12 Trendy Tops for Summer

From left to right, Ulla Johnson, Zara and Xirena free and easy shirts for summer.

AS WE HEAD into the steamy days of summer, here’s a heads-up. Breezy tops are your hot-weather dressing savior. Pair them with straight or flared white or pastel pants or jeans or flowy skirts; add sandals and a straw bag. Voilà—a no-sweat summer look.

Embroidered, blousy boho tops with billowy sleeves are uber-popular, as are shorter, boxy styles for more petite frames. Traveling? You’ll be thankful for a lightweight, look-mom-no-wrinkles linen knit top (I love the one from the label Cos; Zara has many on offer as well). A gingham shirt from J. McLaughlin that’s made of crinkly cotton and needs no ironing has to be my favorite summer shirt so far. I’m also personally cheering the comeback of camp shirts—in lively patterns.

Here are more we think you’ll like as much as we do:

—Janet Kelly

Left: Cos’ s slim-fit Short-Sleeve Ribbed Top in blush pink is made from a lightweight textured linen blend. And it’s perfectly packable. $79, shopspring.  Right: Paul & Joe Sister’s Saintrop crinkled cotton-gauze blouse with rickrack trim drapes airily over the torso for dressing as effortlessly as it gets. $225, shopbop.

Left: Isn’t it sweet? Mango’s Guipure Panel T-Shirt gets a feminine touch with crochet and fluttery sleeves. $35.99 at Mango.  Right: Made from lightweight sheer cotton, Mes Demoiselles’ Forward striped shirt is loosely cut for easy wear. Gold-tone anchor buttons add a nautical feel, while long balloon sleeves with elastic cuffs keep you covered while letting you breathe. $174, matchesfashion.

This embroidered springtime pop-on top caresses the neckline in a most flattering way. Plus, it’s a good vacation find that can make the transition into fall. $98 at madewell.

Left: Layer this coral-print Rhea Kimono over a white T-shirt or tank or wear by itself. Either way, it’s summer-vacation-ready. $118, anthropologie. Right: A refreshingly unexpected color combination of lime, beige-pink, cream and black makes this Ace & Jig boho-chic Marfa striped cotton blouse a fun topper for any warm-weather occasion. $278, matchesfashion.

Brooklyn, New York, designer Ulla Johnson is known for her use of batik prints, embroidery and fringe. This Rosine Blouse, semi-sheer silk in pale yellow, should satisfy your inner bohemian. $252, shopbop.

Left: If you think this floral shirt is too flouncy for you, you can adjust the interior waistband to cinch it in. Best for those who like a little romance in their wardrobe. $49.90, zara. Right: Except for size large, Xirena’s laissez-faire-looking Red Coral Chance shirt ($171) is sold out on the site, but if you need a smaller size, try looking in your favorite local boutique, where you may have some luck.

Left: Double Rainbouu’s Australian designers tweak the classic Hawaiian shirt with their own vivid tropical prints. The lightweight cotton-voile shirt has a loose fit. Tuck into jeans or over a bathing suit. $190, netaporter. Right: J. McLaughlin’s Lois Shirt in Gingham (also available in pink and white) is slightly oversize and long. A classic, preppyish look in a no-worries-about-ironing material. $168, jmclaughlin.

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