Did you totally cringe at the word “top”? I almost always do, because it reminds me of the phrase “going out tops” or “night tops” from days of old. REALLY GLAD that was a phase that came went. Anywho, these tops are really more like blouses and they are all super versatile, fun and sweet for summer. I just did a very impromptu try-on on stories because lately I’ve realized that I have a hole in my wardrobe: date outfits. You know, the outfit that is sweet but a little sexy that makes you feel like a zillion bucks? THAT kind of an outfit. For me, that almost always means denim and a fun, flirty blouse.
Don’t get me wrong, I have blouses. But I’ve also shifted sizes in the past year and have done a lot of purging. I sold or donated a lot of my old blouses and tops that were too small or too work-ish or too meh… basically anything I didn’t feel GOOD in is gone. And, since we never really went on dates much for the past year, fun tops weren’t really on my radar. So, come post-quarantine summer, I’ve been craving some flirty feel good tops that I can grab for cocktails or dates or even daytime. These are a little less traditional and a bit more trendy but can still be easily worn multiple ways. Gone are the days where something in my closet has only one purpose!
Business in the Front, Party on the Side
This first one is a serious fave. It’s a bit unexpected and not something I traditionally go for (ties on the side!) and from a brand I don’t typically love (Free People) but the corset vibe is very much my speed these days so I thought ya know, why not? I love how flattering this cut is on my body type (more on this to come) and that I don’t need to wear a bra. The neutral color is really versatile and works for day or night! I’m typically a four in tops and this is a medium – all of the reviews said it ran small and as much as I wanted to feel sexy I’m also not trying to flash my entire side (boob).
Sweet Country Summer
This one is my favorite! Again, I’m really gravitating towards corset type tops because they accentuate all the things I love about my body and work with the things I’m less confident about. I like my collar bones but am small chested – a low neckline accents both and the peplum bottom is forgiving but fun. Ruffle details and a small gingham print add a touch of sweetness but don’t take away from the sexiness IMO. Also the fabric is soooo light and airy and you don’t really need a bra. You def could wear one with this though! I would def wear this to a barbecue, with denim shorts or dressed up at night with jeans and heels. I took this in a size small – I did try the medium at first and it was WAY too big and wouldn’t even stay up on my shoulders.
Flirty + Floral
I had been eyeing this print for months and waited for this blouse to go on sale. It’s another corset style but the long sleeves make it a bit more conservative. They can actually be worn off the shoulder, too! Come summer, I don’t shy away from color as much and like to add a few pieces that pop in delicate patterns and prints. This one gives me major Bridgerton vibes, which I’m totally okay with! I’m wearing a 4, which is typical for me in Mango tops.
Easy Airy Cami
Last but not least, the airy cami. This is such a dream if you travel a lot because it can be worn so many ways – I’m actually packing it on a trip this week. I love a flowy, easy cami on hot summer days, over a swimsuit or with white denim. It would also work with high waisted shorts or even an a-line skirt! I think Everlane generally runs small and even though I’m smaller chested I have a wide ribcage. I got a size medium (typical for me in their tops) and it fits perfectly!
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