5 Elegant Top Trends Fashion People Are Wearing With Skirts, Shorts and Trousers This Summer
When it comes to the summer months, navigating the world of tops can prove to be a little tricky. After all, these shirts, t-shirts and tanks not only have to look good, they have to be comfortable enough to wear through hot days without looking disheveled within a few hours of leaving the house. Summer tops have to be wardrobe workhorses, able to go from the office, to weekends, to holidays, and to be paired with a variety of styles, ranging from casual shorts to tailored linen trousers.
On top of these requirements, I want my tops to really capture the summer mood. Crisp whites are of course a must, but I also want styles in earthy, sun-soaked hues. When it comes to textures, organic, breathable materials are essential, meaning linen and cotton are at the top of my summer wish list.
Luckily, it looks like this season's trending stop styles tick all of these boxes—and even better, most of the looks feel especially timeless, meaning you can confidently invest in one of these styles this summer knowing you'll be getting plenty of use out of them for many summers to come. Classic and versatile, these top styles will pair with so many pieces you probably already own, and a number of them could also be layered to create fresh looks for the cooler months, too. Here, discover my pick of the best summer top styles, and the on-trend pieces at the top of my covet-it list.
See the 5 Summer Top Trends to Wear With Skirts, Shorts & Trousers:
1. Linen
Style Notes: A true summer classic that will never go out of style, a linen shirt is the kind of piece you'll never regret owning. Breathable, light, and beautifully textured, this shirt can take you anywhere, from the office to the beach. If you already own the staple white linen shirt, consider investing in a colourful alternate this season.
Shop the Look:
2. Bandeau
Style Notes: Perhaps as part of the Y2K style revival, the bandeau top is well and truly back. Make it feel 2024-appropriate by balancing the strapless style with tailored trousers or the very popular voluminous maxi skirt.
Shop the Look:
3. Striped Shirt
Style Notes: If you're keen to avoid the typical summer prints of florals, consider this style your sleek seasonal alternative. Like the linen shirt, it's a versatile piece that can be paired with white trousers (as Nnenna expertly demonstrates) as well as worn open over a bikini and shorts on your next summer holiday.
Shop the Look:
4. Tie Waistcoat
Style Notes: I've spotted so many influencers sporting the tie-front vest over the past few months. It's the kind of effortless and understatedly sexy piece that feels perfect for summer. Wear yours with baggy or straight-leg jeans or a voluminous white skirt for a particularly on-trend look.
Shop the Look:
5. Long Vest
Style Notes: Waistcoats pop up every season, but for summer it looks like the longline silhouette is the style to go for. This sleek shape goes beautifully with tailored trousers or long skirts to create a polished summer ensemble.
Shop the Look:
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
-
Aritzia Is a Fashion-Person Paradise—These 25 Standouts Are Now On Major Sale
The basics alone are worth checking out.
-
These 30 Simple Yet Elevated Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Are Giving Major Rich Vibes
Hello, instant confidence boost.
-
These 31 Classic Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Finds Are the Key to a Rich-Looking Summer Wardrobe
Imagine the chic outfits.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Summer Outfits—25 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Deals That Fit the Bill
Just about everything is under $25.
-
I Shop for a Living—These 30 Elevated Fashion, Beauty, and Home Décor Picks From the Amazon Prime Day Sale Have My Attention
Chic, practical, and affordable.
-
If a French Woman Shopped the Amazon Prime Day Sale, She'd Instantly Add These 31 Chic Picks to Cart
Effortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 Chic Nordstrom Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your Attention
I'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.