No time to change before heading out? Simply slip on one of these great tops for an instant evening-ready look.
When time is short, how do you transform your daytime look into an evening-ready ensemble? Enter a time-honoured failsafe: the going out top.
The Stylist fashion team has searched the top sites to find the “nice” tops that’ll make you look like you’ve made an effort for after-work cocktails, but not too much. You know the ones – from a sequin cami to a simple satin blouse.
Designers have been focusing on puff sleeve styles – with Rixo opting for a sweetheart neckline that’s flattering on everyone and Attico going for a zebra print off-the-shoulder number. Then there’s Galvan’s glittering sequinned camisole top that’ll work with skinny jeans, and Zara’s under-£30 statement-making top that will look so good with wide-legged jeans.
Whether you love to stand-out in tulle or are looking for a fresh take on florals, we’ve found the most stylish tops to wear with your jeans for an instant evening look that’ll look like you’ve spent hours putting it together.
Shop best evening tops
Kitri star top
The most festive print around, Kitri’s star-style top is so good the London label has also made it into five different dress styles. From halterneck and mini to a high neck midi, this is the print du jour this season.
& Other Stories pleated top
& Other Stories has teamed up with Danish designer Brøgger to create a capsule of stand-out styles to wear on repeat. From oversized blazers to statement print tops, you’ll want to snap up a piece from the new collaboration before it inevitably sells out.
Shop Brøgger x & Other Stories fitted pleated mulberry silk top at & Other Stories, £120
Zara limited edition top
Fashion favours the bold, and this stand-out silver top is certain to make a stylish statement. Fresh in from the new limited edition collection, try styling it with light wash jeans and heels to keep it classy.
Molly Goddard sleeveless top
Molly Goddard’s incredible tulle dresses are the stuff of our fashion fantasies, but though we might dream of owning a showstopping Killing Eve-style gown, the opportunities to wear one don’t come around too often. Enter this stunning sweater you’ll be able to layer over shirts and blouses.
Shop Molly Goddard Bella striped cotton-blend sleeveless sweater at Matchesfashion, £300
River Island one-shoulder top
A puff sleeved top looks instantly fancy so when you add emerald green, a satin finish and a one-shoulder design then you get a top that’ll instantly lift a trusty pair of jeans.
Shop green puff sleeve one-shoulder top at River Island, £36
H&M leopard top
Leopard print is basically essential for autumn/winter each and every year. Get in on the action with this frill collar style and you’ll tick off multiple trends in one.
L'Agence wrap top
Not only do L’Agence have an amazing jeans edit, they also have the “nice” tops to go with. We’re sold on this fuchsia silky wrap that’ll look so good with slim-fit jeans and heels.
Reserved polka dot top
A sheer blouse is an easy win when it comes to being a little bit dressy. This polka dot iteration with cami attached is the perfect way to style jeans, midi skirts and even velvet trousers.
Whistles sequin top
A sequin T-shirt is a style that’s on the right side of dressy but casual if you wear it with jeans. This green number also comes in pink and silver.
Galvan sequin top
When the occasion calls for serious sparkle, this sequinned camisole delivers. Style with fitted trousers for a chic evening ensemble or go all-out with a colourful silk skirt and white ankle boots.
Shop Galvan sequined camisole at My Theresa, £276 (previously £395
Rotate Birger Christensen top
Puff sleeves? Check. Detailed collar? Check. Statement floral print? Checkmate. Tick off all of this season’s biggest trend in this stand-out top that will look just as cool by day as it does by night.
Ganni
This silky cutout blouse with fluted sleeves is a sure-fire win. Imagine it with flared jeans or luxe leather trousers and clashing pastel accessories – dreamy.
Shop Ganni silk satin stretch blouse at Mytheresa, £241 (previously £345)
& Other Stories tank top
Elevate a classic jeans and boots combination with a silk camisole in a vibrant shade of fuchsia. Style with gold jewellery and glittering eye shadow for maximum effect, or opt for a laid-back approach by layering over a colourful knit.
Attico zebra top
Embrace animal prints with a zebra top. From skinny black jeans to straight leg light wash blue denim, this Attico ‘look at me’ top will work so many ways.
Shop Attico zebra print pouf-sleeve blouse at FarFetch, £473 (previously £525)
Rixo spot top
We usually head to Rixo for party dresses, but its top section is just as special.
We’re big fans of the flattering sweetheart neckline, contrasting fabrics and the fact it’ll look amazing with statement earrings.
Images: Courtesy of brands
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