Fact: There’s nothing that makes getting dressed easier than a great top. I mean, really—it takes all the work out of putting together an outfit. All that’s needed is jeans or trousers (or a skirt!) and you’re done. A pretty statement top does all the heavy lifting for you. That’s why I recently went on a mission to find the best of the bunch to zhuzh up my summer wardrobe to make my life just a little bit easier for the months ahead.
So, we already established that there’s nothing better than a pretty top, but one that’s also affordable? That’s double the fun. From cool-girl ruffles that amp up every bottom imaginable to the $36 Zara top all of the Who What Wear office is loving, I present below the 29 best dramatic and affordable summer tops (aka unicorns) I’ve come across. Happy shopping!
The front serves 90s minimalism, but the back…that’s a whole different story.
An aquamarine dream.
Just when you thought crochet couldn’t get any more spectacular.
I now present the ideal vacation outfit: this top, a long maxi skirt, and minimalist black sandals.
Who said white tanks had to be boring?
An incredible sale find if I do say so myself.
I know ruffled sleeves aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but during the summer it’s almost too good to say no.
If you have yet to jump aboard the lurex trend, it’s really quite easy to pull off.
Chainmail will always have my heart.
Just in time for the Barbie release date.
A PSA that rosettes are not stopping this summer!
The Seinfeld blouse returns! But of course more chic than ever.
Style this with straight-leg jeans and heeled wedges and you have a winner.
For those who claim to be color-averse, butter-yellow is a great place to venture out of your comfort zone.
This entire outfit will be seared into my memory, it’s that good.
Tunics are trending heavily this season.
Give me all of the chiffon ruffles.
Another cool thing about this top: it can double as a coverup.
Count me obsessed.
Conner Ives is a name to know.
There’s something very gloriously 2000s about this.
‘Tis the season for more crochet.
A corset and statement shoulders? Where do I sign up?
Pretty in pink.
If I were a top, it would surely be this one.
The matching pants aren’t a want, they’re a need.
Ethereal.
Realisation Par just always gets it right.
Perhaps there’s nothing more dramatic than (faux) tattoos.
