Tessa Faye O’Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She’s a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.
As we head into summer, which is short-lived in New York, I still find myself partial to a shorts or pant option when getting dressed. Yes, it’s easy to throw on a dress, but I find it’s sometimes easier to commute in a top and pants. It’s the same for many of my girlfriends, as they all are asking for good tops to invest in.
Sometimes in the office with blasting AC, it’s just easier to feel good and polished in a top that you can layer easily. Also, in New York weather, a top can translate throughout seasons better than dresses, which are always tricky with this finicky back-and-forth rain versus sunshine versus snow. I love that, depending on the day, plans, or meeting, you have different options to choose from that can be styled in a variety of ways that make it appropriate. Here are my favorite tops to wear with my jeans and trousers.
Halter Top
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This halter top by Azeeza is truly my favorite new top. Throw on a jean jacket to the office, wear it out to dinner after work, pair it with linen white pants… The list goes on. This style is so specific to summer, and that’s what makes it so fun.
Azeeza
Winston Printed Poplin Top
Venroy
Cotton Poplin Halter Top in Pebble
cos
Twist Detail Linen-Blend Top
Button-Down Shirt
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The button-down works for all seasons. It’s just about finding the best ones for the summer months. Bonus: Thrown over a swimsuit, it’s even more multifunctional. I’ve been loving this Almina Concept one and the brand’s white flowy pants.
almina concept
Shirt With Tie Belt
DONNI
The Linen Relaxed Shirt
Reformation
Eli Oversized Linen Shirt
Frank & Eileen
Eileen Blue and Navy Stripe, Italian Classic Linen
Gingham Top
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Gingham everything! This one is more of a jacket, but I style it as a top, and I’m stopped every time I wear it. I love this print for the warmer months.
rose room
Silk Gingham Jewelneck Jacket
Loeffler Randall
Nola Top
J.Crew
Tie-Front Top in Gingham
VRG GRL
Indi Top Brown Check
Ruffle Top
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The ruffle Henri Top is a category all its own. Many have tried to mimic, but I don’t think the fit is elite for any brand other than Dôen. Sorry!
Jacket as a Top
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I’m making the case for a spring jacket as a top. This one also has an adorable matching camisole to wear underneath.
Loeffler Randall
Winslet Jacket
Loeffler Randall
Maggie Camisole
Ulla Johnson
The Bobbi Cropped Jacket
Hill House Home
Tapestry Trellis Brocade
Classic Black Top
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A classic black top is a must-have—all different styles, all different aesthetics. You can never go wrong with investing in a black top, in my opinion. It always comes in handy.
Tuckernuck
Black Cotton Mandi Top
THE GREAT
The Scalloped Eyelet Tunic
Wilfred
Italic Poplin Blouse
Floral Top
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As if it wasn’t obvious, I’m all about florals. I love the print for spring and summer, and it instantly boosts my mood to get to the office.
Ulla Johnson
Neri Jersey Top
Tailored Top
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It took me a while to get into this style, but it is polished and chic and can be worn with trousers, jeans, and shorts.
Veronica Beard
Liana Button-Up Vest
FAITHFULL
Mina Linen Peplum Top
White Top
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A white top is always needed. I also love lace or eyelet detailing as an addition to this.
ZARA
Satin Effect Blouse With Ruffles and Shoulder Pads
Soeur
White Hansel Blouse
Re/done
Jerry Tank Blouse
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