5 Go-To Tops to Instantly Look Put Together
I’m often asked what are my favorite wardrobe essentials that help me stay polished and put-together despite a busy professional work life? Today, I’m sharing my Top 5 Tops that will help you instantly look put together. Nearly all of them can also be worn for a business casual setting (#1, #3 & #4 most easily) so they will be great for work week to weekend! No matter your lifestyle, you’ll find a top you love from this list.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links; full disclosures HERE. This means, purchasing an item through one of my links may earn me a small commission without affecting your own purchase. Thank you for supporting Petite Style Script & helping it continue as an educational resource.
Shop the Post (click image):
Top #1: Twist-Front Top
Honestly, when I first saw this twist-front style, I didn’t think much of it. Then…I purchased it and my mind instantly changed! I was easily able to put together outfits for work, weekend and date night from just this one top! I’m excited to share them in casual and business casual looks today.
The first top is made by Gibson and SO soft. I’m wearing size XXSP. I’ve also tried the XXS regular on and this fits ok in shoulders and front but the hem is a little too long for my liking in the back, but if you prefer a looser fit you can go for the regular versus petite sizing. I opted for a neutral ivory/oatmeal color to wear with multiple looks. This twist-front style comes in 8+ colors! Add in a statement necklace or infinity scarf to transition this top from season-to-season.
Outfit Details:
Top: Gibson XXSP (exact)
Pant: Nordstrom Jeans Size 24 (similar)
Handbag: Tote Bag Nordstrom (exact) & Wallet Clutch (exact)
Shoes: Vince Camuto Booties (exact or similar)
Jacket: Black Leather BlankNYC XS (exact) & Green Utility Jacket 0P (exact) & Camel Blazer J. Crew 00 (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar) & Pearl J. Crew (exact)
Watch: Daniel Wellington c/o (exact)
The second top is a little more casual fabric by Zella. I’m wearing size XXS. I like the gray color and am hoping the teal green or blush pink colors come back in stock. I also recommend this tie-front sweater by Talbots for a similar look that also comes in 3+ colors.
Outfit Details:
Top: Nordstrom Zella XXS (exact)
Pant: Burgundy Zella XXS (exact) & White Jeans Paige 23 (exact)
Handbag: Nordstrom (exact)
Shoes: M. Gemi Size 35 (exact or similar for less)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Watch: Daniel Wellington c/o (exact)
Shop Twist-Front Tees (click image):
Top #2: Drapey Tee
This drapey or long hem tee is great for throwing on before heading out the door! I love the detailing that these longer tees offer—often with silk or sheer fabric on the hem to give it a polished look. It’s easy to pair these drapey tee styles with jeans, leggings, colored denim or work pants. My favorite comes from J. Crew Factory and fits me well in size XX-Small.
Outfit Details:
Top: J. Crew Factory XXS (exact)
Pant: Jeans Paige 23 (exact)
Shoes: Nike Size 6 (exact or similar for less)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Watch: Daniel Wellington c/o (exact)
Sunglasses: Tory Burch (exact– on sale)
Shop Twist-Front Tees (click image):
Top #3: Tunic Blouse
Outfit details on How to Wear Navy & Mustard Yellow Together
I never knew how useful a tunic style blouse until I bought one a few years ago. If you’re familiar with the camp style blouse or button up blouse, I think a tunic blouse is even more versatile and can help you put together polished looks faster. For athleisure looks, keep the blouse untucked and worn long as a tunic over leggings. For weekend wear, pair with distressed denim and tuck it in. For business casual wear, pair with work trousers or slacks tucked in and heels. I think this tunic blouse works well because it drapes easily and is comfortable with it’s loose fit. I wear size XS and don’t even require petite-sizing for this top! So many possibilities with this style!
Dry Cleaning: No, you don’t really need to dry clean this tunic blouse. As you know from my About Page, I dread purchasing anything that says “dry clean” only on the tag. I’m able to use my usual delicate laundry bags with this blouse on the delicate wash setting/cold water temperature, and air dry it on my petite-sized wooden hangers (my blog post) and it’s held up just fine over the years. Of course, do this at your own risk please.
Camisole: Since I know I would ask this if I saw someone wearing it, I’m going to address it here too. No, I’m not wearing a camisole with this tunic blouse. Yes, it can hang a little low depending on your body frame. If you’re active at work and bending over often, yes, I would recommend a camisole or a bralette so you are not uncomfortably exposed.
Outfit Details:
Top: Nordstrom XS (exact)- tucked in & no camisole needed
Pants: Work Banana Republic 00P (exact or similar, my blog post) & Striped Skirt Modcloth S (exact)
Jacket: Black Leather BlankNYC XS (exact)
Belt: Talbots XS (similar, my blog post)
Shoes: Cole Haan 5.5 (similar) & M. Gemi 35.5 (similar)
Handbag: Tory Burch wallet clutch (exact) & Longchamp olive green (exact) & Tote bag (exact)
Shop the Outfit (click image):
Top #4: Lace Tee
Ok, lace may be my all-time favorite top style. It comes in so many different styles and adds just the right amount of texture to an outfit. My favorite lace tops come in neutral tones- white, black, navy and blush pink. I think these are one of the easiest tops to transition to business casual work outfits. I’m often seen in one of my lace tops at work.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: Bloomingdale’s (exact or similar)
Skirt: Theory (similar here or here)
Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo (exact or lower price here)
Pants: Paige (similar here in green or here and lower priced here)
Handbag: Michael Kors (similar + handbag organizer)
Watch: Daniel Wellington (exact)
Styled with Tieks Ballet Flats. Learn How to Wear Ballet Flats all-day long
Shop Lace Tops (click image):
Top #5: V-Neck Tee
I used to think that all V-Neck Tees were created equal…then, I bought ones from various stores and realized I was seriously misinformed! I finally found styles that I loved from 3 different companies – previous blog post on this topic. These styles continue to come from Madewell, J. Crew and FIGS. Each has slightly different features I love—from a more fitted V-Neck to a looser V-Neck, find what you love and stick with it! One thing common to all V-Neck Tees, they come in a wide variety of colors. Pick out your favorite neutral and bright color and don’t stock up on too many of the same style! I try to limit myself to 2 pieces of the same style.
Outfit Details:
Top: Madewell XXS (exact in ashen silver or gray last photo)
Pant: Nordstrom Jeans Size 24 (similar)
Handbag: Tote Bag Nordstrom (exact)
Shoes: Aquatalia Size 6 (similar or similar for less)
Cardigan or Jacket: Burgundy Gibson XXSP (exact) & J. Crew Factory Utility Jacket XXS (exact)
Necklace: Nordstrom (similar)
Watch: Daniel Wellington c/o (exact)
Shop Tees (click image):
You may also enjoy reading:
- Winter Capsule Wardrobe + Free Download
- How to Wear Ballet Flats all-day long
- Best No-Show Socks with discount code
- Why I love these Work Pants 4 Years Later
Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.