How to Choose the Best Style of Top
Finding the right style of top isn’t about following fashion rules or squeezing yourself into something that doesn’t feel like you. It’s about choosing pieces that celebrate your individuality, highlight the parts you love most, and balance your overall look so that you feel confident every time you get dressed.
As a Berkshire-based image consultant, I know that choosing a top can feel overwhelming; so many cuts, fabrics, and necklines to choose from! That’s why I’ve gathered my top tips to help you make sense of it all
Why the Right Top Matters
Tops are the foundation of so many outfits, whether you’re dressing for a meeting, a day with the kids, or a dinner out. A well-chosen top can:
Complement your face shape
Balance your body proportions
Reflect your style personality
Enhance your colour palette
When these elements work together, your top doesn’t just cover you, it becomes a piece of your personal style toolkit.
A great technique to make your tops work for you is to tuck your tops. Check out my blog on To Tuck Or Not to Tuck: The Top Dilemma which helps you to decide when to tuck and when to leave it loose!
The Power of the V-Neck
If you’re ever unsure, start with a V-neck. This neckline is one of the most versatile: it works with most face shapes, every body shape, and all bust sizes. Just be mindful of the depth, if you have a smaller bust, choose a higher V to avoid the neckline overwhelming you.
Using Colour and Print to Direct Attention
Colour and pattern placement is a little style magic trick:
Want to draw attention to your upper body? Go for brighter colours, bold prints, and playful details around your neckline and shoulders.
Prefer to highlight your legs? Opt for tops in darker tones and matte fabrics, letting your bottom half take centre stage.
Balance Through Shoulder Details
If your hips are broader than your shoulders, add balance by choosing tops with:
Shoulder details like frills, puff sleeves, or embroidery
Light shoulder padding
A soft cowl neckline to add dimension
These small details help create harmony in your overall silhouette.
Straight Shapes and Structured Fits
For those with an athletic frame, boxy or straight tops echo the natural lines of your body beautifully. A clean cut can feel modern, effortless, and chic without the need for added fuss.
Defining the Waistline
If you’re fuller in the bust and hips, creating waist definition can work wonders. Try:
Wrap-style tops
Tops with belts or ties
Fitted styles that skim rather than cling
This helps create flow while celebrating your natural curves.
Softening Around the Middle
If your middle feels like your widest point, don’t worry, there are lots of gorgeous options:
Empire line tops that sit just under the bust
Wrap styles with diagonal lines that elongate your frame
Vertical seams or darts for subtle shaping
These choices give a gentle sense of structure without feeling restrictive.
Playing with Proportions
Your top can also balance the proportions of your body:
Longer legs and shorter torso? Try a long-line top.
Shorter legs and longer torso (like me!)? Go for a cropped style or tuck your top into high-waisted trousers or skirts.
It’s all about making your outfit work with your shape rather than against it.
The Takeaway
The best style of top for you depends on a mix of factors: your face shape, body shape, colour palette, and personal style. But most importantly, it should make you feel comfortable, confident, and yourself.
At a Style Analysis appointment, I’ll help you understand exactly what works for you and why. If you can’t make an appointment right now, think about which areas of your body you’d like to highlight, and which you’d prefer to downplay, and use the above tips as your guide.
If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out, I’m always happy to help. You can also follow along on my Instagram for daily inspiration and style ideas.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Style?
Book your Style Analysis appointment today and discover the joy of getting dressed with ease and confidence. Together, we’ll create a wardrobe that feels effortless, authentic, and fun.
Love
Lucy x