So you bought some really cute summer tops and want to style them in new ways. Let’s talk about it! Summer tops can include so many types of tops from casual ribbed cotton tanks and tees, to summery blouses in lightweight materials, to graphic concert tees and linen shirts. And so much more!
I am a sucker for a good cotton tee and tank. But I do have quite a few really pretty summery tops that feel more special. Great for date night or vacation looks, or even to head into the office. So what do you wear with all of these? Let’s dive into what to wear with summer tops to make new and interesting outfit combinations with your closet.
What To Wear With Summer Tops
Linen Trousers
Linen trousers are such a great trend to embrace at the moment. They can feel very polished, but also very cool and edgy when styled the right way. My favorite tops to pair with a linen trouser are usually going to be anything fitted like ribbed tanks, anything cropped, or something tucked in.
Summer tops to wear with trousers
- Ribbed Tanks and bodysuits
- Crop tops
- Blouses
- Graphic tee
- Bralette with an oversized linen shirt
- Tube top
High Waisted Denim Shorts Or Straight Leg Jeans
My most worn bottoms for summer, jean shorts. I love denim, so it’s no surprise I love a good pair of denim shorts. I find these to be the most versatile. When thinking about what to wear with jean shorts, there really are SO many options.
You can pair your nicer top with these from summer tops with sleeves like nicer blouses to crochet summer tops and sleeveless sweater vests. Plus, all your summer top basics from cotton tanks, graphic tees, and beyond.
My typical rule of thumb here is to create a waist whenever possible. Whether you are wearing an oversized linen shirt over a bralette, or tucking in a slightly oversized graphic tee, both show off your waist in different ways to give you shape.
What we are leaving behind are summer tunic tops that are long and drapey. Or flowy summer tops that are shapeless. We said goodbye to these when we ditched most of our skinny jeans in the big Millennial style swap. This is a crucial Millennial sumemr style swap to make your wardrobe feel more up to date.
Summer tops to wear with denim shorts and jeans
- Tees, tanks and graphic tees
- Summer blouses – cropped or tucked in
- Crochet tops and eyelet tops
- Linen shirts
- Boho summer tops
- Floral summer tops
Linen Shorts
Depending on the fit, if they’re high rise, trouser style, or pull on, will definitely determine which summer tops you’ll choose. A more relaxed pull on style is great with relaxed tees, tanks and other casual summer tops.
But if you’re doing a more trouser style, tailored linen short, you may want a nicer shirt option. Sure, you can still dress them down with a casual tee or tank like I have done here. However, you will have more versatility in the trouser style so you can wear everything from super casual to dressier blouses.
Summer tops to wear with linen shorts
- Tees and tanks
- Dressy blouses
- Linen shirts and linen tops
- Silk tops
Denim Skirts
Try a denim skirt to switch things up. There are so many different lenghts to try. From denim mini skirts, to midis and even maxis.
Style your summer tube top with a denim midi skirt for a cute 90’s throwback that is Gen Z approved. Or wear a tucked in linen button down and a heeled sandal for a chic summertime look.
Cargo Pants
The cargo pants are one of my favorite trends lately. You can style your feminine summer tops with cargo pants for a really fun juxtaposition. Plus, casual tees, summer crop tops and tanks work great too. Try a lacey or eyelet top with your cargo pants for that feminine and masculine contrast.
When thinking about what to wear with cargo pants, the ideas really are endless. You can go totally casual, to super dressy, and everything in-between. Feminine or edgy, it all works! Don’t overthink the cargo pant.
Mini Skirts
From flowy a-line skirts, to cargo mini skirts, or denim, these are perfect to pair with a blousier top. Try an oversized linen button up either tucked in, or open with a bralette or fitted square neck tank underneath it.
Midi or Maxi Skirts
Midi slip style and maxi slip style skirts are a really easy piece for summer. These work great with those summertime basic tees and tanks. You can also pair your fun puff sleeve tops with a high slit midi slip skirt for a really pretty feminine look.
You can dress this down like I have done here with sneakers and a cotton tee. But you can definitely make this a really dressy look for summer date night or vacation. Pair a little tube top with it, or off the shoulder puff sleeve fitted top, and a platform sandal, and you’ve got a really fun vacation look.
With all of these combinations, it’s important to always think about finishing your look and making your outfit feel more interesting. The good part about wearing a more interesting summer top from puff-sleeve blouses, to crochet and eyelet details, is that that alone can make your jeans or linen shorts feel much more elevated.
If you’re opting to go the more casual route here with your summer tops like cotton tanks and tees, and there’s nothing wrong with going casual, you may want to consider a third piece. These can help complete your look. From adding a belt, to a light jacket or sweater over your shoulder, these can make your everyday favorite tank feel that much more fashion forward when styled right.
