Forget a White T-Shirt—This Pretty Top Is the Hero of My Summer Wardrobe

I don’t know about you, but this summer I’m looking for outfit inspo more than ever. And this week, as I was scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest, and noticed one common theme with every look I saved down: they all featured camis. Yes, every single outfit I was planning on recreating in the next few weeks had a pretty camisole top as its base, and that got me thinking, are camis set to surpass my white tee as my most-worn summer staple? I think so…

Not to be confused withtank tops or vests, the on-trend top is mostly characterised by thin spaghetti straps and a V-neckline, though it can also feature a round or cowl neck. It can be made from cotton fabric, but typically it is a satin design, often with a lace trim.

While a cami top offers an elevated alternative toribbed vests and T-shirts, it’s just as versatile, and in the last seven days I’ve spotten it styled underneath a cardigan with a mini skirt, with a sweatshirt andwide leg jeans in the transitional seasons and under anoversized blazer complete with tailored trousers to see you from the office to date night.

To prove my point, I’ve rounded up my five favourite camisole top outfits for the season ahead. Scroll on to see the looks and shop all the pieces you might need to recreate them yourself.

See the Camisole Top Outfits I'm Copying This Season:

1. Cami Top + Wide Leg Jeans + Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Yes, we all rely on the classic jeans and a T-shirt ensemble for off-duty days throughout the year, but I'm switching up the look by simply swapping the tee for a cami top this summer. If you feel the cold, then layer with a button-front cardigan.

Shop the Look:

MANGO

Combined Top With Openwork Details

The open knit detail, combined with the half button fastening and open front screams summer. I'd pair with high waisted denim shorts, jeans or a slip skirt.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Ayla Baggy High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

A worthy investment piece you will certainly get your cost per wear out of.

Red cardigans were all the craze a few months back, but the Parisienne style of this button-up is not going away anytime soon.

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Soft Suede Loafers

Suede loafers have been a huge trend for months. Why? Because the footwear offer a smart yet softer finish compared to trainers or event ballet flats.

2. Cami Top + Capri Pants + Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: Capri pants—otherwise known as pedal pushers for the 80's and 90's kids—have returned. If you're unsure how to style the 3/4 length trousers, simply add a cami top that skims the hips and offers a flared hem to contrast the slimline bottoms. Pair with flip flops or ballet pumps in the day, alternatively opt for a kitten heel come the evening.

Shop the Look:

The gathered bust, tiered detail and flared hem makes this the perfect cami top for those wanting to ease into the trend yet want some coverage around the mid-section.

Reformation

Petra Linen Low Rise Pedal Pusher Pant

Lightweight linen and gingham fabrics make a resurgence every summer, without fail. Reformation has cleverly combined the two in these capri trousers, which are breathable, playful and perfect for the holiday season.

Reiss

Mesh Double-Strap Ballet Flats

Reiss' mesh ballet flats come in two colours, neutral and oxblood, but I recommend the former to complement every summer outfit.

Miu Miu

Acetate Oval Sunglasses

These oval sunglasses are reminiscent of the popular specs Jennifer Aniston wore in the '90s. Considering nostalgia-core is rife now, Miu Miu's chic accessory is the finishing touch to complement any look this season.

3. Cami Top + Matching Skirt + Sandals

Style Notes: A co-ord makes for fuss-free styling, but delivers maximum effect. What I love about this look is the cami top can sit over the bottom layer, or be tucked in to give the illusion of a one-piece dress. Genius!