"Napkin Tops" Are the Risky Trend Fashion People Are Actually Pulling Off

Ready or not—the latest barely-there trend is officially taking its place in the fashion world and, honestly, we're here for it. Clearly, it's the year of barely-there dressing since we've seen trends like G-string bras and lace-up midriffs take off, and now it's time we introduce you to the next chapter of the revealing trend, what we're calling "napkin tops". (Yes, they're exactly what you're thinking.) They basically involve a simple piece of fabric in the front and thin straps that tie up in the back and fashion people are 100% pulling them off.

I've been following this trend for a while and now that there are enough examples and shopping options, I'm confident these are definitely a thing. The designs from indie brands like Trois, Stone Label, and Subsurface were the first to flood my Instagram feed and now more and more brands are putting their spin on it, meaning there's something for every style and budget. Scroll down to see and shop the 16 best backless tops.

backless-tops-288505-1596661233982-image

(Image credit: @dananozime)

Remember the scarf tops of the '90s? This trend is like those, but better.

backless-tops-288505-1596656833319-image

(Image credit: @shhtephs)

Pictured: Trois Ruby Top ($85)

It's not hard to see why the name "napkin top" applies here, right? The crinkled texture reminds me of a tissue or cloth napkin.

backless-tops-288505-1596659325983-image

(Image credit: @lifeofboheme)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

You know it's a napkin top when there's nothing but razor-thin straps in the back.

backless-tops-288505-1596656835230-image

(Image credit: @nycbambi)

Pictured: Stone Knitted Halterneck Top ($300)

EmRata just wore the black version of this top in NYC, so it's officially celeb-approved, too.

backless-tops-288505-1596809264365-image

(Image credit: @shop.gnd)

The only thing better than this skirt set is the fact that it also comes in ivory and black.

backless-tops-288505-1596662740885-image

(Image credit: @catchmeeksifyoucan)

When it's way too hot out to handle, all you need is a little piece of fabric, anyway.

backless-tops-288505-1596659324075-image

(Image credit: @modedamour)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

The thinner the straps, the better the top. I don't make the rules.

backless-tops-288505-1596656834659-image

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

These silky versions are straight out of the '90s.

backless-tops-288505-1596661235583-image

(Image credit: @shaninamshaik)

Pictured: Natalie Rolt Virgo Crop Top ($140)

Fashion people love to wear them with loose trousers and a strappy heel.

backless-tops-288505-1596661234843-image

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

Pictured: Subsurface Silk Tie Top ($210)

You know it's a napkin top when there's nothing but razor-thin straps in the back.

backless-tops-288505-1596656833996-image

(Image credit: @jennymwalton)

Fun fact: Jenny Walton fashioned her top out of an actual doily and some pieces of string and I'm inspired to DIY my own.

backless-tops-288505-1596662090047-image

(Image credit: @cultgaia)

Pictured: Cult Gaia Rosa Draped Open-Back Silk-Organza Top ($240)

Plot twist: just wait until you see the front (just scroll down).

backless-tops-288505-1596726089079-image

(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Pictured: Trois Ruby Top ($85)

Truly the top that started it all.

Up next: 5 Late-Summer Trends You Might Have Missed

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.