Why should dresses get all the fun? Yes, it’s so easy to slip into a dress, just one piece of fabric and suddenly your outfit is done, but now the seasons are changing. Layering is on the immediate horizon, and that means the necessity for an excellent array of tops. Ones that are neutral – as in, you can wear them with that pair of killer fiery orange pants you just bought – yet fascinating, whether it’s in part to an inventive silhouette, an out-there hemline, or unexpected material. Here are the toppers that top the rest:
Donna Karan New York Parachute Pullover Shirt: Is it a top, jacket, or excuse to wear a statement-making accessory? Donna’s woven-stretch tunic has a sporty windbreaker-esque feel, which makes it ideal for layering over slinky jersey dresses. As ShopBop suggests, cinching it with a elaborate rugged belt is the way to go. Or wear it loose, like a chic sweatshirt. On ShopBop
Theyskens’ Theory Borbo Island Blouse: Sometimes all you need is a mind-boggling print to take a top from conservative to controversial. With abstract leopard graduating into even more abstract plaid, you’ll be grateful this blouse is long-sleeved – the more to gaze at, the better. On ShopBop
Helmut Lang Leather Asymmetrical Top: Wear your leather like it’s soft cotton and treat this edgy top like a tee. Lightweight leather, with streamlined seam details, gets a rock-star makeover with a seriously tattered hemline. Pair with slinky drainpipes and a metallic ankle boot. On ShopBop
Proenza Schouler Sleeveless Spiral Tee: Give your onlookers a good kind of vertigo with this spiral-seamed top. Layers of jersey fabric make for the feeling of texture and a sharp cutaway hem offers punctuation. Skinny jeans and a cropped leather jacket are all you need. At Barneys New York for $275.
Marni Peplum Top: This perfectly charming top can be worn two ways: with Marni’s matching skirt for a dress effect (one of the big trends of the season) or with something totally different to make it your own. Either way, this wool fil-a-fil shell is a winner. At Barneys New York for $735.
Rick Owens Asymmetric Drape Top: If anyone knows how to drape a mean top, it’s Rick Owens. His tops aren’t so much tops as they are creations. This dramatic crepe jersey number is no exception. With a Greek goddess-goes-urban vibe, it has more pizzazz than most dresses. At Barneys New York for $580.