Looking for casual tops

May 17, 2022 8:12 AM

I have plenty of t-shirts and work tops. I'm looking for tops to wear when meeting friends, going out to eat, a casual party, etc. when I want something a little more interesting. "Fancier" t-shirts or other tops, not too girly, sleeveless, short sleeve, or 3/4 are all OK. Size 6/8, small/medium, under $75, US-based. Would love some color, prints are fine too. Please presume I've looked at the usual suspects (Loft, Old Navy, Target, Lands End, etc.). Specific brands/websites/style recommendations appreciated.
posted by XtineHutch to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (10 answers total)

Marcella NYC is my go to for this, well made interesting tops, of sturdy jersey and with interesting (and flattering) designs. The long sleeved tops have sleeves that run long (which is good if you are tall).
posted by larthegreat at 8:21 AM on May 17, 2022 [1 favorite]

Search low cut cotton tee women, or whatever your preference is. A lower cut reads more like going out. Dressed up. or something slightly sheer. Marcella has some tees with gorgeous shapes, too. For cooler weather, a velvet top with a pretty neckline is really versatile.

If you wear a color that suits you well, and add a necklace, it feels put together.
posted by theora55 at 8:49 AM on May 17, 2022

Try Boden (too many prints for me, but more polished than my dirtbag self) or Everlane.

Fussy and fancy: Anthropologie.

Loud and queer: Nooworks.
posted by Lawn Beaver at 9:00 AM on May 17, 2022 [1 favorite]

I was going to say Boden, too. A lot of prints that aren't my deal, but that's a question of preference.

You can occasionally get a decent basic from Eileen Fisher, but proceed with caution: their relaxed fit is basically a tent.
posted by praemunire at 9:03 AM on May 17, 2022

I just got a tunic from Nooworks last week. Haven't had the opportunity to wear it yet but it is SO COOL and if I had more money to spend on clothes right now I would buy some shirts from them as well.
posted by phunniemee at 9:25 AM on May 17, 2022

Saint and Sofia is my go-to for fancier-than-a-plain-tshirt tshirts and tops. It's also my go-to for plain, well-made, soft tshirts.

Zara is fast fashion, but they have a lot of fun styles.
posted by erst at 9:47 AM on May 17, 2022

eShakti has some cute tops.
Ruched blouse
Floral sash
Embroidered shoulders
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:51 AM on May 17, 2022

Unique Vintage has some good essentials. Also good tops if you don't mind a vintage vibe.
posted by dpx.mfx at 11:54 AM on May 17, 2022

Vince Camuto Rumpled Blouse. Vince Camuto has a lot of dressy casual options.

CeCe Blouses, although some may be on the girly side.

Satin button-up. Looks great with the sleeves rolled and tucked or semi-tucked into jeans or pants.

Also check out WhiteHouseBlackMarket. They do the dressy casual top well.
posted by loveandhappiness at 1:05 PM on May 17, 2022

Quince washable silk tops might fit the bill. I have the tee but they also have sleeveless and button-down.
posted by fluffymag at 9:25 AM on May 18, 2022