Tops, Tops and more tops : Need now : Smart casual tops !
Table top dressing !
It’s about how you dress from the table top up : the focus and attention on the top of the body.
Where everyone is looking.
And keeping the not so exciting pieces under the table ( it’s a waste as no one can sees it right?).
Smart casual tops fulfil the brief !
But they have to be one of the hardest things to find don’t you think ?
Don’t worry I have scoured the internet : I’ve done the hard work for you.
Someone has to do it ( shop for a living !)
You want a top that is not too formal, not too dressy or over the top.
But it can’t be too casual and sloppy either .
You want a chic but cool top to wear with jeans, with chinos, with a leather skirt or pants.
Something that looks fashiony that makes a statement but is still low key.
What to look for :
You want white, cream or silver , khaki or chic brown.
Burgundy is chic too. Red can be too tricky to carry off.
Black is great too ( that’s because a black smart casual top is made to wear with jeans)
You need drama in the shape : When you are not replying on kooky colours, frumpy florals or pesky prints you need tops that are exaggerated in shape for a fashion edge.
I’m talking puff sleeves, shoulder pads, a big collar, funnel neck, major cuffs or even one shoulder. It might have interesting texture: velvet, beading, lace ….satin or velvet.
Because you sure ain’t relying on the colours to make a statement .
Go for a structured knit, a soft chiffon blouse, a stark white shirt or a sequin tee.
Personally I love anything with shoulder pads : a knit or a blouse or a Tee. Instant drama and very flattering .
My favorite store in which I found to have the best selection of smart casual tops? The Outnet !
DO you know the Outnet : It is the outlet store for Netaporter : you get fantastic designer pieces at great prices.
Also IMO Zara can do no wrong : So quick with what is happening in fashion, great fabrics that look expensive .
See the outfit above : A sequin top, dark denim jeans, metallic shoes. Nailed it.
Styling tips:
- Shoes make to the outfit !
- Go for metallic or white, in sexy pointy toe heels or simple flats.
- Black strappy are so chic too: a cool way to link back to your black top with denim in the middle.
- Grab a clutch in white , in black or in metallic.
- Or small bag in choc brown is great too.
- In terms of jackets: I always wear a blazer or coat on my shoulders .
- It could be a sharp shoulder black blazer or a chic white tailored blazer.
- A long camel coat is always chic.
- And you can’t go wrong with a beige trench sitting on your shoulders: It’s smart casual incorporated!
- Jewellery: It depends how dressy you want to go .
- Go for major earrings, a strong cuff or statement rings .
- I am not a fan of necklaces as they are tricky with a top that is already exaggerated in shape. See what I mean ? Too messy!
- You want the attention on your fabulous top.
- Why? Too much going on and the eye gets confused and then the whole effect is watered down. And we don’t want that !
- Keep it simple. Update to the new shapes. Expensive colours. Done !
SHOP my pick of the best smart casual tops here! You’re welcome. Have a great weekend x
