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Winter is done and dusted, which means one thing: jeans and a nice top season is back. As we shed our faux fur coats and trenches, we can lean into more fun, colourful tops that mimic the warm weather around us. We've already hunted down the best jeans, but arguably the hardest half of the outfit to shop for is the nice top.
The issue is because there's so much out there, it's very easy to become overwhelmed by options. How on earth are you meant to choose a few key tops to get you through spring and summer when there's thousands of gorgeous pieces you want to wear? The key to not getting overwhelmed is by breaking down exactly what it is you want beforehand. Do you want a top that'll take you from day-to-night? Do you want a dressy top you can wear with your favourite jeans when you're having a night out? Do you want a cute top for a Saturday afternoon at a wine bar? Once you figure that out, you can narrow it down based on occasion.
Next is the style and cut of top to go with your jeans, which is totally up to what you feel most comfortable in. Fringe is set to be one of the biggest fashion trends this summer, so if you want to lean into texture, you might want to experiment with that. If you prefer something that's more form-fitting, you may prefer to style a classic corset. Or, if you want to lean into the spring and summer vibes, a floral halter is a classic option.
Need a little inspiration to pull together the perfect jeans and a nice top outfit? We thought you'd never ask! We've rounded up a bunch of our favourites based on the style of top that you can shop right now.
30 of the best tops to shop for your 'jeans and a nice top' combo
Halter tops
If you want a comfortable, flattering cut that suits multiple occasions, you can't go wrong with a halter top. Even within this category there are so many different styles: printed, deep V, cowl neck, etc. With Jéan is one of our favourite brands for timeless, cosy halters that look like they're fresh off a Pinterest board, and Glassons always comes in clutch for good going out tops that don't break the bank. If you do feel like a splurge, however, we do love the cowl plunge top from Reformation below.
Fringe tops
Fringe has been absolutely everywhere recently. From the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week last month to the runways of New York Fashion week just last week, it's gearing up to be one of the biggest trends this summer. Fringing adds a playful flair to just about any outfit, whether you're having an afternoon spritz at your local wine bar or having a night out with the girls.
Corset tops
Corsets are the perfect way to elevate a pair of jeans when you're going out and want to dress up without looking formal, a corset top is the way to go. They snatch your waist, are supportive and flattering on all kinds of bodies. Miaou went viral for its iconic bold corsets around 2020, and it's still one of our absolute faves. Tigermist is one of our go-to affordable options, as their resort and party aesthetic always means there's at least a few cute corsets on offer.
Sparkly tops
We're in a major y2k revival, so it's only right to award sparkly tops their own category. Shimmer, sequins, glitter, beads, the lot — fun fashion is back! Whether you want a subtle shimmer for daytime or something that'll catch the light on the dancefloor, a sparkly top is an easy way to make your jeans feel a little more exciting. The best part? You don't need to wait for a special occasion to wear one. Pair it with your favourite denim and some simple accessories, and you've got an outfit that does all the talking.
Floral tops
Nothing says spring quite like a good floral top. From delicate ditsy prints to bold, oversized blooms, florals are an easy way to inject some colour into your trusty jeans without having to completely rethink your outfit. They're also surprisingly versatile. Go for a breezy halter for daytime drinks, a romantic off-the-shoulder style for a date night, or a structured floral corset when you want something a little more dressed up. Susmies has a collection of really fun reversible floral halter tops, so you're getting two prints in one. If you're planning a summer holiday, Runaway The Label's range will be right up your alley. And while H&M's Broderie Anglaise Cami isn't exactly floral, its stunning embroidery makes it floral-adjacent, in our humble opinion. It deserved an inclusion!
Take your pick of these stunning tops, pair them with your favourite jeans and a cute thong heel, and you're officially spring and summer ready!
Image credit: @222.ave / @yasminejdahim / @pearl_mariaf
