We can never have too many tops as they are the ultimate wardrobe essential. Luckily, as women, there are seemingly thousands of different styles, cuts, and silhouettes to choose from. However, just because we’re spoiled for choice doesn’t automatically mean that every style of top looks great on everyone.
1. Tight Ruched Tops
Tight bodycon tops aren’t chic or flattering. Especially if they are long-sleeved, have ruching, or are in a synthetic fabric or dubious color as they will cling to your body highlighting every bump. It’s better to go for a more stylish and classic button-down shirt in white, blue, or a fine stripe as they belong in every wardrobe fashion consultant and personal stylist Sarah Meikle told Forbes style editors.
2. Tube Tops
Tube tops are not only tacky, but they are also often tricky to pull off. This is because they lack tailoring and support, making them difficult to stay in place. Not only this, but tube tops can also emphasize the midsection and a muffin top which is why they’re generally unflattering on most people, particularly more mature women.
3. Tacky Mid Drifts
If you’re insecure about your midsection, cropped tops are another problematic and unflattering choice for those who want to cover up. Crop tops tend to have their hemlines stop at an unflattering point on the torso, making the waistline appear larger. They also look too young and can be tacky, according to NYC-based personal stylists and wardrobe consultants Beckie + Martina.
4. High-Neck Tops
If you have a fuller bust or a short neck, stay away from high-neck tops. These tops can create an unflattering silhouette that can make you look top-heavy and the neck appear shorter. Depending on your body shape, a more flattering option is a classic crew neck. Look for this must-have wardrobe essential in cotton t-shirts or chic cashmere sweaters.
5. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Off-the-shoulder tops are not only dated, but they also often require constant readjustment, making you look sloppy and underdressed. These tops can also make people with already broad shoulders look even wider. As for people with larger busts, these tops will provide you with no support and can make your bust appear even larger. Again go for a more classic, simple style.
6. Oversized Shapeless Tops
Oversized shapeless tops might be super comfortable and easy to throw on and go but they often swamp the figure. These tops hide your body’s natural silhouette and create a larger, out-of-proportion, and unfashionable look. It’s better to go for a slimmer-fit shirt, tuck it in, and add a belt. You can never have enough classic button-down shirts in your wardrobe says Meikle.
7. Batwing Sleeves
Batwing sleeves have too much fabric and can often add unnecessary bulk to the upper body, creating a lumpy and unbalanced silhouette. They also hide the natural shape of your arms and shoulders, making them look wider than they are, and as a fashion statement, the batwing is tricky and outdated.
8. Puffy Sleeves
Puffy sleeves are a bold fashion choice that doesn’t suit every body shape. Most of the time, puffy sleeves overwhelm your frame and outfit, especially on petite figures. Like batwing sleeves, they can add unwanted volume to the upper body, making the silhouette look disproportionate and lumpy.
9. Peplum Tops
On the right body type, peplum tops, which flare at the waist, can create a slinky and sexy silhouette. However, truthfully, peplum tops don’t look good on most body shapes because of the exaggerated silhouette. Moreover, peplum tops also draw the eye to the hips and stomach in an unflattering way.
10. Halter Tops
If you have broad shoulders or a bigger bust, steer clear of halter tops. These tops, which hang around the back of the neck, can be unflattering, as they often draw attention to these areas, creating the illusion of an unbalanced look. The halter top is also a tired, dated style, especially in unflattering colors or busy prints.
11. Sheer Tops
Sheer tops can be sexy and are on-trend. Mostly, however, they’re just difficult to wear, as they often require expert layering. Otherwise, you create a frumpy silhouette. Without layers underneath, you can look underdressed and expose too much skin. There is a fine line between sexy and showing way too much.
12. Cowl Neck Tops
Cowl neck tops can look elegant, but all that extra fabric around the upper chest and neck area can feel heavy and uncomfortable. Women with large busts also look even larger in a cowl, making the neck appear shorter and creating an unflattering silhouette. Go for a mock neck top or sweater instead to avoid adding extra bulk.
13. Asymmetrical Tops
Asymmetrical tops go in and out of fashion and, but more often than not, look dated. The style also disrupts the natural body line, creating an unbalanced and awkward look. Keep it classic and symmetrical instead. This look is also best left to the younger gals.
14. Boxy Crop Tops
Boxy crop tops expose the midsection and can make the torso look shorter and the body wider. The lack of tailoring and definition in these tops can mistakenly make the wearer appear larger than they are. It’s better to go for a longer style to avoid cutting you off at the wrong point.
15. Cold Shoulder Tops
Cold shoulder tops are another style of top that rarely suits most people. Not only are they generally unstylish and look outdated they can add unnecessary bulk to the upper body and make the shoulders look broader. They also look a little busy and have too much going on, especially if they have flounces or frills. Stay streamlined up top.
15. Tops with Horizontal Stripes
Tops with horizontal stripes is a classic French girl chic look. However, horizontal stripes can also create the unflattering illusion of added width. Those with larger busts will find that the stripes are warped over their chest and draw unwanted attention to their midsection. Vertical stripes are more flattering, but it’s essential to go for a finer, chicer stripe, as large, heavy stripes can also make you look bigger.
16. Bulky Leather Tops
Leather tops can look severe and heavy; if they are a slouchy oversized style, add unnecessary bulk. They are tricky to pull off on most body shapes, especially a long-sleeved leather shirt top, so either avoid them or wear a slimline t-shirt or vest style. Or invest in a classic slim-fitting leather jacket that looks great over a maxi dress.
17. Tops with Dated Prints and Patterns
Not everyone can pull off prints and patterns up top; it depends on your body shape, skin tone, and hair color. It’s better to play it safe and keep prints and patterns for trousers or skirts, and always avoid tops with loud, busy prints or dated ones like tie-dye, leopard, zebra, and swirling psychedelic prints. Though a pretty floral shirt tucked into tailored trousers is always chic.
18. Bra Tops
The bra top isn’t a good idea unless you are a supermodel with a perfect figure. It’s called a bra top for a reason, as you’re basically walking around looking like you’re wearing a bra. This style can work under a chic blazer, provided it’s subtle and not transparent, and it’s best to avoid tacky prints like leopard or overtly sexy lace options. Leave this one for the young festival goers.