I don’t know about you, but this summer I’m looking for outfit inspo more than ever. And this week, as I was scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest, and noticed one common theme with every look I saved down: they all featured camis. Yes, every single outfit I was planning on recreating in the next few weeks had a pretty camisole top as its base, and that got me thinking, are camis set to surpass my white tee as my most-worn summer staple? I think so…
Not to be confused with tank tops or vests, the on-trend top is mostly characterised by thin spaghetti straps and a V-neckline, though it can also feature a round or cowl neck. It can be made from cotton fabric, but typically it is a satin design, often with a lace trim.
While a cami top offers an elevated alternative to ribbed vests and T-shirts, it’s just as versatile, and in the last seven days I’ve spotten it styled underneath a cardigan with a mini skirt, with a sweatshirt and wide leg jeans in the transitional seasons and under an oversized blazer complete with tailored trousers to see you from the office to date night.
To prove my point, I’ve rounded up my five favourite camisole top outfits for the season ahead. Scroll on to see the looks and shop all the pieces you might need to recreate them yourself.
See the Camisole Top Outfits I'm Copying This Season:
1. Cami Top + Wide Leg Jeans + Suede Loafers
Style Notes: Yes, we all rely on the classic jeans and a T-shirt ensemble for off-duty days throughout the year, but I'm switching up the look by simply swapping the tee for a cami top this summer. If you feel the cold, then layer with a button-front cardigan.
Shop the Look:
The open knit detail, combined with the half button fastening and open front screams summer. I'd pair with high waisted denim shorts, jeans or a slip skirt.
A worthy investment piece you will certainly get your cost per wear out of.
Red cardigans were all the craze a few months back, but the Parisienne style of this button-up is not going away anytime soon.
Suede loafers have been a huge trend for months. Why? Because the footwear offer a smart yet softer finish compared to trainers or event ballet flats.
2. Cami Top + Capri Pants + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Capri pants—otherwise known as pedal pushers for the 80's and 90's kids—have returned. If you're unsure how to style the 3/4 length trousers, simply add a cami top that skims the hips and offers a flared hem to contrast the slimline bottoms. Pair with flip flops or ballet pumps in the day, alternatively opt for a kitten heel come the evening.
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The gathered bust, tiered detail and flared hem makes this the perfect cami top for those wanting to ease into the trend yet want some coverage around the mid-section.
Lightweight linen and gingham fabrics make a resurgence every summer, without fail. Reformation has cleverly combined the two in these capri trousers, which are breathable, playful and perfect for the holiday season.
Reiss' mesh ballet flats come in two colours, neutral and oxblood, but I recommend the former to complement every summer outfit.
These oval sunglasses are reminiscent of the popular specs Jennifer Aniston wore in the '90s. Considering nostalgia-core is rife now, Miu Miu's chic accessory is the finishing touch to complement any look this season.
3. Cami Top + Matching Skirt + Sandals
Style Notes: A co-ord makes for fuss-free styling, but delivers maximum effect. What I love about this look is the cami top can sit over the bottom layer, or be tucked in to give the illusion of a one-piece dress. Genius!
Shop the Look:
You could easily pair the cami top with a satin slip skirt or black satin trousers to get your cost per wear out of this premium staple.
The brown Me+Em set is running low on sizes, but don't fret as there is more stock available in the cream and black colourway. Plus, I think monochrome is timeless and chic.
If you're a fan of gold jewellery, I recommend keeping the theme running all the way to your sunglasses for a polished finish. The small round frames sit neatly in the eye socket, while the arms taper in thickness to rest comfortably on your ears.
Comfy and chic, there's a reason these sandals are owned by nearly everyone on the Who What Wear team.
4. Cami Top + Ankle Grazer Jeans + Cowboy Boots
Style Notes: A camisole top can be a short version of the timeless satin slip dress, but it can also bridge the gap between a tank top, too. Case in point is Hannah's outfit. Whether you opt for a satin, lace, or cotton cami top, it can be paired with your favourite denim jeans and boots for a casual, yet put-together, look.
Shop the Look:
I consider Massimo Dutti's lace trim top a fabulous two-in-one. Wear with the subtle V-neckline skimming the bust, or swap round so the button fastening is at the front for a cute finish.
One pair of jeans I continually wear on rotation is Levi's Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, which skim the legs and cut off at the ankle perfectly.
From the chunky block heel, to the metal toe cap and square toe, these leather boots will add an edge to the simplest of outfits.
With a simple jeans and cami top outfit, accessorising is key.
5. Cami Top + Silk Skirt + Silk Trousers
Style Notes: Layering dresses over trousers was another popular '90s look, but Loïcka Grâce has made a case for it decades later. I recommend opting for one colour and the same fabric (typically satin fabric) across the cami top, skirt and trousers, to help with the fluidity of the layered look. However, you can get creative with this look by opting for a cami top with lace detailing, asymmetric hems and injecting colour into the separate layers too.
Shop the Look:
A halterneck cami top is a fresh take on the classic cami top we know and love, but will make this layered look even more playful.
For evenings out, you can always rely on an oversize black blazer. I think H&M's design looks more premium than its sub-£40 price tag.
Asymmetric hems are hugely popular of late, as it elongates the body. Whether you opt for an asymmetric skirt as well as an asymmetric cami top is up to you.
Loïcka experimented with colour as she styled a cream cami top with a brown skirt and black trouser. If you want to follow suit, I suggest opting for a printed trouser like Zara's satin bottoms that will sing out from under the layers, but without overwhelming the full look.
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