The Complete Guide to Top Styles
Today, there is a wide range of top styles: spaghetti strap tops, backless styles, cropped tops, bandeau tops, bralettes, halternecks and many more. In our guide, we take a closer look at the most popular types of tops and necklines, explain their features and show how to style each one perfectly.
Bandeau Top
Bandeau-cut tops are strapless and tube-shaped. They do not cover the shoulders, run straight across the décolleté and are often crop tops. They are stylish companions, especially in midsummer.
Style guideline:
Contrary to some clichés, bandeau tops can be worn by all body types – with or without a six-pack. The key is in the styling. Our tip: pair skirts and trousers with a high waistband with the top to conceal any love handles.
Matching styles & combinations:
High-waisted trousers and skirts make bandeau tops socially acceptable and create an aesthetic silhouette. Depending on the occasion, the skirt should not be too short. For festivals: a fringed bandeau top – flatters the tummy area. Always a winner: a waistcoat or open blouse over a short tube top – you're guaranteed to feel dressed up! With a two-piece outfit consisting of an oversized blazer and wide-cut trousers, the bandeau top becomes the coolest basic ever
Bralette
Underneath is the new over: Strictly speaking, a bralette is a wireless bra that extends slightly longer down the cups below the bridge. The classic bralette comes in a triangle cut: two triangles form the cups. The delicate top is usually made of lace, stretch or micro-mesh and has thin straps. The spectrum ranges from sporty versions to elegant lace pieces.
Style guideline:
Fashionistas wear the bralette like a bustier – visible under dungarees, jackets or oversized jumpers.
Matching styles & combinations:
Mesh bralette over a T-shirt – super stylish with jeans and trainers. Lace? Perfect under a suit or as an eye-catcher under a deep V-neck jumper. Knitted bralettes with cardigans. Sports bralettes in summer like a crop top – combine them however you like.
Camisole Top
A camisole top is a short top with very thin straps and a loose fit. It usually reaches just below the waist and has a feminine neckline with lace. Previously worn exclusively as an undershirt (singlet). The flowing top is made of shiny materials such as satin, silk or nylon. A subtype is the plunge camis with a deep V-neckline – draws attention to the décolleté, cut wider at the top and narrow at the hips.
Style guideline:
Camisole tops are ideal party tops because of their shimmering material.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Jeans or a skirt create a 90s flair; a blazer makes the singlet suitable for the office. Material mix: Camisole with faux leather skirt/trousers. Lots of ease with wide fabric trousers. Style break: Mom jeans + trainers with a lace topT
Corset Top
The strapless corset top is a close-fitting top that emphasises the body shape and bust – with a figure-shaping effect thanks to straps, laces or hooks. The French word ‘corsage’ means ‘body’. Formally, it is considered shapewear. Noteworthy: perceptions have changed – today, emphasised femininity stands for self-confident femininity; in the past, the corset was considered a symbol of oppression.
Style guideline:
This former undergarment is now worn visibly – as a top.
Suitable styles & combinations:
In everyday life, the corsage harmonises with flowing skirts or trousers; short jackets or blazers ground the look. In the evening, it can be more figure-hugging: slim trousers + high heels = androgynous lines. With a flared knee-length skirt, slim clutch and pumps, you can create an unmistakably feminine outfit.
Crop Top
Literally translated, a crop top is a ‘cut-off top’ – midriff-baring. Colours, shapes, styles: anything is possible – from romantic ‘milkmaid’ designs to crochet crops and sporty athleisure shirts.
Style guideline:
High-waisted is key for an attractive silhouette – it emphasises the narrowest part of the body.
Suitable styles & combinations:
The perfect partner: Marlene trousers. Even more elegant with a blazer over the spaghetti strap crop top. Too revealing? Wear it as an undercover eye-catcher under a transparent blouse or crochet shirt.
Wrap Top
A crossover top or wrap top is a top with a cross design. Usually made of stretch fabric, it features a halter neck strap that crosses over at the front, creating a sophisticated wrapped look.
Style guideline:
Crossover tops are figure-flattering and add that certain something to outfits in no time at all.
Suitable styles & combinations:
The wrap effect suits every figure. Harmonious balance: flared A-line skirts, flowing midi or maxi skirts. Avoid skirts that are too short – the crossover design can look very provocative.
Cut-Out Top
Showing skin – rarely so seductive. Cut-out tops reveal skin in a sophisticated way. Strategically placed cut-outs create visual focal points and are always eye-catching. Asymmetrical cut-outs add extra excitement.
Style guideline:
Can look minimalist, elegant and even understated – when combined correctly. Let the top do the talking and keep accessories to a minimum.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Suits & cut-out tops are a dream team. Shoulder, décolleté or belly cut-outs spice up serious two-piece outfits. Cut-outs add depth to tone-on-tone looks.
Longline Top
The long top is an extra-long top. Long tops often resemble tunics or dresses in their cut, as they reach down to the thighs and loosely skim the hips. They are perfect for everyday wear and are comfortable, fashionable all-rounders.
Style guideline:
Despite their length, long tops are tops – not dresses. They are usually worn with leggings or trousers.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Summer: with chinos. Autumn: wear a classic blazer over the top. Trainers always work. For special occasions: statement necklace; wear with faux leather leggings and stilettos in the evening.
