After years of dresses getting all the glory, the past few seasons have seen tops make a triumphant return. The thing is, that triumphant return involved a lot of off-the-shoulder sleeves.
Don’t get me wrong, an off-the-shoulder top can easily dress up your favorite pair of denim cutoffs or make your go-to mini skirt look a lot more exciting. But doesn’t it seem like we’ve gotten a bit overzealous with the whole off-the-shoulder thing recently? (Maybe, just maybe, we didn’t need all those cut-out sweaters—just a thought.)
I’ve of the mind that everything is best in moderation, even delightfully trendy off-the-shoulder tops. So this summer, I’m forcing myself to try something new.
Here, we break down five essential summer trends worth taking for a spin this season. From the crisp white blouses you’ve no doubt spotted every Insta-girl wearing to the easy shirred tanks that are comfy enough for all those midday feasts of tacos and guac (#priorities), you’re sure to find something that’ll lure you away from that go-to off-the-shoulder blouse.
Click through the gallery below to shop our favorites.
Smocked Top
This ultra-feminine trend has grown up a lot since the early aughts. These days, the stretchy style is the perfect partner for your crisp summer whites.
Tanya Taylor Emilia smocked top, $325 at Intermix
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Intermix.
Smocked Top
H&M smocked peplum top, $18 at H&M
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H&M.
Smocked Top
Moussy square-neck puff-sleeve top, $85 at Moussy
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Moussy
Smocked Top
Eloquii smocked waist peplum top, $75 at Eloquii
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Eloquii.
Smocked Top
Ganni Maryville gingham cotton-poplin top, $80 at The Outnet
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The Outnet.
Vintage-Inspired White Blouse
Designers have turned en masse to vintage lingerie for inspiration this summer, as you may have noticed from the parade of white broderie lace and cotton voile tops in your Instagram feed.
Get in on the trend by pairing a romantic bustier or puff-sleeve blouse with your favorite distressed denim.
Reformation Catania top, $128 at Reformation
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Reformation.
Vintage-Inspired White Blouse
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Orseund Iris.
Vintage-Inspired White Blouse
Lane Bryant embroidered peasant top, $60 at Lane Bryant
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Lane Bryant.
Vintage-Inspired White Blouse
Bershka blouse with puffy sleeves, $36 at Bershka
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Bershka.
Vintage-Inspired White Blouse
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Line and Dot.
Polo Shirt
For a look that's just the right side of geek-chic, pair a preppy polo with a slinky midi skirt in a contrasting hue.
Tory Sport Performance Merino Jacquard polo, $198 at Tory Sport
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Tory Sport.
Polo Shirt
Topshop Ottoman polo T-Shirt, $45 at Topshop
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Topshop.
Polo Shirt
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Lacoste.
Polo Shirt
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Oak + Fort.
Polo Shirt
No. 21 floral lace polo shirt, $470 at Farfetch
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Farfetch.
Drawstring Top
Typically a sportswear staple, drawstrings have taken a sophisticated turn this season on styles better suited to dinner and drinks.
Pixie Market Siam top, $99 at Pixie Market
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Pixie Market.
Drawstring Top
COS cotton-silk top with drawstring, $115 at COS
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COS.
Drawstring Top
Kiln adjustable tie top, $245 at Kiln
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Kiln.
Drawstring Top
Victoria Beckham cut-out sleeve tee, $195 at Shopbop
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Shopbop.
Drawstring Top
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Net-A-Porter.
Tie-Front Top
On a sweltering mid-summer Saturday, who wants to put on anything more than a barely-there top? As a bonus, you can layer the skimpier styles over a T-shirt for a more covered-up look.
Donni Linen Babe top, $79 at Donni
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Donni.
Tie-Front Top
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Lisa Says Gah.
Tie-Front Top
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Need Supply.
Tie-Front Top
Zara Knotted Rustic top, $40 at Zara
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Zara.
Tie-Front Top
New Look Curve tie-front button-down blouse, $37 at ASOS
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ASOS.
