When it comes to summer wardrobe staples, you can’t go wrong with a go-to cute top. Pair the same piece with denim shorts for the beach, under a nap dress or with your favorite pair of jeans for a night out. You can even dress it up with a matching maxi skirt — the potential outfit combos are limitless.
But where to start? Lucky for you, we’ve consulted style experts to fill you in on the tops they’ll be wearing this summer and what pieces they’re hoping to snag.
The best part is all their picks are available on Amazon, so you don’t have to scan multiple websites or worry about complicated returns and exchanges. All that’s left to do is add to cart and start putting together your own Insta-worthy summer outfit.
What makes a great summer top?
Finding the perfect summer ensemble can feel like a struggle. Our experts agree that the best summer top is one that is comfortable and versatile. Gisele Milan Smith, a New York City-based content creator, says that the perfect summer top can be taken from day to night: “Anything that makes a seamless transition … from my desk to happy hour is a great find.”
Our editors also agree that fabric matters when it comes to the latest summer trends. That’s why we recommend anything in breathable cotton or linen, especially in summer whites or fun florals.
Best summer tops from Amazon
We can't get enough of the cottagecore look. That's why we love this top from editor-loved brand Rails, which features another viral trend: bows. With the ruffled edges and floral pattern, this top is sure to be a go-to essential in your wardrobe this summer.
Our editors agree that relaxed linen is one of our favorite trends to wear this summer. It's easy-breezy and, above all, comfortable yet chic. We love this flattering linen waistcoat from English Factory that comes with an adjustable strap in the back. What makes it even better are the handy front pockets.
Copy editor Danielle Poiesz vouches for this sleeveless blouse from Amazon. The unique keyhole detail elevates the basic tank top, making it an ideal dressed-up top for everyday wear. Better yet, it's available in a range of unique patterns and shades like gradient, floral and bohemian.
Our pick for best splurge-worthy white tee, The Margo is made with high-quality cotton in a cute, boxy cut. The shirt is editorial coordinator Rachel Dennis' personal favorite white tee because of its versatility.
Nothing embodies summer vibes more than white floral lace. This chic, off-shoulder top is the perfect versatile summer top. Dress it up with a maxi skirt or pair it with jeans and you're bound to have an Insta-worthy outfit.
"To me this is the perfect summer top, especially for a work-from-home person like me," Smith says. "It feels business-appropriate with a little flair on top yet fun and flirty on the bottom."
On those summer days when it's unbearably hot, a scarf top will help you stay cool yet fashionable. We love this unique botanical-themed top from Seven Wonders. It's lightweight and perfect to wear as a cover-up at the beach or over a matching skirt.
“This top literally goes with everything and looks a lot more expensive than it actually is,” says fashion and beauty content creator?Megan Sri. Lifestyle and fashion content creator?Octavia Brown?also recommends this chic tank, adding that the white option is a must-have for the summer season. “It effortlessly pairs with shorts or even a slip skirt, enhancing the sweetheart neckline for a flirty and captivating look,” she says. “Ideal for a romantic date night.”
“This is the perfect little white and 100% cotton cottagecore top,” says?Michelle Blashka, fashion content creator. “I love the sweetheart neckline and smock details,” she adds. “Plus, it’s size inclusive and available in sizes XXS [to] 5X.”
“You can never have too many cropped tank tops,” says content creator?Helen Lee, “especially high-quality summer staples like this one.” Lee’s a fan of this piece’s trendy design and its ribbed knit material.
“This top is buttery soft with a charming button detailing in the front,” says fashion and lifestyle content creator?Amanda Walker. “I absolutely love the subtle off-shoulder look,” she adds, describing it as unique and on-trend.
“I love this top,” style influencer?Sophie Greene says. “It’s giving the Sofia Richie aesthetic but for an affordable price.” She recommends styling with a matching white pant or skirt and a nude heel — perfect for a chic summer evening dinner.
“I love a metallic moment during the warmer months,” fashion content creator?Cat Ward says. “We’re also seeing a lot of off-the-shoulder tops pop back up, which I’m really excited about.” This top would be equally chic at home, on date night or at brunch with your besties. I love when pieces can be styled up or down with ease!
Lee describes this double-lined tee as “soft, buttery and stretchy — perfect for all-day wear.” She recommends pairing this super-flattering staple with light-wash jeans for “the cutest casual summer outfit.”
A plain white tee is a year-round wardrobe staple but a necessity this time of year. “This one is easy to style and affordable,” Ward says. “You can pair it with denim for an effortless ’90s vibe or do a printed short for something a little more fun.”
"This elevated tube top has already been my go-to for summer,” Walker says. "The functioning zippers on the side make it customizable and adjustable depending on your outfit and styling choices. It has a great fit and comes in a variety of colors.”
“No summer wardrobe is complete without a fun going-out top that makes you feel confident and colorful,” Smith says. “I would style this top with a crisp pair of white wide-leg jeans and an eye-catching shoulder bag."
Brown calls this bodysuit “an ideal choice for basics enthusiasts." She adds that this easy top blends simplicity and style with an elegant square neckline. The content creator recommends pairing it with loose linen trousers and chic?sandals for the perfect summer ensemble. “Don't forget to add a pop of color for a playful touch while also stocking up on neutrals for a versatile wardrobe,” she adds.
“This easy, oversized button-up makes for the perfect summer subway shirt or pool cover-up,” Blashka says. “I’d style it over my favorite bikini with a pair of shorts and head for the beach.”
“This top is a fantastic summer find, perfect for casual styling,” Brown says. “Whether paired with shorts and sneakers for a relaxed daytime look or dressed up with trousers and heels for an evening outing, it offers versatile and effortless style.”
Blashka recommends this lacy top, which is available in a long-sleeve and a short-sleeve option. “It’s super cute buttoned up or worn open,” she says. “I’d style this statement top over a slip dress or bralette and denim cutoffs.”
Walker shares that she’s been pairing this tube top with jeans, skirts and shorts this summer. “This top is the perfect length and made with a thick, ultra-stretchy material,” she says. “It looks good with everything.”
Lee recommends this versatile white top, which she describes as “perfect for concerts, day parties and festivals.” Dressed up or down, the crisscross cut at the front is super flattering while the bowtie in the back is a wonderfully girly touch.
“No layers needed,” Widder says. “This fun top is a stand-alone look.” She recommends pairing it with sandals and denim shorts or white jeans, though “the possibilities are endless.”
In need of a basic tank but looking for something a bit more interesting? Walker’s a fan of this asymmetrical top, which is the perfect version of an upgraded essential.
“I love a classic button-down for summer,” Smith says. "It can easily go from the beach as a cover-up to dinner paired with jeans. The colorblocking on this classic silhouette makes it a perfect wardrobe essential, with a bit of extra flair.”
