Women's Tops: Styling Tips for Every Occasion

With the onset of a rapidly evolving styles in the fashion arena, options are spilling out of stores and off the racks. Amid all this fashion hullaballoo, let us make a humble attempt at decoding how to style women tops for every occasion because as Givenchy once said, "The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress."

Women's tops are varied and versatile - from shirts to crops, t-shirts to jackets - there is no dearth of a range of combinations or styles that can be achieved with chic casuals. Fashion will always be in the fast lane but style is eternal.

"Style is the only thing you can’t buy…It’s something reflected from our soul to the outside world—an emotion," said late fashion designer Alber Elbaz. So without window shopping for further options to enhance your closet, here are a few tips on how to style women tops for every single occasion.


From Spilling the 'Tee' to 'Tee'-Totalling

T-shirts have evolved over time to be the flagbearer of relaxed fits. Stretchy, non-body-hugging fits are all the rage but with time, this very casual outfit has taken up the mantle of muted and modern elegance.

Cool oversized graphic tees are the current rave of fashion town. Pop culture comes alive by encompassing movies, tv shows, cartoon, anime, games and sports. Flaunting your favourite fandoms (Harry Potter, FRIENDS, Kung Fu Panda, Marvel etc) on your person and pairing them with elegant options would give your ensemble that relatable urban chic edge.

You can also flaunt these t-shirts as make-shift crops. You can also wear these, tucked in or out, with high-waisted jeans or trousers for that simple yet quirky casual look. Let's face it, simplicity is elegance and less is more. These outfits would not be out-of-place at an art/cultural event, pitch presentation or fancy dinner.

Oversized t-shirts can also double up as t-shirt dresses that spell comfort and relaxation for hang-outs with friends, playdates with kids, trip to the library or movies and more.

Select from a range of graphic tees, oversized t-shirts, boyfriend fits and plain t-shirts. If anyone compliments you with a "You look so dope!", you can always respond with your T-shirt, "That's what she said!"

Style Tip: These T-shirts look best paired with jeans, denim shorts, flare short skirts, complementary joggers and cargos.

Crop Till You Drop

It's a never-ending discussion regarding how to style women tops, but let's put that discussion on hold so that we may present to you another niche on how to style a crop top.

It can be a t-shirt, shirt, jacket or even a hoodie. A snip at the waist and voila accentuation. Embrace your curves, by choosing a crop top that hits just above the waistline. The Summer' 24 Collection for women has many drool-worthy options to choose from.

One can take cues from Dua Lipa to Kendall Jenner to Emily Ratajkowski for that western contemporary look or turn to Bollywood icons Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt or Jacqueline Fernandes for that Indie ensemble where a printed skirt or lehenga can complement minimal solid crops/tanks.

Crop tops for women come with the sub-brand of crop shirts, which have recently taken the casual scene by storm so that one can enjoy the joy of layering as well, with bralettes or tubes on the inside. Crop shirts usually come as part of co-ord sets now and crop top/shirt co-ord sets are the go-to choice to imitate the easy-breezy outfits of Hollywood and Bollywood A-listers, irrespective.

Style tip: Cargos, wide set pants, palazzos, skirts or culottes are the best choices to pair a crop top with. It provides you that length and minimal wink of skin to allow a casual chic look fit for date nights, movie plans, coffee shop visit or running errands.

Shirts: Couture of the 21st century

Easy breezy shirts are symbolic of class and elegance. But we never cared much for protocol and what's written in stone, sorry, thread! Shirts have conventionally spelt corporate but we like our ensembles zingy.

Stray from classic shirts to explore different prints and fits. The Konnichiwa and Purple Aztec, TSS Originals, are beautiful examples of home-grown prints. Leave it light and loose because we believe in clothes being breathable and not restrictive. Some Boyfriend shirts in Linen and fine stripes can make for a sober and mature option.

Sporting minimal pop culture themes (Star Wars, Minions, Tom and Jerry etc) on your shirt can make you stand apart from a crowd of listless muggles passing the Ministry of Magic.

Depending on the print, material (cotton, satin or linen) and the way a shirt is worn, it can be the belle of the all the balls because of its versatility.

Style tip: Pair prints and patterns with solid colours. Jeans, palazzos, straight pants (Korean) and skirts and more are best suited for shirts. Depending on the occasion and the way it's been worn, the same shirt can be worn in a boardroom, at the beach or at the shopping mall.

What's up in the 'Hood'-ie and Sweatshirt Land?

Hoodies and sweatshirts are the supposed young and cool kids of the hood. For anything from athleisure to airport looks, hoodies and sweatshirts steal the limelight. Let your inner fandom speak through you on the streets, at events, in office or at the Met Gala. The choice is yours.

Even in the realm of hoodies and sweatshirts, the revolution has been in terms of the uniqueness of the same. People love sporting statement looks and we offer what you seek in terms of visual appeal and core comfort. These look best with cargos, joggers, jeans, shorts and skirts.

Oversized sweatshirts can be the easiest go-to for a woman on the run. Let your style quotient not take a back seat to piling paperwork, choose your print and sprint while screaming into the wind, "Catch me if you can".

Hoodies add that bloated relaxed layering by harbouring the "too cool for school" appearance that screams comfort, style and youth with a pinch of comic. Here's one for the 90's Legends. These are available as crops, dresses and normal/oversized hoodies.

Style Tip: Fandom sweatshirts, co-ord sets and hoodies make all the difference when you are trying to create a personal, signature look that can speak volumes without you having to utter a word.

Jackets Make a Statement

Varsity jackets and puffer jackets are a beautiful addition to an otherwise muted ensemble, to make it pop. Denim jackets will always be in vogue because of their heritage, legacy and feel but unleash the chic rugged in you with Wonder Woman, neighbourhood Disney friendlies and more.

Style tip: The usual pairs for these would be jeans or single coloured tight fit pants. Shorts and skirts also go well with these jackets.

Curious Case of the Casuals

Today's women are vocal about the forces of nature that they are and here we are, acknowledging the same. As rules and conventions around dressing adapt and change. we want to equip women with the option of choosing their own unique sense of casual chic. Join the Souled Army today for insane discounts, early access, prioritised shipping and free delivery.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Share your Souled Store looks in the comments below to help fellow casual chic enthusiasts.

FAQs


1. How can I style oversized t-shirts for a chic look?
Go with a half-tuck into high-waisted bottoms for a laid-back vibe or layer with a fitted jacket for added structure and style.


2. Can I wear hoodies & sweatshirts for more than just lounging?
For sure! Pair them with denim jeans or skirts for a casual yet trendy look perfect for outings with friends or running errands.


3. What's the best way to style co-ord sets for a polished ensemble?
Keep accessories minimal and let the matching pieces speak for themselves. Add heels for a dressier occasion or sneakers for a more relaxed vibe.


4. Are there any tips for choosing the right jacket style for my body shape?

Combine shapely blazers and fitted inners to accentuate your waist, or choose cropped jackets to elongate your silhouette. Experiment with different lengths and cuts to find what flatters you best.