Picks of the week: “going out” tops

Pretty tops that can layer under a jacket or look good worn on their own are wardrobe gold. Today I’m sharing some going out tops for your fall & holiday wardrobe.

There are certain pieces in my wardrobe I refer to as “wardrobe glue.” They help pull an outfit together as supporting players. The best ones can also take on a leading role, and carry the outfit. One of those items is a top or blouse that can slip easily under a jacket, yet look intentional when the jacket comes off. That can be a tall order. In the past, I’ve found tops like this less than plentiful.

So with our upcoming mini-vacation next week, and the holidays just around the corner, I’ve been on the lookout for pretty-but-layerable tops & blouses. I managed to find quite a few (including one for myself…)

A roundup of going out tops

For this edit, I selected tops that could dress up or down, and had a minimum of design details so they’d be easier to layer. This also makes them good contenders for travel wardrobes…

Silk & satin finishes

I’ve been seeing a lot of silk and satin tops this season. This one in silk is simple, elegant, and would look great with jeans or more dressed up trousers or a skirt. The color is in the Winter palette.

This satin shirt is a little less spendy, but no less elegant. This moss green color is perfect for you Autumns, and it’s available in sizes 2-22, also in Petites. There’s also a bright red color which looks online like it could work for you Springs.

Here’s popover v-neck blouse in Plus in “rumpled satin.” It’s available in several colors, but this seafoam color is nice for Springs. (I’ve had a version of this top in my wardrobe for a few years now, and give it two thumbs up.)

This pretty deep blue looks on my monitor to be a close match to Lobelia in the Winter palette. It’s offered in sizes XXS-XXL.

This simple top in light emerald green (Winter palette) has a silky look and feel. Sizes X-Small to XX-Large.

Here’s the one I bought for myself, and absolutely love it! Dark brown is my black alternative, and this going out top goes with just about everything in my closet. I normally avoid puffed sleeves, but because of the more fluid fabric, these aren’t voluminous and slide easily into my jacket without bunching. This top runs on the smallish side of true-to-size; I went with the Small. Also available in Black, Off-white & Leopard print.

Pattern & texture

Pattern or texture add visual interest to simple styles. This clip-dot blouse is available in several colors, sizes XX-Small to XX-Large. This green looks like Winter emerald on my monitor, the lighter “Lush Green” looks like it could be for Springs.

Love the festive star print on this silk shirt! Available in sizes 2-22 and Petites. Winters, this one’s in your palette.

Here’s a more neutral top that I think could work for most Springs and Autumns. The metallic dots really seal the deal. Sizes X-Small to XXL, and Plus.

If your going-out style leans toward the bold, this abstract print shirt is so fun! Sizes X-Small to XX-Large, also in Petite. On my monitor, these reds are in the Winter palette.

Finally, if you prefer your prints on the subtle side, a classic polka dot always works. In Plus & Misses.