The Best Summer Tops

Summer tops are a great way to update your wardrobe.

Summer weather calls for light, breathable clothing in fabrics like cotton, in light colors that won't absorb the sun's heat. There are many options for women's summer tops, each with its own features and drawbacks. For example, many summer tops are considered too casual to be worn to most workplaces, where, at the very least, shoulders should be covered with cap sleeves to maintain a presentable, professional look.

T-Shirts

The t-shirt has come a long way over the years, with many styles and fabrics available.

T-shirts are a faithful fashion staple, dating back as early as 1913. These days, t-shirts come in many styles for women, including off-the-shoulder, one-sleeved, sleeveless, cropped, V-neck, scoop neck and longer dress-style lengths worn over leggings or jeans. T-shirts are a great summer option because they come in many different fabrics, so finding the right summer top is easy. T-shirts made of nicer fabrics like silk or smooth cotton are often considered acceptable to wear at work, especially if paired with a blazer and dress pants or a skirt.

Tank Tops

With so many variations available, the tank top is easily dressed up or down for a fabulous summer look.

Tank tops are another summer style that come in many variations, including those with spaghetti straps, wide straps, racer backs, criss-cross back straps, and many different necklines. Some tank tops even come with a built-in bra, making them perfect for working out or for women needing a little extra support. Tank tops are considered casual and are usually not suitable for work unless a blazer or cardigan is worn over them.

Halter Tops

Halter tops expose the upper back, and different styles offer varying coverage in the front.

Halter tops are a very casual summer style that's a little more revealing than a t-shirt or tank top. They feature ties or one piece of fabric connected at the nape of the neck, and show off a large part of the upper back. There are many types of halter tops available, from longer dress styles to barely-there cropped versions, tight-fitting to loose and flowing. There are also a variety of necklines available, such as choker-style, sweetheart and scoop. Their revealing nature make halters a summer top style that shouldn't be worn in the workplace.

Tube Tops

Tube tops are a fun, casual way to keep cool in the summer.

Also known as strapless shirts, tube tops are literally a tube of fabric without any straps to keep them in place. This can make them difficult for some women to feel comfortable in, and some body types may have difficulty getting the shirt to stay put. They're tight-fitting, which helps them stay in place, and many styles come with a built-in bra. The tube top style is not appropriate for work, and is considered suitable for wear only in the most casual situations.

References

• marc by marc jacobs: Different Types of Summer Tops
• Funny T-shirts: History of the T-Shirt