We simply have to extend a hand to whoever is doing the public relations for the humble top, for it’s never been a better time for this wardrobe staple than right now. Indeed, the mastermind behind this summer basics’ renewed interest must be working overtime, because across all facets of the fashion landscape, there’s an appetite for clean cut and chic tops that simply can’t be satiated.

Of course, if you want to know what style the Who What Wear UK editors are backing this summer, you’ve come to the right place. And after doing some serious research—see: trawling new-season collections and reviewing the most recent runways—we can say with confidence that the three-quarter sleeve top will reign supreme.

Though the double-layered crewnecks—especially when rendered in the colour palette synonymous with Dutch artist Piet Mondrian, like cobalt blue and tomato red—seen on Harry Styles in the “American Girls” music video and the boho chic-inspired peasant blouse trend were worthy contenders, a recent slew of chic dressers endorsing the three-quarter length top has crowned it as this season’s leading trend.

Indeed, only yesterday, Kaia Gerber stepped out in New York in the quintessential model off-duty uniform. For the stroll, she wore a pair of ballet pumps, low-rise jeans and tied these foundational items together with the elbow-grazing silhouette. Earlier this year, Hailey Bieber posted a photo of herself in her butter yellow kitchen wearing the bracelet-length long-sleeved style.

The sightings don’t stop there. A few months ago, Lily-Rose Depp was seen in Los Angeles wearing the same cut, albeit in a baby pink style that complemented her Y2K-inspired grey tracksuit and slate blue Ugg boots. Elsewhere, whilst taking a break from her Short’n’Sweet tour, Sabrina Carpenter also posted a photo of herself wearing the top alongside a saccharine gingham-print bandana. All this to say, the three-quarter sleeve top has officially become one of the must-have pieces of the season.

Of course, to those in the know, you’ll be aware that the three-quarter sleeve top is by no means new. One of the earliest and most influential appearances from the top came in 1973 when Jane Birkin wore it during rehearsals for a performance at the Artists Union Gala. Wearing nothing but a pair of black undies and thick thigh-high leg warmers, she cemented the silhouette as a venerable extension of Parisian sophistication and unfussy elegance, something that today’s style savants have reinforced, too.

Still, there’s a reason why the three-quarter sleeve top is dominating now, decades after it entered the cultural zeitgeist. The most prominent reason is that the top embodies the slight sensuality and inherent romanticism associated with French girl fashion, making it an effective way to inject these traits into any ensemble without investing in a whole new wardrobe. What’s more, this cut offers a fresh take on a capsule wardrobe staple, as it can easily be paired with any well-edited fundamentals and instantly adds dimension to any tried-and-trusted ensemble.

And with summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to get your sartorial affairs in order and stock up on anything-but-boring basics that can elevate any look. So, whilst you can spend your time embracing novel trends like silk taffeta trousers and jelly shoes, there’s solace in knowing that with the three-quarter sleeve top, you’ll never struggle to find a blouse or shirt to wear it with. Delicate, flirty and effortless, discover below the best three-quarter sleeve tops to invest in and the styles that will have you bidding adieu to your crisp white T-shirts and scoop neck tank tops for good.

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In all my years as a fashion journalist, I’ve come across very few who did summer dressing quite so well as Jane Birkin. Enduringly cool, effortlessly undone—decades on, she remains a constant presence on my moodboards—especially at this time of year.

As we edge closer to summer, I’ve found myself revisiting the archives in search of inspiration and, unsurprisingly, Birkin’s high-summer wardrobe was my first port of call. What stood out most is just how relevant so many of her go-to pieces still feel today.

If you’re looking to channel that same effortless energy this season, below are three of Jane Birkin’s most enduring summer trends.

3 Chic Summer Trends to Borrow from Jane Birkin

1. Cotton Minidress

Style Notes: When temperatures soar and getting dressed feels like a task, nothing works harder than a lightweight cotton minidress. Breathable, unfussy and versatile, Birkin often styled hers with dark brown boots and her signature wicker basket, but it feels just as fresh worn with this season’s Mary Janes or simple sandals.

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2. T-Shirt + Flared Jeans

Style Notes: If there’s one outfit formula that never fails, it’s jeans and a T-shirt—but Birkin’s take gives it a fresher edge. Swapping classic straight-legs for flared silhouettes, and finished with a heel, the look feels elevated yet still easy.

