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6 Halterneck Top Outfits I’ll be Recreating in Summer 2025.

By Swedan Margen

6 Halterneck Top Outfits I’ll be Recreating in Summer 2025.

As I write this, the day’s weather forecast includes a high of 29 degrees and my instantaneous thought is: What am I going to wear in the heat? Dressing for warm temperatures in London, of course, is easier said than done. For me, the easiest thing to do when needing outfit inspo is to take to the shops. Every year around this time, I make my annual summer purchase of a single chic top option that can be worn over and over through the current season and beyond. Once fueled by sales and frivolous purchases, the older I get, the smarter my buys have become. I aim to buy less and buy better, and am always on the lookout for a trendy yet timeless piece that will work hard for me. This year, one style continues to draw my attention: the halterneck.

Bella Hadid wears a leather shorts a black body suit and black cowboy boots in an image taken in NYC in July 12, 2024.

Finding the perfect piece for the stereotypical jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit (or leather shorts and a nice top as Bella Hadid stylishly proves) is a dilemma that probably everyone has faced. But, both celebrities and fashion people alike have made their decision and keep turning to the halterneck top again and again. With a Parisian elegance, the halterneck top has re-emerged as a wardrobe staple whilst simultaneously maintaining its party girl, Y2K roots.

In 2025, we’ve seen many Y2K styles come to the forefront once again. Think Bermuda shorts or the Micro-skirt, think chunky thong sandals and low-rise jeans. But halterneck tops are arguably one of the most popular trend to date. I know, a massive statement to make, but at this point, there's not a day that goes by where I don’t spot it worn by a stylish person on my Instagram, a celeb at some sort of sparkling event, or on the streets, both at home in London and abroad.

Paris Hilton wears a diamante halter neck top and matching skirt at the 2008 American Music Awards.
Paris Hilton wears a diamante halter neck top and matching skirt at the 2008 American Music Awards.

So what is it that makes the halterneck top so popular? The design is simple—sleeveless, with an open-back silhouette—but its impact is simply sublime. From its glitzy glam noughties era—a time you can't think about without thinking of Paris Hilton and her multiple outfits, for her 21st birthday parties—to its evolution into a refined basic like a halter vest, the halterneck top is one silhouette that has consistently stood the test of time. Re-entering the fashion scene in the autumn/ winter 2023 season, the shape was revitalised with fresh, contemporary twists, such as a thick neck white strap and jewelled bodice at Chanel, to a fuchsia ribbed iteration with a knot front detail at Simkhai. These tops are perfect for any summer capsule wardrobe, as they’re made for sipping a drink at the pub, wearing when out and about on holiday on the Amalfi Coast, or just running some errands at the weekend (yes, a halterneck top can look casual!)

As for creating the perfect halterneck top outfit, I’ve looked to the experts. Unsurprisingly, fashion people are creating flawless summer looks, all with a halterneck top at the forefront. Keep scrolling to see the halterneck looks I'm going to recreate this summer.

See the 6 Halterneck Top Outfits I’m Recreating This Summer:

1. Halterneck Top + Genie Trousers + Crochet Mules

Fashion person Jeannette wears a crochet halterneck top, beige genie pants and crochet mules. She is sitting on a stone bench, in front of a stone wall, in a recent image from her Instagram.

Style Notes: I’ll be in the crochet mood for the rest of the summer after seeing just how effortlessly chic Jeanette Madsen looks in this halter! The addition of genie trousers creates a light and breezy vibe that's perfect for a getaway, but this outfit works just as hard at home, too. For an elevated take on the look, pair your crochet with a crisp poplin skirt, a sandal and a blazer.

Shop the Look:

Embellished Crochet Knit Vest

Massimo Dutti

Embellished Crochet Knit Vest

With a thicker crochet, this is perfect to wear both at home and abroad.

Misty Bubble Pants

Free People

Misty Bubble Pants

These are a trouser you’ll wear again and again when away.

Magda Butrym , Crochet mules

Magda Butrym

Crochet mules

Featuring intricate lace broderie and a square toe, this mule elevates every warm-weather outfit.

2. Halterneck Top + Jeans + Pointed Toe Heels

Fashion person Amy Lefevre wears a white halter neck top, a pair of black baggy denim jeans and a black leather pointed toe heel. She is standing in front of a restaurant background in a recent image from her Instagram.

Style Notes: After seeing Amy Lefevre in this halterneck top and jeans combo, I was instantly sold. By pairing her halter with a slouchy low-waisted jean and a sharp pointed toe, she creates a lo-fi, throw-on-and-go vibe that’s exactly what I’m after for cooler days—and it’s a look I’m already itching to recreate. I probably won’t look quite as cool, but I’ll be giving it my best shot.

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6 Halterneck Top Outfits I’ll be Recreating in Summer 2025. - Vanity Fair Fashion