Though it doesn't quite compare to the challenges that layering for winter presents, summer dressing does have a layering predicament of its own. In fact, you've probably encountered it. What are we referring to? Crazy sleeves. Between ruffled, strappy, one-shoulder, and puffy-sleeved tops, shielding oneself from the A/C in the office or chilly night air proves nearly impossible with so many summer tops on the market.
Realizing this sartorial dilemma, we set out to find cool summer tops that you can actually wear under a jacket. So that means you can put your blazers and leather jackets to very good use this season. The covetable tops in the following roundup prove that you don't need lots of straps or dramatic sleeves to be summer-ready. Shop our picks from the likes of Zara, Madewell, Reformation, and many more below.
Staud
Honeybee Cropped Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top
We'd love to see this under a white denim jacket.Available in sizes XS to L.
Reformation
Jane Top
Just as cute with a jacket as it is without.Available in sizes 0 to 22.
Réalisation
Handkerchief in Wild Cherry
Wear this as a top or a scarf—the choice is yours.Available in one size.
Zara
Top With Sequins
Wear this for a night out under a leather jacket or tuxedo blazer.Available in sizes XS to L.
Acne Studios
Sisian Knit Top
There are a lot of lavender tops on the market right now, but this one takes the cake.Available in sizes XS to L.
Rachel Comey
Cleft Top
Wear this to instantly dress up your jeans.Available in sizes 2 to 8.
Madewell
Rainbow Stripe Button-Front Tank Top
This is what we think of when we think of easy summer tops.Available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Gucci
Printed-Lace Tank Top
Tuck this into high-waisted jeans, add an oversize blazer, and go.Available in sizes XS to XL.
The Range
Banded Bodysuit
This asymmetrical top is the perfect match for your favorite leather jacket.Available in sizes XS to L.
City Chic
Flirt Peplum Top
This flattering style is sure to be a summer staple.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Reformation
Janie Top
Sustainable brand Reformation has tons of cute tops that work under jackets. Here's one of them.Available in sizes 0 to 12.
Prada
Printed Cotton-Poplin Top
That collar, though.Available in sizes 36 to 48.
AlexaChung
Embroidered Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
If you buy just one graphic tee this summer, make it this one.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Paloma Wool
Boa Top in Purple
This is what we call a grown-up crop top.Available in sizes 34 to 40.
Ganni
Shirred Floral-Print Cotton and Silk-Blend Top
Wear this under a jacket or over a T-shirt.Available in sizes 34 to 42.
Forever 21
Floral Bodysuit
Worth the $13, if you ask us.Available in sizes 0X to 3X.
Topshop Boutique
Ribbed Tee
Tired of purple yet? Neither are we.Available in sizes 2 to 12.
Nanushka
Masum Bustier Top
Guaranteed to look cool under literally any summer jacket.Available in sizes 1 to 4.
Anine Bing
Gwyneth Silk-Satin Camisole
We wish this perfect camisole came in every color of the rainbow.Available in sizes XS to L.
Dôen
Brigitte Top
Yes, you need yet another simple tee. (Especially when it's this good.)Available in sizes XS to L.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.