26 'Nice Tops' To Wear With Jeans
This one goes out to my fellow millenials
I haven’t done the maths, but I can pretty much guarantee with about 99.9% certainty that my most asked question is related to what I’ll be referring to for the purpose of this post as ‘nice tops’. It comes up every time I do a monthly paid sub Q&A, and I get it! There appears to be a drought of tops available that aren’t t-shirts, shirts, simple camisoles, and, dare I say it, waistcoats because, yes, we do appear to be a waistcoat epidemic. I feel that it may just be because the culture has shifted a little. We’re dressing more casually, with more ease. Do we even have the occasion for a nice top and jeans as often as we used to? Speaking as someone with a small child and a job where I work from home most of the time, quite honestly - no! But I like to have the option. And for the rare times I’m at events or seeing friends sans the little ones, the millennial in me will always defer to that tried and tested outfit formula. So I’ve combed the internet for my favourite finds and edited them down for you…
SOMETHING STRAPPY
Sometimes, you want something as simple and light as a camisole but with a little more ‘oomph’. These tops fall into that category with added length, ties and straps. They do, however, make bra-wearing a little tricky, so these are the nipple covers I’d recommend*.
From L-R: Reformation Fable Linen Top* / & Other Stories Rope-Strap Top* / LESET Tie-Detail Satin Top* / By Malene Birger Brinola Top* / St Agni Silk Drape Top* / Acne Studios Tie-Detailed Satin Top* / St Agni Rouleau Tie Top*
HEAR ME OUT, BUT BOOB TUBES
I mean the more official name is ‘bandeau’ but boob tube is far more fun to say!!! Something about them makes me feel glam, even when I’ve thrown them on with just jeans and flip-flops. For the bigger busted among us, I’ve heard good things about this strapless bra*.
From L-R: DISSH Strapless Top in Chocolate* / Staud Pleated Cotton-Blend Top* / Esse Studios Strapless Ponte Top* / Courreges Off-The-Shoulder Stretch Jersey Top in Black* / AJE Ruched Linen-Blend Bustier Top* / Whistles Linen Blend Bandeau Top*
SHIRT ADJACENT
They might be the shape of a classic shirt, but they also have a solid ‘basic with a twist’ quality. A little cutout here, a little volume there, sling ‘em on with jeans, a big earring and a sandal and you’re good to go.
From L-R: St Agni Sheer Linen Tie Top* / Lemaire Twist-Front Wrap Shirt* / & Other Stories Sheer Blouse* / & Other Stories Smocked Blouse* / Christopher Esber Cutout Cotton-Poplin Blouse* / Jigsaw Gauze Ruched Top*
BECAUSE I CAN’T HELP MYSELF - WAISTCOATS…
Look, I know they are a bit overcooked at this point, but how could I not include waistcoats? As someone who grew up in the ‘wearing business casual to the club’ moment, these feel like a full circle moment. Not a week passes where I don’t wear one of mine—the one from Aligne* is such a good all-rounder.
From L-R: Reformation Black Casey Vest* / Posse Emma Linen Vest in Natural* / Posse Nancy Vest in Walnut* / Aligne Leo Long Waistcoat in Black* / Whistles Lindsey Linen Blend Vest in Black* / St Agni Twill Vest in Black* / DISSH Longline Linen Vest in Black*
Whilst we’re on the subject of ‘nice tops’, here’s an idea that will cost you nothing and possibly gain you two new tops if you’ve got a scarf hanging around. I love this video from Alyssa. Watch the first part where she shows you have to tie a scarf into a halterneck and a boob tube (and one that you can wear a bra with, too!) - genius. Want *another* top without needing to buy a thing? Watch Heather’s video on how she turns a button-down into this gathered bandeau top that you’d have no idea was a classic shirt. And how could I forget Atiya’s video where she transforms a shirt into UMPTEEN different tops? How does she do it?! Fingers crossed she turns this one into a YouTube video because I’d love to see a walk-through of them all.
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So, to all of you who have messaged me for your nice top recommendations, I hope you find something that floats your boat here. Like what you see? I’m always posting about personal style, and my top wardrobe finds, so please subscribe and invite me into your inbox. It would be a HONOUR.
Anna x