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3. Short Sleeve Blouses

Style Notes: Looking to refresh your summer rotation? Consider trading in your basic tanks for a short-sleeve blouse. Worn with jeans, it’s a dependable everyday option, but paired with a voluminous skirt, it takes on a softer, more romantic feel.

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As if like clockwork, winter’s blistering grip has relinquished and invited in spring’s blissful warmth, resulting in revitalised wardrobes that prioritise lightweight fabrics, ethereal silhouettes and dreamy prints.

This season, however, it appears that the biggest blouse trend of note doesn’t just meet all those requirements, but also delivers that dose of nostalgia we so often seek out, whilst providing an angelic counterpoint to the dependable jeans we tend to spend most of our time in.

Indeed, peasant tops are once again trending, offering a soft sensuality that feels completely fitting for the sun-drenched days that stretch ahead of us.

For the uninitiated, peasant tops refer to a style of blouse that features a slightly puffed cap sleeve, an elongated shape that billows down the body and intricate details like broderie anglaise eyelets, lace trims, whimsical ruffles or quaint pleats that give the top a hand-made, almost archival quality.

Just look at the lines that stretch through Portobello Markets on any given Saturday when the sky is a picturesque blue, or the fanfare surrounding archival boutiques like Rellik or Turner Vintage, which specialise in rare, almost antique pieces from the past century, as proof of our collective appetite for pieces that are intricate, thoughtful and effortlessly elegant

Of course, for adherents of the bohemian aesthetic, you’ll know that peasant blouses aren’t new by any means. First garnering popularity through the 20th Century, they first came to prominence in the ‘40s with Henri Mattise depicting several styles in his work before becoming a fixture in the balmy wardrobes of the European jet set like Jane Birkin in the ‘60s before finally showing up on the runway in Saint Laurent’s landmark “Haute Russian" collection in the ‘70s.

These days, you’re bound to find a peasant top within the work of designers who derive the most inspiration from these eras, from Chemena Kamali’s free-spirited and intrepidly feminine pieces for Chloé or Margaret and Katherine Kleveland’s work for their beloved brand Dôen, which the pair describe as holding a “reverence for coastal California of decades past".

However, when it comes to how they’re styled, not much has really changed. Allowing the fluidity and ease of the style to really shine, most wearers pair their peasant tops with sturdy denim bottoms, particularly light washes in straight-leg cuts. Emulating the spirit of the La Piscine star, they’re commonly complemented with her trademark basket bag, too.

Still, in a season defined by lightness and a renewal, there’s nothing more appealing than embracing a trend that allows a more delicate and tender side to show. In the words of Charli XCX—which were immortalised on her magnum opus party album brat and subsequent use in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the literary classic Wuthering Heights—everything is romantic.

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There was nothing that could have prepared me for the reaction of my fellow editors when a package containing an Hermés Birkin landed on my desk at Who What Wear UK HQ.

The gasps! The touching! The collective awe! This is a bag that still commands unwavering reverence everywhere it goes, and despite being on the market for well over 41 years, it is still as coveted today as it was when it launched. My introduction to the Birkin (as I'm sure is the same for many millennials) was the episode of Sex and the City when even Samantha Jones can't get her hands on one. The implication even then was clear: the Hermés Birkin is in the upper echelons, and no waiting list or amount of sweet-talking sales staff will get you one, but with the unexpected drop of a $80 Wallmart dupe dubbed the "Wirkin" at the end of last year, TikTok is one again buzzing over the bag that is as much a status symbol as it is an accessory.

"Hermés bags are the pinnacle of luxury, and great from an investment perspective, as most models double or triple their value the minute they leave the shop floor," notes Hanushka Toni, founder of luxury preloved boutique Sellier. "It is nearly impossible to walk into Hermés and simply buy a Birkin or a Kelly. Whilst the crafts[person]ship and quality are second to none, what really makes Hermès bags so desirable is their exclusivity. That sense of rarity, combined with their timeless design and investment potential, makes them the ultimate status symbol, which is why consumers are so eager to get their hands on one."

