Have you ever searched through the “summer” tops section only to realize that all the tops there are cropped, sleeveless, tight or a sweet little combo of all three? Yeah, me too.
Quite frankly, it’s not for me.
My arms can be a bit of a problem area at times, and although I totally believe in showing off what ya mama gave ya…I also believe in wearing what makes you feel comfortable. Maybe you can relate to this sentiment, too. Because every time summer rolls around, I find myself desperately looking for the right amount of fall/winter coverage without the bulk and warmth.
All About That Drape: 10 Breezy Summer Tops (Think: Sleeves & Prints)
It recently dawned on me that I’ve been browsing my favorite online retailers for summer-ready tops and struggling…BIG time. It felt impossible to find cute, summery tops for an upcoming girls’ trip that fit all of my criteria (sleeves, breezy, lightweight, not too constricting on my chest or stomach but still flattering). So. I finally decided to sit down and do the dang research.
Here’s where I landed: I need summery tops with sleeves that offer plenty of wiggle room, and fabric matters. In my search, I’m sticking to cotton, linen and silk. Here are 10 finds that fit the bill (and are perfect for my girls’ trip!).
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1. Elan Crochet Trim Top
One thing about me: I will wear all the dark colors in the summer. I just stick to fabrics I know are loose and breezy. BUT, if you’d rather stray away from that…this pretty crochet trim top comes in white, too. I LOVE that the sleeves are slightly longer and that it comes with an adjustable drawstring on the bottom to loosen or tighten the hemline. PS: You can wear it off the shoulders, too!
2. J.Crew Square-Neck Top
This print! Despite my neutral-lovin’ self, I’m a sucker for a retro floral print. Imagine this top with some bell bottom flares. Obsessed. Reviewers raved about this one — might not even need a bra thanks to the structured bust.
3. Madewell Cotton Courier Shirt
A short-sleeved white button-up is foolproof in the summer. (And a lot of them come in a breezy cotton or linen fabric). You can dress it up for work or a night out, dress it down for a casual day at the park…really the options are endless. I’d give one side of the shirt a slight tuck into a pair of high-waisted pants for a little more interest.
4. Anthropologie Batwing Blouse
I love a batwing sleeve. Besides the fact that it makes shirts SO. much. comfier. and easier to move in, it just adds a little somethin’ to any top. But can we talk about the star of the show for a moment? This print on the Anthro Batwing Blouse. GORGEOUS. That’s all.
5. Faherty Colette Top
This top is slightly more fitted around the waist (unlike the other tops), but since the arms and stomach area look loose, I still wanted to include it! I’m steadily loving the Juliet-style tops we saw everyone wearing circa 2018-2019 (shoutout to Shana for driving this trend home for me). This top has a similar vibe, but the fit is a bit looser. I struggled in the bust area wearing the tighter-fitting Juliet top styles most brands have, so this Faherty top might just be one I bring home.
6. Free People Sun Valley Bandana Tunic
Truthfully, Free People has some of the best non-maternity, maternity and postpartum tops thanks to all their boho-esque, flowy options. So, mamas, definitely give them a try. I’ve been loving on some bandana prints recently, so this particular shirt? SWOONING as we speak. I appreciate that you can totally change up the look from long-sleeve and flowy, to shorter sleeves and tied at the waist, too.
7. Free People Daydream Button Down
Another great option from Free People. It only looks a bit heavy in the photo…it’s definitely a lightweight cotton material. I could see myself wearing a tight-fitted top under, with this layered over top BUT it also looks super cute buttoned up on its own. (And definitely check out all the color options, they’re GOOD).
8. Gap Linen Weekend Tunic
You may have seen this guy in Amy’s recent post. I immediately loved it. These warm brown tones, guys. They’re not going anywhere and I’m okay with that. I could see wearing this as a cute beach coverup over a suit with some denim shorts for an after-beach-lunch-look. But I can also see myself wearing this buttoned with a pretty lace bra under and slightly tucked into some denim jeans, too. A classic style shirt, nonetheless.
9. Jenni Kayne Vintage Pocket Tee
It might seem boring, but a cotton tee for summertime is a necessity for my wardrobe. I’ve been, as some may say…obsessed with this vintage, gray wash for years and my love hasn’t yet disappeared. The slightly-cropped, boxy style of this one in particular is perfect for high-waisted pants.
10. Reformation Rumi Linen Top
Oh, Reformation…how I love you so dearly. (But also wish they had more loose-fitting tops in their archives). So when I saw this one? WOOHOO sound the trumpets. I love the simplicity of this top and that no matter how much you decide to grub, the food baby is nowhere in sight. I think the selling point for me, though, is the slightly ballooned-sleeves and higher-neck. An elegant option that can still be dressed down.
Happy summertime shopping!
-Danielle
This one’s for the Pinners…
Thanks for this roundup! I have been in such a “what do I even WEAR in spring?” rut, and these are really getting my creative juices going. I’m with you on not necessarily wanting a crop top all the time, so a little more coverage that doesn’t feel dowdy is so great to find.