Tips For Buying Chic Tops For Every Occassion

While my wardrobe is overflowing with dresses, what I reach for most often are jeans/trousers  and tops.  No matter what the occasion, I can always find a suitable top in my wardrobe to just slip on and go. It is just so easy to create different looks in a short time depending on what you pair it with and how you accessorise it. They can indeed be very versatile provided you choose them well. So, here are some tips to keep in mind while buying chic tops for every occasion:

Fit

The most important thing while buying a top is the fit. It should be neither too loose nor too tight. I have several friends who are slightly on the heavier side and they make the mistake of buying tops which are a size bigger. They feel that it would help in camouflaging the problem areas but this, infact has the opposite effect. It actually makes them appear heavier than they actually are. Getting the perfect fit ensures that the top fits at all the right areas and skims over the problem ones. If you buy a top that is too tight, it will pull at the shoulders, armholes and chest and you will have trouble while moving your arms. And of course, a too-tight top will give those dreaded, unsightly gaps between the buttons.

This leopard print top is one of my favourites! It fits just right…not too tight and not too loose. I can pair it with skinny jeans or roll up the sleeves and wear it with shorts. It also looks great with a pencil skirt.

Fabric and Drape

Personally, I love tops with soft, drapey fabrics. Chiffon, silk, satin, organza, mulmul all give a beautiful, fluid drape that give a soft, feminine look. Several brands also have blends of different fabrics for the same fluid effect. These kind of drapes and fabrics help me camoflage my biggest problem area, my tummy.

 

At first glance, this pretty, floral peasant top appears to be a casual top. Pull up the shoulders, and pair it with a blazer and pants and it becomes work appropriate. Wear with shorts to the beach or with linen pants for a brunch.

Detailing

Pay attention to the detailing on the tops. The neckline, the sleeves, the embellishment all of these have a big impact on the look of the tops. Choose the detailing according to your body type. A ruffled neckline would look great on petite women while a faux wrap would look great on those slightly more “endowed”.

Prints

Some prints are so classic that you can wear them even years after you have bought them. Animal prints (leopard, snake etc), are quite timeless and can be worn for work, party, brunch…. Polka dots and checks too never really go out of style, are quite  versatile and can be styled in various ways depending on the occasion. It is a good idea to have a couple of such timeless tops in your wardrobe that are easy no-brainer options for when you are confused about what to wear.

 

You could also have fun and add some quirky prints to your wardrobe. Such tops, while not classic, are also very versatile.

 

Of course, like I always believe, what you buy should fit with your personality and make you feel comfortable. If you don’t like loud prints or animal prints, then don’t buy them simply because they are in trend. Ultimately, it’s about your style and these are just guidelines to help you 🙂