5 Elegant Top Trends Fashion People Are Wearing With Skirts, Shorts and Trousers This Summer

16/06/2024

When it comes to the summer months, navigating the world of tops can prove to be a little tricky. After all, these shirts, t-shirts and tanks not only have to look good, they have to be comfortable enough to wear through hot days without looking disheveled within a few hours of leaving the house. Summer tops have to be wardrobe workhorses, able to go from the office, to weekends, to holidays, and to be paired with a variety of styles, ranging from casual shorts to tailored linen trousers.

On top of these requirements, I want my tops to really capture the summer mood. Crisp whites are of course a must, but I also want styles in earthy, sun-soaked hues. When it comes to textures, organic, breathable materials are essential, meaning linen and cotton are at the top of my summer wish list.

5 elegant top trends fashion people are wearing with skirts, shorts and trousers this summer

((Image credit: @aimeesong ))

Luckily, it looks like this season's trending stop styles tick all of these boxes—and even better, most of the looks feel especially timeless, meaning you can confidently invest in one of these styles this summer knowing you'll be getting plenty of use out of them for many summers to come. Classic and versatile, these top styles will pair with so many pieces you probably already own, and a number of them could also be layered to create fresh looks for the cooler months, too. Here, discover my pick of the best summer top styles, and the on-trend pieces at the top of my covet-it list.

See the 5 Summer Top Trends to Wear With Skirts, Shorts & Trousers:

1. Linen

((Image credit: @anoukyve ))

Style Notes: A true summer classic that will never go out of style, a linen shirt is the kind of piece you'll never regret owning. Breathable, light, and beautifully textured, this shirt can take you anywhere, from the office to the beach. If you already own the staple white linen shirt, consider investing in a colourful alternate this season.

Shop the Look:

Linen Shirt

Arket Linen Shirt

Style with white shirts, sandals and a woven bag.

With Nothing Underneath, The Boyfriend Linen, Lemon Yellow

With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend Linen

Butter yellow is a very on-trend colour this season, but this style also comes in a rainbow of other hues.

Oversized Linen Shirt

COS Oversized Linen Shirt

Wear with tailored trousers to the office, and open over a swimsuit on the beach.

Andy Oversized Linen Shirt

Reformation Andy Oversized Linen Shirt

How gorgeous is this whole set?

Linen 100% Shirt

Mango Linen 100% Shirt

I love the boxy fit.

2. Bandeau

((Image credit: @amandasorensonn ))

Style Notes: Perhaps as part of the Y2K style revival, the bandeau top is well and truly back. Make it feel 2024-appropriate by balancing the strapless style with tailored trousers or the very popular voluminous maxi skirt.

Shop the Look:

Lula Linen Blend Bandeau Top

Whistles Lula Linen Blend Bandeau Top

Such an elevated take on the bandeau top.

Spritz Linen Top

Reformation Spritz Linen Top

I love this whole look—you could style with trainers for a more casual look, or colourful kitten heels for a slightly more polished ensemble.

Linen-Blend Bandeau Top

Anthropologie Linen-Blend Bandeau Top

Yes, please.

Dover Strapless Pleated Cotton-Blend Twill Top

STAUD Dover Strapless Pleated Cotton-Blend Twill Top

Sculptural bandeau tops are a huge hit among stylish tastemakers, and this STAUD version is a brilliant example.

The Carrie Tube

Free People The Carrie Tube

A Carrie Bradshaw-worthy bandeau top.

3. Striped Shirt

((Image credit: @nnennaechem ))

Style Notes: If you're keen to avoid the typical summer prints of florals, consider this style your sleek seasonal alternative. Like the linen shirt, it's a versatile piece that can be paired with white trousers (as Nnenna expertly demonstrates) as well as worn open over a bikini and shorts on your next summer holiday.

Shop the Look:

The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve

Anthropologie The Bennet Buttondown Shirt by Maeve

I'm a big fan of the oversized fit.

With Nothing Underneath, The Boyfriend: Tencel, Forest Green Stripe

With Nothing Underneath The Boyfriend: Tencel, Forest Green Stripe

This green stripe is perfect for summer.

Linen-Blend Shirt

H&M Linen-Blend Shirt

The linen blend makes it especially useful for summer.

Cotton Stripe Oversized Shirt

ME+EM Cotton Stripe Oversized Shirt

How cool is this mix of stripes?

Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

MATTEAU Striped Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt

A minimalist's dream piece.

4. Tie Waistcoat

((Image credit: @kimturkington_ ))

Style Notes: I've spotted so many influencers sporting the tie-front vest over the past few months. It's the kind of effortless and understatedly sexy piece that feels perfect for summer. Wear yours with baggy or straight-leg jeans or a voluminous white skirt for a particularly on-trend look.

Shop the Look:

New Look, Off White Linen Blend Stripe Tie Front Top

New Look Off White Linen Blend Stripe Tie Front Top

No one would believe this is a high street piece.

Openwork Detail Linen Top

MANGO Openwork Detail Linen Top

The pattern gives this a subtle French vibe.

Pink Linen Waistcoat Top

Mint Velvet Pink Linen Waistcoat Top

I love this dusty pink.

Sleeveless Blouse With Bows

MANGO Sleeveless Blouse With Bows

The collar detail is so cool. This would go particularly well with the trending capri pant.

Massimo Dutti, Knit Vest

Massimo Dutti Knit Vest

This knitted style is so cute.

5. Long Vest

((Image credit: @femmeblk ))

Style Notes: Waistcoats pop up every season, but for summer it looks like the longline silhouette is the style to go for. This sleek shape goes beautifully with tailored trousers or long skirts to create a polished summer ensemble.