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Why The Party Top Is In Its Comeback Era 

From bandeaus to bustiers we're reaching for our "nice tops" this summ
The sweetest thingColumbia Tristar

Whether you actually remember the 2000s or are just well acquainted with the cinema of the era you’ll recall the “going out top” was a central component of any respectable evening look. From The Sweetest Thing to Sex and The City camisols, bustiers and even denim vests dressed up jeans and capris with aplomb. Somehwere along the way, we forgot the power of the going out top switching it out for the one-and-done ease of the party dress. But, several weeks into the most social time of the year we’re starting to apprecaite the sartorial wisdom of a “jeans and a nice top” approach to dressing. A good collection of elegant evening tops can make your wardrobe work that much harder, whether it’s elevating more casual pants and skirts to eveningwear status or inspiring an entirely new outfit. And, they of course make layering for unpredictable weather that much easier.

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Sarag Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
(Credit: HBO)

While we welcome sparkling embellishments, they’re not always necessary. We love to keep a playful, bustier, sexy bandeau of shoulder-baring halter top on hand. If you’re short on inspiration for styling a dressy top we suggest you look back on some of Sarah Jessica Parker’s best moments on Sex and the City (truly queen of the camisole). Otherwise, we’ve got you covered, from minimalist off-the-shoulder styles to sexy modern takes on the corset. 

Finding the perfect going out top for you takes time so the Marie Claire team have rounded up our personal favourites below.

Where To Find The Perfect “Going Out” Top

  1. Revolve
  2. The Iconic
  3. David Jones
  4. Net-A-Porter
  5. Myer

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Going Out Tops For Every Need, And Occasion

Anine Bing, Eliana Top
(Credit: Net-A-Porter)

01

Anine Bing, Eliana Top

$511.26 at Revolve

Best for: Halter top

The halterneck top is a classic summer style, perfect for hot days. You can find plenty of casual and sexy options, but we also love silky, dressier options like this beautifully draped halter from Anine Bing. Worn with trousers or matching silk pants (it’s a pyjama girl summer, after all), it gives 90s supermodel energy. Styled with denim, it elevates a more casual look.

Key features:

  • 100% silk
  • Lining: 100% viscose
  • Halterneck with two-button closure
  • Draped low back
  • Dry clean

Also available at:

  • $343 (usually $490) with limited stock at Net-A-Porter
  • $ from [Store name]
  • $ from [Store name]
Jac + Jac, Nagnata Yang Tube Top
(Credit: Jac+Jac)

02

Jac + Jac, Nagnata Yang Tube Top

$99 (usually $225) at Jac+Jack

Best for: Bandeau

Remember that Y2K relic “the tube top”? You can stop your shudder right there. We’re not asking you to revisit it a second time round. Originally popularised in the 70s, the bandeau has experienced a resurgence and an upgrade over the last 12 months. The stretchy, synthetic versions we might remember from our teens have been banished and replaced by minimalist styles. From tailored options to classic bandeaus and colourful “tube tops” (like this one from Dazie) there’s plenty to choose from – we recommend styling with pants or tailored shorts and a pair of thongs. This bandeau from Jac+Jac has all the benefits of a relaxed style with additional support thanks to mid-section compression.

Key features:

  • Merino wool composition
  • Single layer jacquard knit
  • Mid compression support
  • Hand or cold machine wash
Christopher Esber, Veiled Top "Mist"
(Credit: Christopher Esber )

03

Christopher Esber, Veiled Top “Mist”

$354 (usually $590) at Christopher Esber

Best for: off-the-shoulder

There’s something endlessly alluring about the shoulders – which is why the coy, elegant off-the-shoulder top is such an enduring classic. We love this refined version from Australian designer Christopher Esper, which features sheer silk throughout the body and rouched over the bust line. Perfectly styled with jeans, it’s easily dressed up with pants or a skirt and drop earrings.

Key features:

150-300 word description of this product.

  • 100% silk
  • Sheer stretch fabrication
  • Low back
  • Dry clean only
  • Also available in black, white and emerald green
  • Model wears size 8
Zemeta, Gift Birron Corset
(Credit: Revolve)

04

Zemeta, Gift Birron Corset

$185.76 (usually $264.15) at Revolve

Best for: bustier

While it was once the remit of Halloween parties and cosplay events, thanks to trends like cottagecore and regency core (thank you, Bridgerton) have made the bustier cool. Otherwise known as the corset top it’s one of the most flattering styles you’ll find, accentuating the waist and, of course, the bust. The bustier is a perfect addition to your wardrobe. It can be easily styled over a puff-sleeved summer dress or along with low-slung jeans. There are plenty of styles of corset tops, from lacy-barely there camisole numbers to sexy halterneck styles. We love this classic regency-style option from Zemeta.

Key features:

  • 80% polyester, 20% wool
  • Exposed zipper side closure
  • Floral embroidery band at bust
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Traditional corset lace up back tie closure
Shona Joy, Asteri Long Sleeve Top

05

Shona Joy, Asteri Long Sleeve Top

$360 at Shona Joy

Best for: Long sleeve

Whether there’s a chill in the air or you just feel a bit weird in a sleeveless top (we get you), finding the perfect evening top that’s suitably glamorous and summer-friendly is tricky. Draped, sheer and Gatsby-esque the Asteri from Shona Joy fits the bill. 

Key features:

  • Sheer mesh with sequin and bead embellishments
  • Boat neckline
  • Long, wide sleeves
  • Cropped loose fit
  • 100% polyester mesh
  • Dry clean only

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