Dressy Tops for Women
Dressy Tops for Women
A dressy top should make a simple outfit look like an occasion: dinner out, a wedding reception, a party, a show or a birthday. The tops that do it best have a strong color or a flattering neckline, a fabric that drapes smoothly, and a fit you can forget about once you arrive. Every top here is made in the USA in our microfiber and spandex knit, which travels and comes out of a bag ready to wear. Sizes run XS to XL.
Color that does the work
A saturated color near the face looks dressed up without any embellishment, and it photographs well.
Deborah 3/4 Sleeve V-NeckBougainvillea · S–XL · $94A deep pink V-neck that does the work of a statement blouse.
Juliet Jewel Neck Long SleeveRed · XS–XL · $99True red with a clean high neckline.
Christina Boatneck ShellRed · XS, S, M, XL · $88Sleeveless red under a blazer or on its own.
Jackie TurtleneckCerulean · XS–XL · $105A rich blue turtleneck. Add big earrings and go.
Juliet Jewel Neck Long SleeveBougainvillea · XS–XL · $99Long sleeves in deep pink for cooler evenings.
Softer shades and a perfect black
Deborah 3/4 Sleeve V-NeckVery Peri · XS–XL · $94Periwinkle reads dressy without being loud.
Karen Relaxed Fit V-NeckPretty In Pink · S–XL · $99A soft pink V-neck with more ease through the body.
Christina Boatneck ShellCeleste · XS–XL · $88Bright aqua for summer weddings and vacation dinners.
Jackie TurtleneckRed · XS–XL · $105Red to the neck, so all you need is jewelry.
Sabrina Boatneck 3/4 SleeveBlack · XS, M, L, XL · $94The black top every dressy outfit can start from.
Dressy tops by occasion
| Occasion | Top | Wear it with |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner out | A V-neck or jewel neck in a strong color | Dark jeans or black trousers, ankle boots |
| Wedding guest | A sleeveless shell in a soft or bright color | A midi skirt and a wrap |
| Party or celebration | The brightest top you own | Black everything else |
| Theater or concert | A long sleeve jewel neck or turtleneck | Wide-leg trousers and a long coat |
| Work event | A boatneck with a blazer | The trousers you wore to work, plus a heel |
How to make any top dressier
- Change the bottom. Satin, velvet or wide-leg trousers lift any top more than jeans.
- Add one statement piece. Big earrings, a cuff or a bold lip. One is enough.
- Keep the rest dark. One color plus black always looks deliberate.
- Choose a shoe with shape. A block heel, heeled boot or pointed flat.
More ideas: our guides to going out tops, holiday party outfits and New Year's Eve outfits, or shop the Holiday Tops Edit.
Questions, answered
What is a dressy top?
A dressy top is a top you wear for evenings, events and occasions. It usually has a strong color, a flattering neckline or a beautiful drape, and looks finished with trousers or a skirt.
What dressy tops go with jeans?
A V-neck or jewel neck in a rich color, a sleeveless boatneck shell or a turtleneck. Choose dark, clean jeans and add a heel or ankle boot.
What colors look dressiest?
Red, deep pink, jewel blues and black look dressiest, especially in evening light. Soft pinks and periwinkle look dressy without feeling loud.
What dressy tops are flattering for women over 50?
Three-quarter or long sleeves, a soft V-neck or jewel neck that frames the face, and a fit that skims rather than clings. Color near the face does more than embellishment.
What should I wear to a wedding as a guest in a top and trousers?
A sleeveless shell or V-neck in a soft or bright color, wide-leg trousers or a satin skirt, and a wrap or jacket. Avoid white and anything very casual.
What sizes do your dressy tops come in?
Sizes run XS to XL. Each card shows the sizes in stock right now for that color.
