I have explained the concept and genesis of the party in a top many times, but for those of you who might be new to GOACA, here goes: I came up with the notion after attending a holiday party that was quite crowded, and it occurred to me that at big fêtes such as that, all anybody really notices is what you’re wearing from the waist up. What a freeing concept, right? Just find yourself a great top, pair it with anything from jeans to cigarette trousers to even a skirt, and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in. I always do this post around holiday time, but took a break last year when parties weren’t really happening. But I’m back now, with—for starters—a really good leopard print peasant top.

I’m a big sequin fan, but feel they must be deployed with care. I don’t ever like to see them on something tight-fitting, and I’m pretty picky about the hue too—anything too colorful skews cheap. So I’m liking this sleeveless top, which I’d probably throw on under a blazer.

I don’t usually like a puff sleeve—at all—but this silk top somehow really works for me.

A gathered T-shirt that looks like it could be something fancy and Japanese, but it is in point of fact from Cos and rings in just under $75.

Vince’s band collar silk popover is a classic, and could just as easily be worn with a sleek pencil skirt as beat-up jeans.

Such a feminine, subtly sexy velvet camisole.

I dig the smocked sleeves and nice deep neckline of this tie neck blouse.

This lace top is pretty sheer, so I’d for sure pair it with a cami.

This metallic top is pretty statement-y, so I’d wear it with a comparatively quiet bottom.

I think the color combination here is unexpected and cool.

I’d wear this floral tie-neck top untied and unbuttoned a bit for a tousled and sexy look.

A nifty and well-priced metallic top that looks so easy and wearable.

A pleated top from Vince is a pleasingly dark floral.

This mauve smocked top comes in a couple of other good colors and is sort of sweetly romantic.