The 5 Summer Tops Every Woman Should Own
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, it's time to revamp your wardrobe with essential pieces that will keep you cool and stylish throughout the summer months.
We all know the struggle of those mornings when you just stare blankly at your closet. But having the right selection of shirts and bottoms makes dressing a breeze. If you’re not sure what tops to incorporate into your summer wardrobe, no worries. In this blog post, I’m sharing the 6 best summer tops and shirts to add to your wardrobe in 2024. From do-it-all tanks to chic blouses, the right selection of tops can elevate your summer style effortlessly.
These are the must-have summer tops that work for multiple occasions, whether you’re in the office, on vacation, or at a wedding. From work-wear styles to party-ready picks, these essential tops will become the foundation of your warm-weather wardrobe.
Continue reading to discover the 5 tops every woman should own and tips on how to create your own summer capsule wardrobe for 2024!
In this Article…
The Classic Button-Down
The Day-to-Night Top
The Basic Tee
The Layering Tank
The Timeless Sweater
5 Summer Tops Every Woman Should Own
1. The Classic Button-Down
When to Wear It: Weekend, Work, Vacation
A crisp button-down shirt is a true wardrobe staple that transcends time and trends. Its versatility is unmatched, as it seamlessly transitions from professional settings to casual outings.
Opt for a well-tailored silhouette that flatters your body shape and ensures a comfortable fit. During the summer, I typically prefer an oversized fit for extra breeziness.
Choosing the right fabric during the warmer months is just as important. Linen and cotton are your best options for staying cool and looking smart.
While I’m a fan of a timeless white shirt, don’t be afraid to try different colors and patterns. Light blue, beige, and navy are just a few other classic shades to wear this summer. And you can never go wrong with stripes!
Styling your basic button-down is incredibly easy. Pair it with tailored pants or a pencil skirt for a sophisticated office look, or style it casually with shorts and sandals for a chic yet relaxed weekend ensemble. For a beach getaway, wear it as a lightweight jacket over a tank top or swimsuit.
The classic button-down is a summer essential that will never go out of style.
Read More: 6 Chic City Outfits to Elevate Your Style This Summer
Shop Summer Button-downs
2. The Day-to-Night Top
When to Wear It: Special Event, Vacation, Night Out, Work, Weekend
A versatile day-to-night top is a must-have for every woman. The style and silhouette are totally up to you - choose whatever looks the most flattering on you - but it should be able to be dressed down in the day, and dressed up for the evening. It should be modest enough for work, but with the right styling, can be just as appropriate for a night out.
One example is a drapy silk top. Wear it with pants to the office, style it with jeans and ballet flats on the weekend, then dress it up for a night out with heels and a clutch.
I also love the selection of knit tops from Reformation. They’re slightly more elevated from your average tee, which makes them easy to adapt from day to night. Pair them with tailored shorts for a day of shopping then transform it for a night out with a mini skirt and some strappy sandals.
Look for details such as ruffles, pleats, or interesting necklines to keep it unique, but still versatile.
For summer, experiment with bolder hues or opt for neutral colors like black, navy, or blush pink. To find your best colors, read my recent blog post about finding your color season.
The day-to-night top is sure to become a game-changer in your wardrobe if you’re looking for versatile summer pieces.
Shop Summer day-to-night tops
3. The Basic Tee
When to Wear It: Work, Weekend, Vacation
A good basic tee is a cornerstone of any summer wardrobe. It's a versatile piece that can be easily mixed and matched to create numerous warm-weather outfits.
Finding the perfect tee can be a challenge. I’d recommend looking for fabrics like cotton or linen - these breathable materials will ensure you stay cool on the hottest of days. Jersey knit is another option worth considering for a comfortable drape and a slightly more polished look.
The ideal tee should skim your form, neither clinging nor billowing excessively. A crewneck or V-neck neckline are universally flattering options. Stock your wardrobe with a curated selection of neutrals like white, cream, black, beige and navy. These neutral tones will serve as the foundation for countless outfits. A few colorful tees in the mix is also an easy way to incorporate some personality into your summer wardrobe. I’m personally loving sorbet shades like limoncello, tangelo, and peach.
When it comes to styling your basic tee for summer, the options are endless. Wear your tee with tailored shorts or a colorful mini skirt and a pair of strappy sandals for a chic daytime look. Keep it casual by styling your favorite tee with a pair of relaxed boxer shorts and sporty sneakers.
Tuck your tee into a high-waisted midi skirt or tailored trousers for a more polished look. With a pair of heels and a blazer, you can transform your basic tee into an office-ready ensemble that’s perfect for summer.
Shop Summer tees
4. The Layering Tank
When to Wear It: Work, Weekend, Vacation
The layering tank is a wardrobe hero that offers endless styling opportunities. Lightweight and sleeveless, it serves as the perfect base for layering under sweaters, cardigans, blazers, or sheer tops.
Similar to the basic tee, opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or a modal blend. A well-fitting tank should hug your silhouette without being too constricting. Look for a tank with a slightly longer length that can be easily tucked into pants or skirts. A cropped option can also be chic depending on how you style it. I’d pair it with high-waisted bottoms to create balance in your look. Choose neutral colors like black, white, or nude to ensure maximum versatility or try out some bolder hues - whatever suits your personal style.
Wear your tank solo with a pair of high-waisted shorts or a flowy skirt for an everyday summer look. Tanks are the perfect base layer for adding dimension and texture to your outfit. Layer your tank under a light cardigan or a linen shirt for a stylish and effortless look. Elevate your tank top by pairing it with a maxi skirt or tailored trousers. With some statement accessories and a pair of heels, you’re ready for a night out.
The layering tank ensures you've got your basics covered for summer. Be sure to add a few of these trusty tops to your closet.
Shop Summer tanks
5. The Timeless Sweater
When to Wear It: Special Event, Vacation, Work, Weekend
Don’t neglect heavier pieces during the summer months. While baring shoulders is fine for a hot day, it’s always nice to have some layering options to cover up for air-conditioned settings and cooler summer nights.
A timeless sweater is a great option to add to your summer wardrobe. Unlike your winter woolies, your summer sweater should be lightweight. Look for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or a cotton-cashmere blend. These fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable without sacrificing warmth.
There are a variety of summer sweater styles to choose from, including cardigans, pullovers, and cropped sweaters. Choose a style that flatters your body type and complements your personal style. Cardigans are everywhere at the moment and will be on rotation in my wardrobe this summer.
Styling your basic sweater is simple. Pair it with a flowy maxi dress or a midi skirt for a relaxed yet stylish summer look. Add a pair of ballet flats or strappy sandals to complete the outfit. Summer sweaters are perfect for layering. Throw your cardigan over a tank top and shorts for a cool-weather evening, or layer a pullover over a sundress for added warmth.
Sweaters in bold colors or playful patterns can add a pop of personality to your summer outfit. Pair a colorful cardigan over a white midi dress for a chic, vintage-inspired look that’s perfect for summer.
If you’re looking for everyday summer tops for layered warmth, a classic sweater is a must.
Shop Summer sweaters
Building a summer wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from work to weekend isn't always easy. But, this selection of 6 essential summer tops ensures you're prepared for any occasion. Whether you're headed to the office or the beach, these tops will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish all season long.
What are your must-have summer tops? Let me know in the comments below.
