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. Discover 17 of the most unflattering tops that make you look unattractive and why.
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.
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Off-the-shoulder tops are not only dated, but they also often require constant readjustment which can make you look sloppy and underdressed. These tops can also make people with already broad shoulders look even broader. As for people with larger busts, these tops will provide you with no support and can make your bust appear even larger.
5. 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 the natural silhouette of your body 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.
6. Batwing Sleeves
Batwing sleeves have too much fabric and most often can 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 actually are, and as a fashion statement, the batwing is tacky and outdated.
7. 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.
8. Peplum Tops
On the right body type, peplum tops, which flare out 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.
9. 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 fashion style, especially in unflattering colors or busy prints.
10. 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.
11. Cowl Neck Tops
Cowl neck tops can look elegant but generally all that extra fabric around the upper chest and neck area can feel heavy and uncomfortable. Women with a large bust also look even larger in a cowl which also makes the neck appear shorter, creating an unflattering silhouette. Go for a mock neck top or sweater instead.
12. Asymmetrical Tops
Asymmetrical tops go in and out of fashion and 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.
13. Boxy Crop Tops
Boxy crop tops not only expose the midsection but they 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.
14. 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 wider.
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 and 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 important 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 and 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 go for a slimline t-shirt or vest style.
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.
18. Bra Tops
Unless you are a supermodel with a perfect figure the bra top isn’t a good idea. 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.