"There’s something oddly difficult about shopping for a new top. Even as a stylist, I’ve often struggled to identify exactly what that problem is. Sure, there are plenty of options out there, but why is it that I still end every trip to the mall with just a handful of tees and tanks, nary an exciting new silhouette in sight? And I fear that as we head into the fall season, surrounded by a sea of sweaters, the quest to find the perfect top will become increasingly more complicated. Being of the solution-oriented kind, I’ve taken it upon myself to end the seemingly aimless search once and for all. (Literally—I’m doing this for all of us).
If you surveyed my closet, the ratio of tops to bottoms would be 3:1, with bottoms in the lead. It’s not that I prefer it that way, it’s just that finding the right top has always seemed next to impossible for me. Though I feel like I’ve mastered the art of styling a ribbed tank or a crewneck tee, you’d be hard-pressed to find me in anything else. In particular, when it comes to finding a great blouse, I can’t help but quote the great Elle Woods: “Too Nancy. Too Hillary. Too Monica.” But, not this season; this season, I’m determined to find something to complete the end of that sentence: “Too perfect for words!“
After scouring the new arrivals from some of my favorite brands, I’ve narrowed down a list of the best tops to shop this fall. From graphic tees to chiffon long-sleeves, I’m feeling ready to turn over a new leaf (wink, wink).
Sleeveless Tops
While I’m just as reluctant as you to wear a sleeveless top in the fall, when styled correctly, I think you’ll find the benefits of keeping a few on hand throughout the cooler months. Be it a simple tank to layer under a blazer or a stand-out piece to style over a tee, there are plenty of ways to sport the synonymously summer staple.
Not-So-Basic Tees
For those of us who still view a tee with the lens of white, gray, and black, let me assure you that times have changed. From a pointelle long-sleeve to an embellished short-sleeve, brands are continuing to deliver these everyday essentials in more elevated ways. Whether on their own or layered under your favorite outerwear, these are the new can’t-miss tees of fall.
No-Frill Blouses
Though I’m not one to wear a frilly, floral blouse, I’ve managed to find a few that keep my apprehension at bay. While I’ve admitted to finding the most fault with this category, I do find it necessary to own a few in order to give my delicate sweaters a rest every now and then. Plus, no one really wants to wear a sweater out on a Friday night, do they?
Updated Button-Downs
Let’s face it: fall or not, button-downs are a year-round staple that everyone can benefit from. Wear yours completely buttoned on its own, layered unbuttoned over a tee, or tied around your waist. The styling options are endless.
Long-Sleeve Knits
Not quite in the mood for a blouse, but wanting something a bit more dressed up than a tee? A knit top will do just the trick. The soft material will make it feel like you’re wearing a comfortable tee, while the subtle design details will make it look like you still put in a ton of effort.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.