In the summer, you simply can’t beat a nice top and jeans (or a nice top and jorts), as uncomplicated outfit formulas are something of a necessity when temperatures start to rise. However, there are subtle tweaks you can make to your usual jeans and a tee uniform to bring the look forward and give it a summery update. If the boho movement is aligned with your own personal style, a white lace or embroidered milkmaid top will be a wise addition to your warm-weather rotation. Meanwhile, tank tops and ruched jersey tees will be useful building blocks to many summer outfits.
Below, see five summer tops that everyone will be wearing with jeans, jorts and skirts in the coming months.
1. Tank tops
Tank tops are the ultimate foundation piece for any summer wardrobe, and will go with everything from jeans and jorts to tailored trouser suits. When it comes to fit, a minimalist ’90s tank top style is proving popular, while European Vogue shopping director, Naomi Smart, advises that the perfect fit lies in the coverage: “The tank straps have to be wide enough, and the back of the vest has to be high on the neck so that it elegantly covers my bra straps.”
2. Crochet tops
Nothing is more summery than crochet and so an open-weave top will be a wise addition to any island-bound suitcase. It will be a reliable beach companion worn as a cover-up over a bikini, while still looking elegant after dark, paired with tailored trousers or a slinky maxi skirt.
3. Milkmaid tops
For those who are embracing the recent return of boho, let us point you towards milkmaid tops – a summery blouse that will look beautiful with any jeans in your denim collection. It’s a more romantic alternative to a simple white T-shirt, typically crafted from light cotton, with a loose cut and with lace or broderie anglaise detailing. “I’m quite specific about anything flouncy – see: ruffled, frilled or puffed – but having trawled resale sites, I am confident that there’s a milkmaid top out there for me,” senior shopping writer and second-hand fashion hunter, Alice Cary, previously said in a feature on this top trend. “I prefer the styles with capped sleeves and a low neckline, perhaps with subtle elements of lace or broderie anglaise. The search continues.”
4. Stretchy ruched top
We love how oversized, baggy jeans look with something tight and cinched up top to balance out the volume. This summer, you can’t beat a stretchy, ruched top, which often has an asymmetric silhouette and is crafted from jersey – it has a Noughties “nice top” energy, but is simple enough to be worn every day. When it comes to specific styles, Agolde, Reformation and Fruity Booty are all reliable choices.
5. Baby tees
When it comes to T-shirts, one style we have spotlighted recently on British Vogue is the return of shrunken, baby tees. It is a legacy of Brat girl summer, and styles often come with a slogan across the chest. “A selection from baby tee purveyor Ruby Loot include ‘Eyes up’, ‘F*ck your run club’, ‘Hot line’ and, a fan favourite, ‘Too old for DiCaprio’,” Joy Montgomery wrote in a piece on the baby tee trend this week.
