Jun 15, 2018 - Shopping Your guide to summer black, part 2: tops
I frankly couldn’t find a whole ton of really good black tops for this time of year, and I suppose that’s a good thing: summer black looks best when mixed with crisp white, after all. But there are times when only a black top will do, and for those times, I bring you the following, like this simple but nicely detailed silk Rebecca Taylor top.
This wrap tank has really graceful lines.
A short-sleeved silk shirt makes silk wearable even when it’s really hot out. Here’s a similar-and-cheaper version from Everlane.
I like the deep V on this tee.
The ruffles on this tank are sweet without being too cutesy.
A henley tee like this would look quite snappy with crisp khakis and a Mexican belt.
The flouncy sleeves on this eyelet shirt up the drama factor just the tiniest bit.
I like the tiny bit of pattern and drop shoulders on this blouson-sleeve top.
And the eyelet at the hem of this peasant top is a nice touch. I’d wear it with my most beaten-up jeans.
A subtle, very feminine choice.
This butterfly top reminds me a lot of 7th grade—in a good way.
A peplum top that’d go with so much, from skirts to jeans.
The cinch sleeve here is somehow flattering in a way I can’t put my finger on, and I love the neckline.
And I like the ruffle sleeves here too.
Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
I actually like all of them. If someone would like to buy me the whole set, that would be a really nice present! (This is not happening, that’s for sure!)
Great minds think alike. I was feeling the need for a v-neck black summer tee to wear with a long white linen skirt. The Madewell Henley was my second choice. My first was the deep V Nordstrom tee, which I ordered first in the XX Small and Small when the X Small was sold out, then the X Small when it became available. I haven’t had time to try them all on and compare, but so far I like the drapey fabric and sleeves. I’ll comment later after I’ve tried them on. It comes in lots of colors too, and who can beat the price?
I also want all of these. I especially like the deep V tee with the raw hemline, ups the rock factor.
I have the Madewell eyelet bell-sleeve top in white and LOVE it!! I actually ordered the black one earlier this week. It’s short and not too drapey, so hides my tummy and makes me feel stylish. I just love it.
Ordinarily, wearing black at age 55 too close to my face feels too jarring and aging (as I’ve been lightening my hair a bit.) We’ll see how the black eyelet top works. Fingers crossed!!