Hailing from a very rainy state in the U.S. and now living in the UK, I know that wearing summer tops from May to the end of August sounds lovely in theory, but rarely does reality ever unfold that way. Summer is my favourite season, and whilst I wish I could spend all day in linen co-ords and crop tops, I know better than to fully pack away my jumpers. The weather in the UK changes fast, and this makes it tricky to strike the perfect balance of tops that gel with any kind of summer outfit. It's taken me a few years, but I’ve now nailed down the necessary tops needed for all sorts of summer situations.
Whilst you'll likely say au revoir to your long-sleeve tops and jeans after spring in sunnier climes, they're worth leaving in your closet for British summertime. Jeans and trousers will still play an integral part in our summer wardrobes and long-sleeve (but lightweight) blouses are a key item for layering. With summer's swift arrival, I've jumped on the task of compiling a collection worth referencing when you're shopping around for summer tops that'll tick every box throughout the season. Knowing the right shirts to buy will help you curate a summer capsule wardrobe you can lean on for years to come.
From vests to billowy blouses, the following picks categorised by type will ensure you’ll always be prepared for finicky forecasts and still feel good about the outfit you’ve created for the day. Scroll below to see my pick of the prettiest summer tops for women.
The Best Summer Tops
1. Linen Shirts
Style Notes: If you're not already familiar, you'll want to get acquainted with this natural fibre. Linen has a reputation for being ultra comfortable and breathable—essential criteria for summer looks. There are a few limitations when it comes to colour and cut too. You'll find everything from long flowy blouses to more structured cropped iterations. Plus, wrinkled is basically its natural state so don't worry about ironing. Overwhelmed with options? Marianne knows best, pointing to a forever classic: a striped linen shirt.
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Long-sleeve linen tops are perfect with shorts, skirts and jeans or worn as beach cover-ups.
This colour combo is so uplifting.
A classic white style will never go out of fashion.
Wear with white jeans, shorts or a slip skirt.
Such a cool colour.
2. White Blouses
Style Notes: Aside from the weather, there are other reasons why a vest might not cut it for summer. It could be for comfort, modesty, sun protection, or personal style, which makes a white blouse another must-have for summer. Offering more coverage without causing you to overheat, there are so many styles available for mixing and matching throughout the season—Opt for blouses made of linen or cotton for the most breathable wearing experience that won't leave you shifting uncomfortably in your shirt.
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A blouse that will serve you well all year round.
How pretty is the lace collar?
A romantic pick with voluminous sleeves.
I always love a blouse with short sleeves for the warmest days.
A pretty broderie for the hotter summer days.
3. Classic Vests
Style Notes: Vests are the classic summer tops. They're wardrobe staples, whether you're constantly wearing a ribbed black tank with all of your trousers and shorts or like to give your top the spotlight, opting for unique silhouettes and fabrics. They're my go-tos for staying cool and equally suitable when an outfit calls for a sleeker top. As Lena shows, a vest is perfect on its own or paired under long-sleeve cotton and linen tops
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A staple—try thinking of bottoms this won't work with.
I love the thicker straps on the Arket style.
A Breton tank is a classic.
The embroidery is a nice touch.
A basic you'll come back to time and time again.
4. Floral Blouses
Style Notes: Forget leaving florals in spring—pull them into your summertime outfits too. These bold and bright prints infuse ample colour. Minimalists won't have to worry, though. There are plenty of shades and subtle versions of florals that'll also jive with what's already in their rotation. They're mood-boosters for the rainy days when summer feels very far away. To stay cool, follow Milla's lead and style a long-sleeve floral top with Bermuda shorts.
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A floral print that's perfect for pairing with denim.
So sweet.
A sweet peach number.
This feels bang on trend but still classic.
A great, affordable style.
5. Bodysuits
Style Notes: Bodysuits are an effortless summer piece that makes it easy to tuck, layer, and get your tops to lay just right. With less fabric, they won't bunch up or leave you sweltering. They can be paired with skirts and tailored trousers for dinners but are fit for purpose if you're out on a hike whilst on holiday. Jessica provides perfect proof of just how adaptable they are for a wide range of outfits.
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This pick stretches and moves with you.
Get the perfect shirt tuck by relying on this bodysuit instead of a tank.
I've been loving off-shoulder tops recently,
The cross-over detail feels like balletcore in the subtlest way possible.
Chocolate brown is a chic summer neutral.
6. Silk Tops
Style Notes: It doesn't get more elegant than a silk top. So easy to dress down with jeans or up with a slip skirt, a silk blouse will work hard in your summer wardrobe. This year, there are plenty of different colours, styles, shapes and prints to update your silk collection.
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The lace on this top is beyond gorgeous.
The draping on this is so elevated.
Silk camis are not just for nighttime.
How elegant is this?
So easy to dress up or down.
7. Linen Waistcoats
Style Notes: It turns out the waistcoat trend has serious staying power, and it's sticking around for another summer—this time, with a special emphasis on linen fabrications. This smart top option is an easy match for skirts, jeans and trousers, whether you're spending your summer at home or away.
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Doesn't this look so premium?
This khaki green shade is a hard-working neutral.
With the matching trousers, this makes a dreamy summer wedding look.
I love finding unique interpretations of trends, and this asymmetric waistcoat ticks all my boxes.
A boxier, more boyish iteration.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