Halterneck Top
Summer, sun, beach – halter neck tops are strapless tops with a very feminine effect. With sequins, they are also suitable for any party. They can be tight-fitting or made of flowing materials such as chiffon or satin.
Style guideline:
Tied at the neck or fastened with a button – positive effect: shoulders are emphasised, the neck appears slimmer.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Everything, absolutely everything: midi skirt + trainers, hot pants + backless top + espadrilles, culottes + wedges. For a night out: sequinned mini. Wow!
One Shoulder Top
The one-shoulder top impresses with its asymmetry. It is held in place on only one shoulder by a strap or fabric band – the second shoulder remains free. This instantly enhances even simple outfits.
Style guideline:
Comfort included: unlike strapless pieces, which can slip, the strap ensures a secure fit.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Skinny jeans, blazers and ballerina flats – just as good as faux leather trousers + high heels or a pleated skirt + chunky boots.
Peplum Top
Word origin Greek: ‘peplum’ = floor-length, pleated dress. A peplum top is narrow in cut and has a flared, pleated piece of fabric/flounce – the ‘peplum’ – starting at the waist. This creates a tailored, feminine look. Christian Dior made it popular after the Second World War with the ‘Ligne Corolle’.
Style guideline:
Peplum tops do not suit every woman – depending on your silhouette, they can add volume to the hip/bottom area. If you have wider hips, opt for straighter cuts.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Choose slim-fit items (skinny jeans, pencil skirts) to show off the peplum. Avoid hiding it under cardigans if possible. Suitable for everyday wear: skinny jeans + pumps.
Racerback Top
A racerback top is close-fitting and exposes the shoulders and shoulder blades. Many sports tops and lightweight shirts are cut in a racerback style and have the characteristic T-shape at the back. A popular basic for warm days – versatile to style.
Style guideline:
Plain colours as a classic basic – harmonises with many looks.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Culottes, linen or pleated trousers give the sporty top the right twist. A loose shirt with it? Works. Evening: black tube mini + blazer + mules. Depending on the outfit: trainers, espadrilles, wedges or sandals. Don't forget your sunglasses during the day.
Spaghetti Strap Top
The thin straps of this flowing top are the inspiration for its evocative name. Materials vary, but the cut remains minimalist with a straight neckline. A must-have in the 90s – versatile and with a focus on well-formed shoulders.
Style guideline:
Spaghetti straps should stand alone. Style faux pas: strap chaos on the shoulders. Only wear a discreet, strapless bra in a matching colour (transparent bra straps are rarely truly invisible).
Suitable styles & combinations:
Casual: jeans + cardigan. Elegant: culottes + blazer. Pair with trainers or pumps. For hot days: match with hot pants.
Tank Top
A tank top is a sleeveless shirt that has evolved from the classic undershirt. Depending on its use, it can be tight or loose, with different strap widths and materials (cotton, chiffon, silk). Difference to a T-shirt: no sleeves – the transition to a short-sleeved or spaghetti top is fluid. Tank tops are unisex. The term originates from swimwear (‘tank suits’ of the 60s).
Style guideline:
The classic white top made of fine rib cotton is an absolute classic – it goes with all styles.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Ideal for casual wear with jeans or jogger trousers. Perfect for layering: elegant, single-colour layered look – jazzed up with sequins, lurex or jewellery.
Triangle Top
The triangle top gets its name from the triangular shape of the front. Often backless and laced with ribbons – reminiscent of swimwear and beachwear; often colourfully printed.
Style guideline:
Triangle tops inevitably exude holiday flair – taboo for business looks.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Goes well with all denim looks. Cool: triangle top + shorts or trendy jogging bottoms. With a maxi skirt in an ethnic design, you'll be riding the gypsy wave.
Tube Top
The tube top is the longer version of the bandeau top. The close-fitting, elastic, tube-shaped top (English ‘tube’ = ‘tube’) without straps and with a straight-cut neckline replaces the T-shirt as a basic and, thanks to its simplicity, opens up countless styling possibilities.
Style guideline:
Tube tops are usually plain. Tip: choose a knitted model or one with elements that accentuate the neckline – it provides more support than the classic thin jersey version.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Strapless tops look particularly great on women with an athletic figure – they emphasise the neckline and toned upper arms. Relaxed with jeans and flat mules; equally strong with wide-leg trousers. An oversized men's shirt goes well with pleated trousers. Layering: white blouse under a tube top. For hot weather: airy shorts or a narrow, long silk skirt.
The perfect top: neckline, length & material – how to create your signature look
You don't choose the perfect top based on trends, but on the effect you want to create. The neckline sets the tone: bandeau and spaghetti straps emphasise the shoulders, halternecks and one-shoulders highlight the collarbone, and racerbacks elegantly shape the back. The length allows you to balance proportions – a crop top with high-waisted trousers accentuates a slim waist, a long top with slim-fit trousers creates a calm, chic look, and a peplum shapes the hourglass figure. The material also sets the mood: silk and satin for evening glamour, ribbed knit and jersey for effortless day-to-night looks, mesh and lace for a deliberate statement. Smart layering adds the finishing touch: blazers, short jackets or overshirts provide structure; all you need is one striking signature piece. The result is a style that is minimalist, precise – and unmistakably Ana Alcazar.