So, is the Birkin truly head-and-shoulders above the rest, or just the product of some extremely well-thought-out marketing and endorsements? Well, prices aside, the secondhand market would suggest that similar to the Chanel Flap and Dior Book Tote, the allure of the Birkin, and in fact, of most designer handbags, no longer lies in the shopping experience alone, but the preservation of archival pieces.

"The preloved market is the best place to invest in timeless luxury pieces. When an item is on its second life, it’s a testament to the quality of its fabric and crafts[person]ship—provided it has been well cared for," adds Toni. "Buying secondhand makes investment pieces more accessible, as price points are often lower than buying new. The secondary market has completely transformed access to luxury. It allows buyers to find rare and discontinued pieces that would otherwise be out of reach without spending years building a relationship with a sales associate.

"Many designer bags even hold or increase in value over time, making them a smarter investment than buying retail, and, for those who want to experience the magic of a Hermès bag without a long-term commitment, luxury rental is also a fantastic alternative. It allows people to enjoy iconic pieces for special occasions or try different styles before making a purchase. Luxury should be enjoyed, and the resale and rental markets are making that more possible than ever."

Keen to feel the quality and road-test this iconic bag for myself, I reached out to the Sellier team and asked to spend 24 hours with the world's most famous handbag. Would it feel luxurious? How would it carry? And most importantly, would it be worth the money?

The Stats

Brand: Hermès

Model: Birkin 35cm

Materials: Clemence leather (thick and durable calf leather with a medium grain).

Colour: Biscuit

Hardware: Palladium

Comes with: Dust bag, lock, keys, clochette and Entrupy certificate (an AI-based luxury certification service).

Measurements: 35cm x 25cm x 18cm

Stamp: L Square

Year: 2008

Hermés Birkin Bag Review

So, let's start off with the look and feel of the bag. There's no denying the wow factor when you slide off the dust bag to reveal the tote underneath, and given the current penchant for structured top-handle bags of a medium size and minimalist design (specifically The Row's Margaux and the Ferragamo Hug), this bag immediately ticks all of the right boxes on style.

My first stop of the day was a breakfast meeting, and the last thing I wanted to carry was a super-heavy bag that I'd have to lug around on the tube. Although the Birkin I tested isn't quite big enough for my laptop and extras, it comfortably fits my makeup bag, phone, keys, perfume, a hairbrush and my book—in other words, the essentials, without weighing me down. The clasp may have taken some initial fumbling to get open, but if ever there was a bag that you needn't worry someone could slip their hand into, it's this.

Although we may be more used to slouchier totes that you can fold up under your arm, there's something satisfying about the Birkin's rigidity. Whether it was in my locker, on the train or sitting on a coffee table, it holds its form whilst taking up minimal space. At times, I was suddenly aware that I was treating the bag like a baby (and yes, it deserved its own seat at the breakfast table), but in this colourway in particular, I'm inclined to treat the leather like a precious object. It's not buttery soft, but instead, it's a much thicker, grained leather that feels more durable—perfect for protecting the far smoother and more sumptuous suede inside. Now, that looked and smelt like pure luxury.

I got plenty of looks carrying this around, and I wondered if it was because of the bag itself, people trying to figure out whether it was real or fake or the fact that I immediately carried myself like a celebrity despite standing in a queue for a salad at lunch. Clearly, this bag unlocked the latent A-lister in me, and I'm not about to consider that a problem.

So, how did it hold up for the rest of the day? Well, given that this is not your average throw-on-and-go bag, I did spend a lot of time undoing the clasp, lifting the flap, aligning everything and fastening it again (and that's without locking it with the key, as I didn't trust myself not to lose it). It's a strong safety measure that will please many buyers, but I'm perhaps a little too impatient. By the time I make it to the evening, I'm ready to go out for drinks after work without having to swap to a different bag, and I cannot stress enough how convenient this is when I see so many commuters stuggling with a nice handbag, a tote bag and potentially a laptop bag all at once.

"On the resale market, the classic Birkin 25 in black with gold hardware or gold on gold is a sought-after item, making it a worthwhile option for collectors looking for a long-term investment," points out Toni. "Additionally, we’re seeing the classic size of the Birkin (the 35) becoming more popular amongst buyers." And for very good reason. The size is what scores the real points here, as it isn't the biggest Birkin available (that's the whopping 50), but the shallower mini 25 is just too micro to fit everything inside, making the 35 the happy medium.

