Classic, Chic and Trend-Proof—These Are the 5 Tops Fashion People Always Wear With Skirts and Jeans

Here at Who What Wear, we're all about investing in the wardrobe staples. Focusing on the core pieces that you will wear time and time again is, in our minds, the easiest and most fool-proof way to build a dream wardrobe. And when the summer months roll around, the top item on our minds is, well, tops.

Personally, I think finding the bottom half of your outfit requires the most work. You have to suss out what style, silhouette and fit best suits you. Do you prefer high hems or long? Billowing shapes or a more structured fit? Having put in the work to sort that half out, you want to make sure you have a good variety of tops to keep them feeling fresh and fashionable. Luckily, particularly in summer, the best and most stylish tops tend to be the simplest.

The five top categories I've pulled here are the ultimate wardrobe workhorses. Understated and versatile, they are your canvas with which you can build whatever look you want. Sure, a classic white t-shirt may look simple at first, but that top can transform depending on what you pair it with. Throw it on with the very on-trend Bermuda shorts and slides and you have an easy, breezy daytime look. Style it with a maxi slip skirt and strappy kitten heels, and you have an effortlessly cool evening look.

Since these are such versatile styles that transcend trend and season, this is definitely a category that is worth investing in. But you by no means have to—high street favourites from Arket to Cos have more than got these staple styles covered. Here, discover my pick of the must-have tops for every wardrobe, as well as my edit of the best versions around.

1. Striped Shirt

Style Notes: We all know how useful a button down shirt is, but I think a striped shirt is by far the way to go. The stripe pattern does all the work of elevating a look and making it more fun and considered than a simple one-tone version, and yet is such a classic print that it really does go with anything.

Shop the Look:

MANGO

Regular Cotton Lyocell-Blend Shirt

£30

Style it exactly like this for an office look, or pair with white shorts and sandals for a cool weekend outfit.

Reformation

Andy Oversized Shirt

£128

I personally love an oversized fit.

With Nothing Underneath

The Boyfriend: Weave, Blue Multistripe

£100

This is so classic.

ME+EM

Cotton Stripe Oversized Shirt

£165

I love the abstract blocking of the stripes here.

STAUD

Kelly Striped Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt

£265

How great would this look with white trousers or shorts?

2. Tank Top

Style Notes: Ah, the simple tank top. Don't overlook its importance—a great, high quality tank can look effortlessly cool in a 90s minimalist way, as Sylvie shows. But it comes in handy all year round, as you can layer it under open shirts or cardigans.

Shop the Look:

Reformation

Tasha Tank

£38

I personally love the racerback look.

& Other Stories

Fitted Tank Top

£19

A black tank is just as useful as a white one.

Reformation

Dusk Knit Top

£58

The high neckline of this tank is so refined.

Jigsaw

Square Neck Layering Tank

£39

How great is the square neckline?

JAMES PERSE

Ribbed Linen-Blend Jersey Tank

£275

A contrast trim tank look especially elevated.

3. White Blouse

Style Notes: Crafted from lace or striped cotton, embroidered or plain, a white blouse adds an elevated touch to any outfit. And no matter which style you go for, you'll find that a white blouse always exudes that perfectly timeless vibe.

Shop the Look:

RIXO

Maribelle - Ivory

£145

I'm obsessed with the vintage vibe of this blouse.

Nobody's Child

White Broderie Anglaise Bernadetta Blouse

£59

Wear with jeans, skirts, shorts—anything.

& Other Stories

Oversized Puff-Sleeve Blouse

£77

The neckline is so good.

RIXO

Jacques - White

£145

I love this whole look.

BY MALENE BIRGER

Mikala Organic Linen-Gauze Blouse

£330

Pure Scandi minimalism at its best.

4. T-Shirt

Style Notes: A new t-shirt is always a good idea. Refresh your summer whites and get a crisp white t-shirt in your wardrobe—you'll never regret having an extra tee.

Shop the Look:

COS

Clean Cut T-Shirt

£30

Our editors are such a fan of this high street t-shirt.

Reformation

Classic Crew Tee

£38

Classic in name, classic in style.

TOTEME

Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

£140

I love the slouchy fit.

SKIMS

Fits Everybody T-Shirt - Onyx

£48

SKIMS' t-shirt is great for wearing solo or layering under shirts.

WARDROBE.NYC

Cropped Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

£245

If you like a cropped fit, this t-shirt is for you.

5. Tailored Vest

Style Notes: I will never stop singing the praises of a tailored vest. This style is particularly great for summer workwear, offering a more refined top than a casual t-shirt. This season, influencers are also proving its versatility, branching out from the classic tailored trouser and vest look to pair it with the very on-trend voluminous white skirt.

Shop the Look:

Reformation

Casey Vest

£168

The oversized buttons have sold me on it.

ALIGNE

Leo Linen Waistcoat

£119

Francesca's exact vest.

Whistles

Mila Linen Blend Waistcoat

£109

So sophisticated.

COS

Longline Linen-Blend Waistcoat

£85

So chic.

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Chelsea Twill Vest

£196

I'm such a fan of The Frankie Shop's effortless tailoring.