moving, which is why so many clients ask me for one. Light crepe or chiffon with an opaque lining through the body. Cropped tailored trousers that show the ankle balance the floaty top, with pointed flats or slim heels and a compact top-handle bag. Keep jewelry simple. Solid colors show the cape construction best. I leave it untucked; tucking crushes the drape. Check the capes don't fall past your hands when you reach for a glass.
42. Keyhole-Neck Top With Printed Pants
Keyhole necks have a button or hook at the back that loves to pull open, so I check the fastener lies flat. Pick a solid blouse with a small opening near the collarbone and team it with printed wide or straight trousers in coordinating colors. Neutral shoes ground the print: tan sandals, black flats or cream loafers. Earrings instead of a necklace. Big motifs need a fitted top; small prints can take a relaxed blouse. A full tuck shows the waist.
43. Scalloped-Edge Top With White Trousers
Scallops are a small detail, so placement matters. If they're on the hem, I leave the top untucked so you can see them; at the neckline or sleeves, a full tuck is fine. Crisp white trousers are the background: soft blue, coral, navy and black all stand out against them. Neutral slingbacks, a structured bag and studs. Choose trousers without cargo pockets or heavy hardware. I'd wear this to a lunch or a baby shower.
44. Draped Jersey Top With Flare Pants
Draped jersey only falls well if the fabric has some weight; thin jersey clings and shows every seam underneath. Gathering at one shoulder, the waist or the neck, with the rest of the top fitted. Pair it with high-rise ponte or tailored flares that hug the hip before widening. Heeled boots or platforms keep the hems right. A structured bag and simple metal earrings. One color head to toe gives the longest line.
45. Printed Kimono Top With Slim Jeans
Kimono tops add a lot of fabric at the sleeve, so I go for moderate sleeves you can eat in without dragging them through a plate. A wrap or open-front design with a balanced print, over a fitted camisole, with dark slim or straight jeans. Simple heeled sandals and a solid bag. Earrings pulled from one color in the print, nothing else bold. Tie any waist sash loosely. Petite frames look best in shorter versions; longer hems swing nicely on tall women.
46. Zip-Collar Top With Track Pants
Track pants can look polished, but only the tailored kind: straight or wide leg, minimal stripes. Pair them with a fitted ribbed zip-collar knit or a light zip sweatshirt. Clean leather sneakers and a compact crossbody keep it sharp. Small hoops and sunglasses. Cream over black is graphic; tonal gray or brown looks quieter. Unzip the collar partway to soften it. An oversized top with very wide pants loses your shape, so I'd tuck it or pick a shorter hem.
47. Floral Chiffon Blouse With Cropped Jeans
Chiffon is see-through more often than the hanger suggests, so I check it in daylight. A lined or semi-sheer floral blouse with a moderate print and soft gathered sleeves, over straight cropped jeans that stop above the ankle. Nude flats, low block heels or slingbacks and a structured neutral bag. Dark florals carry into fall, pale ones feel like spring. Tuck a full blouse into high-rise jeans. Under semi-sheer, a cami in your skin tone disappears better than white. Skip ripped denim.
48. Textured Bouclé Top With Tailored Jeans
Bouclé sheds fibers and snags on Velcro, so I keep it away from rough bag straps. A sleeveless or short-sleeve top with clean edges and a lining, worn with dark tailored or trouser-style jeans. Cap-toe flats or loafers and a structured mini bag; pearl or metal earrings. Decorative buttons mean no necklace. A waist-length cut sits on high-rise jeans without tucking. In winter, a fine long-sleeve tee underneath. Keep the denim plain so the texture leads.
49. Balloon-Sleeve Top With Straight Skirt
A balloon-sleeve top puts all the volume at the arm, so I balance it with a straight skirt. The cuffs should be fitted at the wrist, or the sleeves slide over your hands. Tuck it into a plain midi in denim, ponte or satin. Pointed shoes and a structured bag. Small earrings or a ring, not a big necklace. Broad shoulders look better when the volume starts below the shoulder seam. Bold-print blouse, solid skirt.
50. Velvet Top With Dark-Wash Jeans
Velvet with dark jeans is my favorite way to dress for a holiday party without a dress. A jewel-tone wrap or square-neck velvet top with a lining, and straight indigo jeans. Pointed ankle boots or kitten heels, a small leather bag and metallic drop earrings. Emerald, sapphire and burgundy show the pile best; black is the most versatile. Never iron velvet directly; steam it from inside and hang it with room so the pile doesn't crush. A front tuck stops it looking bulky.
Laundry Rules for Satin, Crochet, Velvet and Sequins
The fabrics on this list behave very differently in the wash, and it's usually laundry, not wear, that makes a top look tired. These are the habits I keep for my own clothes.
Knits and jersey
Ribbed tanks, baby tees and mock necks pill where they rub, under the arms and along the side where a bag sits. Turn them inside out, wash cool and dry them flat or on low heat. A fabric shaver deals with pills far better than scissors.
Satin, chiffon and silky blouses
Polyester satin can usually go in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle. Silk satin water-spots, so follow the label, which often means hand wash or dry clean. Steam out creases instead of ironing hard; a hot iron leaves a shine on satin that doesn't come out.
Crochet, eyelet and lace
Hand wash in cool water, squeeze rather than wring, and dry flat. Hanging a wet crochet top stretches it, sometimes by inches. Lace trims last longer if the top goes into a mesh bag.
Velvet, bouclé and sequins
Velvet hangs, never folds, and gets steamed from the inside. Bouclé and sequins should be stored away from anything with Velcro or rough hardware. Sequin tops are best folded flat in a drawer, since their weight pulls the shoulders out of shape on a hanger.
Seven Tops I'd Buy Before the Rest
Every top here works because I matched it to the right bottom: fitted knits with wide trousers, loose blouses with slim jeans, structured tops with soft skirts. The details I'd check before buying any of them are the boring ones: armholes that don't cut in, necklines that stay put, a hem that meets your waistband and fabric you can wear your usual bra under. Let one piece lead and keep the shoes and bag in support. Then adjust the sleeve, length and coverage to your own body and week, and one top can carry several outfits through the year.
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