Tops. With...Intrigue
I found 30+ of them for you.
For the better part of the last year, I’ve been in ongoing discussion with friends on an apparent epidemic we’re facing. WHERE...are all the…tops?1
Not basics. I’m thinking about tops that pique interest.
It’s a category I’ve come to refer to as — Tops…with…Intrigue. (or TWI) Naturally, I consulted my Internet Friends for their thoughts on the apparent gap in the market:
It was clear there’s a bigger conversation here. So…I’ve launched an investigation.
Your shopping philosophy may be opposed to spending money on TWI you won’t reach for that often. Unfortunately…I am a romantic, especially when it comes to clothing.2 I believe deeply that one perfect garment (or exceptionally good outfit) can be transformative, and dare I say…powerful.
Below you’ll find a (semi) comprehensive list from a range of finds and brands I like, for your consideration. If you are a true Top Purist, you will have to continue to scour TRR, E-Bay and your local vintage/thrift, because that is undoubtedly where you’ll do do your best work. Duh.
Some housekeeping:
Items are grouped according to brand/category
Price point ranges (a couple aspirational choices lol)
This list will screw more new-and-available (for the sake of convenience)
Starting off — sheer and minimal with subtle sex appeal from St. Agni:
This long sleeve or sleeveless version has been on my wish list forever.
Or for a dressy option — her.
With a hint of 00’s nostalgia — there’s options at Paloma Wool:
Into cut and length on this long sleeve. (I’m a fan of their cupro fabric)
I actually own this and it delivers a T-Shirt-But-Better effect alone, or in layers.
Ok...not economical but damn, Christopher Esber eats this category UP.3
THIS!!!!! Jeans. Kitten Heels. (bet you could find something similar vintage)
Has a t-shirt ever looked this good? (honourable mention bc wow but $ </3)
I own this and has served me very well. If you’re into shirting, goes a lot of ways.
I discovered Coming of Age at Tangerine in Williamsburg. I like the combo of retro feeling cuts, combined with fun materials.
Jackets are tops, too. I love this soft pink in the silk.
Or bring the party in this iridescent silk version.
Digging into some consignment and vintage picks:
I’m aware at thelevel of wild cardbut here for it.RIP. Sold too soon.I’m ill…someone buy this! Nº 21 is incredibly underrated.
I see this with jeans and sexy strappy shoes. And a cosmo.
Last, but not least — some important one-offs:
For my minimalists — some Brooke Callahan options. Colour and cut here.
This, too. The red with dark indigo denim <3
Vaillant does some cool stuff. This lace trim cami has been in my SSense wishlist for eons. Makes me want to drink martinis and dance. (is it summer yet…)
Keely’s hand painted tanks are so cute and special. (is it summer yet???)
Azur pieces are more works of art than clothing, like this delicately stunning strapless bustier.
I’d probably find you intimidating if you wore this Rohe number in front of me.
Gimaguas does this category well at a nicer price point, like this denim tee.
Speaking of - if you liked the 2-in-1 tees from Esber above, these have a family resemblance. Love the red and pink colour combo, too.
This is a top version of the dress I wore for my dinner-party-wedding. Fab.
I <3 Deiji. Sweet little button up here.
Into Belle The Label, lately. Love this tank.
Have seen this around online, too. I’m a sucker for polka dots. Jackets as tops!!!
MNZ tank with a cool little tie detail.
Gil Rodriguez anything. Structure is fun!
Ok, wow. Our work will (literally?) never be done here, but this is a start. I had a lot of fun (obsessively) digging into this and think it could be fun to make this a series…
Do you find this category suffers in your closet? Do you have a holy grail place to look for them? Sound off below, if you have thoughts.
I wish you luck in your journey of sleuthing for TWI on and offline. I salute you <3
In My Saved Pile:
The Real Real just launched their very own (gossip girl-esque?) Substack — The Real Girl. Smart/cool way for a brand (that’s historically tricky to master) to show up here. I’m subscribed...
Interested in art history but don’t know where to start? Enter The Rose Period. A special corner of the internet where my friend Rose shares special and unusual stories of the art world from past and present. Can’t wait.
Recently I was stuck at home rotting with COVID, and somewhat randomly put on Martin Scorsese’s 1974 short Italian-American. Being Italian (both sides) it had my heart swelling thinking about my grandparents, and their own immigrant experiences. Loved it. Mama Scorsese is a complete riot. I hope that apartment still looks exactly the same. They just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.
The absolute best. Gotta love Marty.
Talk soon,
S x
To my gays, I do mean clothing.
I own a “Valentine” shirt.
I used to buy the collection and am an OG fan. The man is brilliant.
a goldmine!!! the róhe crushed satin top is a dream
Does anyone have any recs for places to get similar tops for a lower budget? ideally based in the UK because import & customs fees are so expensive. i'll be forever grateful <3