We can never have too many tops in our fashion arsenal. They’re the ultimate wardrobe staple, but the endless styles, cuts, and silhouette options don’t mean every top is going to look fire on you. If you want to avoid a fashion faux pas, here are the shirts and tops that might be doing your style a major disservice.
1. Puff Sleeves: Disproportionate
Puffy sleeves are a dramatic trend that can easily overwhelm your frame, especially if you’re petite. These voluminous sleeves add unwanted volume to the upper body, making your silhouette look lopsided and disproportionate. For a more balanced look, opt for tops with more streamlined sleeves that don’t dominate your entire outfit.
2. Ruched: Clingy
Tight ruched tops might seem like a fun, trendy option, but let’s be real—they’re not always the most flattering. These tops tend to cling to your body, highlighting every bump and curve in an unforgiving way that can feel anything but chic. Especially when made from synthetic fabrics or in dubious colors, these tops can make you look more like a fashion victim than a style icon.
3. Batwing: Tryhard
Batwing sleeves are a bold fashion statement, but they’re not the most flattering choice. The excess fabric adds unnecessary bulk to the upper body, creating a lumpy, unbalanced silhouette. If you want to show off your arms and shoulders in a more flattering way, it’s best to steer clear of dramatic, slightly tryhard batwing sleeves.
4. Tube Tops: Tacky
Tube tops might seem like a cute, casual choice, but they’re notoriously difficult to pull off. With no structure or support, they can slip and slide, leaving you constantly adjusting. Plus, they tend to emphasize a muffin top. If you’re not in the mood to deal with a wardrobe malfunction, it’s best to leave the tube top back in the 80s where it belongs.
5. Cropped: Muffin Top
Cropped tops can be fun and flirty, but they’re not the best choice if you’re feeling self-conscious about your midsection. The hemline of these tops often hits at an unflattering point on the torso, making your waistline appear larger. If you’re looking to create a more streamlined silhouette, you might want to skip the crop tops and opt for a longer, more tailored option. They can also come off as a little too young.
6. High-Neck: Stiff
High-neck tops might seem like a sophisticated choice, but they can be tricky if you have a fuller bust or a shorter neck. These tops can create an unflattering silhouette by making your neck appear shorter, and your upper body look broader. A classic crew neck is a more flattering option that elongates the neck and balances your proportions, especially when it comes to bulky sweaters.
7. Off-the-Shoulder: Fussy
Off-the-shoulder tops had their moment, but now they come off as dated and fussy. Not only do they require constant readjustment, but they can also make broad shoulders look even broader and provide zero support for larger busts. If you’re aiming for a stylish put together look, this is definitely the wrong choice.
8. Oversized Shirts: Unpolished
Oversized shirts and tops might be comfy and effortless, but they can swamp your figure, hiding your natural shape and making you look larger than you are. These tops lack the structure needed to create a flattering silhouette, so you end up looking out of proportion and unfashionable. Instead, try a slimmer-fit button-down shirt that you can tuck in and define with a belt for a more polished look.
9. Peplum: Tricky
Peplum tops are very tricky. They flare out at the waist, which can create a flattering hourglass silhouette—on the right body type. Peplum tops also exaggerate the hips and draw attention to the stomach in an unflattering way. If you want to avoid this, stick to more streamlined, tailored tops that flatter your natural shape without adding bulk.
10. Halter: Uncool
Halter tops might have been a summer staple in the past (like way back when), but they’re considered pretty dated and uncool these days. They also aren’t the best choice if you have broad shoulders or a bigger bust. These tops can draw attention to these areas, creating the illusion of an unbalanced, top-heavy silhouette. A more modern, flattering option would be a sleek tank top or a sleeveless blouse.
11. Sheer: Risky
Sheer tops can be sexy and on-trend, but they’re notoriously revealing and difficult to wear. Without the right layers underneath, they can make you look frumpy or underdressed. If you’re going for a sheer look, make sure to layer wisely—otherwise, you risk exposing too much and creating an unflattering silhouette.
12. Cowl Neck: Clunky
Cowl neck tops might seem like a cozy, stylish option, but they can easily overwhelm your upper body, especially if you have a large bust. The extra fabric around the chest and neck area can feel heavy and make your neck appear shorter. If you’re looking for a similar style that’s more flattering, try a mock neck top or sweater.
13. Asymmetrical: Awkward
Asymmetrical tops, like the tricky one-shoulder, might seem edgy and fashion-forward, but they often disrupt the natural lines of your body, creating an unbalanced and awkward look. These tops can make your proportions seem off, which is rarely flattering. For a more timeless look, stick to symmetrical tops that enhance your natural shape.
14. Cold Shoulder: Outdated
Cold shoulder tops are another trend that hasn’t aged well. These tops often add unnecessary bulk to the upper body and can make the shoulders look wider. If you’re aiming for a chic, modern look, these feel a little silly and girly and aren’t very flattering.
15. Broad Stripes: Warping
Horizontal stripes might be a classic look, but they can also create the illusion of added width. If you have a larger bust, the stripes can warp over your chest, drawing unwanted attention to your midsection. Vertical stripes are a more flattering choice, but make sure to opt for finer, more chic stripes to avoid the same issue.
16. Leather Vests: Bulky
Leather tops can be a statement piece, but they’re also heavy and unforgiving, especially in slouchy or oversized styles. These tops can add unnecessary bulk and make you look larger than you are. If you love the leather look, consider a more streamlined t-shirt or vest style that flatters your figure without adding weight.
17. Loud Prints and Patterns: Overwhelming
Not everyone can pull off bold prints and patterns and depending on the pattern they can look very dated. Loud, busy prints can overwhelm your frame and create an unflattering look. If you’re not sure about a print, it’s safer to keep patterns on your bottoms and opt for solid colors up top. This will create a more balanced and flattering look.