Easy throw-on-and-go tops are a warm weather essential

Susan B. wears a green shirt, white jeans, gold sandals and carries a rattan handbag.

I love to layer, and adding a third piece (jacket, cardigan) is my preferred way to add visual interest to an outfit. But when it’s too warm to layer, I rely on lightweight, tops with color or pattern to create a focal point.

earrings | necklace | top | bracelet | bag | jeans (similar) | sandals

I’ve kept this look simple, and let the color of the top do most of the heavy lifting. (Though the bag & shoes add some interesting texture.) The top is a bit oversized, but the light, drapey fabric helps mitigate some of the volume. I’ve double-looped a long link necklace to fill in the neckline.

Lightweight, throw-on-and-go tops are always near the top of my style wish list as summer approaches. With some (much) warmer days in the forecast, I’ve been sifting through the current styles and have bookmarked (and ordered) a few to try. Here are a few I thought you might like too…

(Just a note: I’ve provided seasonal color recommendations, but colors may look different online than in person.)

Lightweight tops that hold their own…

Nic + Zoe dotty crinkle lightweight top.

I love the “polka dot adjacent” print on this crinkle cotton top, and have one on order. (Misses | Petite | Plus). The colors should work for my Spring palette, but could possibly work for some Summers as well.

Madewell polka dot back button top.

Here’s one for you Winters. This back button polka dot top is shown with matching shorts, but I think it would look smashing with white jeans or pants.

Nic + Zoe blue shibori print lightweight top.

Here’s another one for you Winters. This Shibori print top would work for Bohemian and boho-leaning style types. (Petite | Plus)

J.Crew Ramie block print tunic.

These colors could work for both some Autumns and Springs. This block print tunic is available in sizes XX-Small to 3X.

J.Jill smocked floral top.

Here’s one for the Summer Bohemian. This lightweight cotton top has embroidery detail and tassel ties. In Misses, Petite, Plus, and Tall sizes.

Talbots yellow stripe button front shirt.

Here’s a collared button-front shirt for you Classic style personalities. This yellow looks like it could potentially work for some Springs, and there’s also a nice Summer blue, in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.

More classic collared shirts (in lots of colors and prints) HERE.

J.Jill pintucked blouse.

One more for you Autumns, this pintucked blouse is lightweight cotton, and available in Misses, Petite, Plus and Tall sizes.

Chico's no-iron linen dot print shirt.

Did someone say no-iron linen? This fun dot print shirt is available in sizes 00(0-2) to 3(16-18). Black and white can look smashing on Winters.

Chico's no-iron coral paisley shirt.

And one more from the no-iron section…this coral paisley print could potentially work for both some Springs and Autumns. Sizes 00(0-2) to 4(20-22).

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15 Comments

  1. Hey, where’s more colors for Winter peeps like me? When I had my colors done years ago my winter palette leaned towards blues, and included “icy pastels”. I always get compliments when I wear my pale my lavender linen dress. I do like the black and white polka dots.

    1. Hi Joan, I included three tops for winters here. 😉 I’ll have more for all seasons in future posts.

  2. I would love to get my colors done….Are you still thinking about “doing colors” for us color-challenged gals??

    1. Yes, I’m currently working on setting up the format and services, will have details in a few weeks.

  3. Love the look(s)! Especially shoe options; I’ve purchased several of your suggestions & have been super happy (usually the higher price point as I’m a “tender footed” person) Are the sandals comfortable & can you walk any distance in them?

  4. I think your necklace adds visual interest too. It is very beautiful.
    It is a good thing I never order from the USA as I would be tempted to order the black and white polka dot shirt. And black and white are my worst colours, along with jeans colour near my face, beige and camel.
    The last time I had my colours done was in 1995. When I read the documents again (I found them at the back of a kitchen cupboard) I will admit that 85% of it is right. I know by experience. Only a few things I disagree with and are contradictory. Like: You want bright, diep colours with a warm, yellow undertone (check) but 2 sentences below they say that I should choose dark brown, camel or petrol as a colour for coats, jackets, trousers and skirts. I disagree with camel and petrol near my face as in coats and jackets. Oh well, the rest is good.
    Greetje

  5. Hi Susan, I like the necklace you have on in these pictures but I have been searching for another gold chain necklace that you recommended. I think the one you were wearing was pricey and you suggested a less expensive one. I should have saved that page because I cannot find it….it would have been in the last year, I think. I am looking for an everyday collar type length gold chain….

    Love your blog, your new hair and all the season recs.