"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).
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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.