Unlike many top-handle bags, the Birkin doesn't come with a shoulder strap, so if you want to switch around positions for comfort, you're looking at swapping the hand you carry it in as opposed to wearing it crossbody or on the shoulder, but as someone who never uses the extra attachments anyway, this is more of an observation than a criticism.

On close inspection, the faultless seams and joins are a clear sign of the craftspersonship that goes into these pieces. Every detail, from the colour of the thread to the embossing on the padlock, has been thought out and executed by the artisans who make every cut and stitch by hand to uniformity. It may sound like a lot, but as someone who has paid to have bags restored, handles replaced and shoes re-glued, it's reassuring to find a designer item that hasn't cut corners just to increase the markup. Every penny spent to make this bag (and believe me, it's a lot) must count for something.

Final Thoughts

It's almost impossible to ignore the eye-watering price when discussing the Birkin. It's not the kind of purchase that anyone could easily describe as "value for money", but it is an example of just how designer bags can retain their value on the resale market. Out of all of the luxury greats to stand the test of time—the saddle bag, the baguette, the Jackie—it is Hermés with the most impressive and farthest-reaching legacy, and even its sister bag, the Kelly, doesn't have quite the same pull as its younger counterpart.

The bag I loaned was one of the "cheaper" options, retailing at around £8850 secondhand, so it didn't hit the £20K benchmark like some of the rarer styles, but it still felt far too special to be an everyday bag option. If you're looking for one of the more entry-level options, go for palladium hardware over gold, Clemence leather over Chèvre leather and exotic skins and stick to sizes 35 and below—anything more sizable can send costs into five figures on reputable sites.

Is the Birkin the kind of bag you carry on the tube for your everyday commute? Absolutely not. But is it the kind of special-occasion style you can hand down to the next generation? Honestly, yes. What you may or may not consider a "wise investment" ultimately comes down to budget, and if you are a bag collector who would happily spend thousands on the latest styles from Loewe or Khaite, a Birkin feels like it has far more longevity in the long run. Whilst owning a Birkin is outside the realm of possibility for this fashion editor, I did get a buzz from this moment of proximity to fashion greatness and would happily recommend renting one for the curious.

PROS: Exclusivity, elegant design, exceptional craftspersonship, iconic legacy, roomy, lightweight, cleaning kits available (depending on colour), resale value.

CONS: Price, wearability, ease of access.

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Straw, wicker, rattan, basket, raffia, jute—whatever you call it, one thing's for sure: It's the summer bag trend that will never die. It's not often that a specific seasonal look has real longevity, but it's certainly true when it comes to straw bags. Alexa Chung recently proved just that when she stepped out in New York City this week with a cute basket bag, which is a trend she's personally been wearing for well over a decade. 

There are so many shapes and sizes to choose from that the options can seem overwhelming, but I took great care in rounding up the absolute best versions to consider investing in for summer 2022. Scroll down to shop my favorite wicker and straw bags inspired by both Alexa Chung and the original aficionado, Jane Birkin. 

Then: March 2010

On Alexa Chung: Chanel bag

Now: April 2022

On Alexa Chung: Celine Triomphe 01 Sunglasses; Gucci boots

The OG: Jane Birkin 

Shop My Favorite Basket Bags

Next: The 2022 Swimsuit Trends Celebs Are Already Wearing

There's a bag named after her, she provides many with endless style inspiration, and her name is synonymous with French-girl style. We're talking about Jane Birkin, the latest muse of French fashion house Saint Laurent. Following the likes of Joni Mitchell, Courtney Love, and Marianne Faithfull, the 69-year-old stars in a series of ads for the brand as part of its ongoing Music Project. Saint Laurent designer Hedi Slimane photographs his muses for the campaigns, none of which are tied to a specific season, to promote the iconic women who have inspired him over the years. The understated black-and-white photos feature Birkin in the label's legendary Le Smoking jacket, which was crafted by Yves Saint Laurent himself in 1966 as part of his pop art collection. What better way to celebrate the iconic tuxedo than to have it modelled by one of the industry's biggest style icons? It's a match made in fashion heaven!

Keep scrolling to check out the photographs featured in the campaign.

Shop for classic Saint Laurent pieces here and let us know what you like about these pics in the comments box below…