The Essential White Summer Top

All images above via Pinterest

Style Theory: The white top, possibly the most versatile, useful item in your summer wardrobe. Every year there is a little twist on the white top, last year it was the boho top, this year it is the fluted sleeve. I am a fan of both styles and also like a little lace and detail thrown in. 

It is tricky to keep a white top looking completely pristine white year after year so this time, every summer, I decide my wardrobe requires a couple more white tops. I wear them all summer, at the moment I am wearing them under fine cardigans and blazers with boyfriend jeans and trainers. When the weather warms up I will be wearing my white tops with denim shorts, my khaki trousers or culottes and white superga trainers or tan strappy sandals.

There are so many to choose from on the high street, especially now so many stores are on sale. Here is my edit of my favourites and quite a few will be making it to my shopping basket!...

Matches - reduced to £160

Sometimes it is worth investing in a more expensive white top as they keep their clean pristine colour longer. I love the shape of the one above, the lace detail and the shaping at the waist to flatter and conceal a tummy..perfect.

Matches Isabel Marant Etoile £117

The ruffles stole my heart on this top, I have bought this in the dress vesrion in black (now sold out) and cannot wait to get it. This top is sitting in my basket..hopefully it hasn't sold out as it is one of my favourites. It would look so stunning on holiday with a vintage levis denim skirt, tan sandals and straw bag, perfect for a laid back but super stylish look.

Matches Weekend Max Mara £105

Again I do love a peplum, it skims beautifully over my mum-tum and the band around the middle creates the illusion of a waist. The boat neck top is particularly flattering for those of us with a small chest and soft sleeve details looks amazing on the top of arms, a really stunning, delicate top.

Mango £29.99

Fluted sleeves are a 'thing' this year, this is a great twist on the basic white top, will bring your look straight into 2016.

Mango £35.99

Beautiful embroidery detail at the neck of this top, a good basic for this season.

Topshop £35

The frill detail on this blouse is stunning, it would look fab under a blazer or cardigan now and dressed down with city shorts and tan strappy sandals when it heats up.

Topshop now £18

I have been looking at this top for a while and now it is in the sale I think it is such a good buy, it will probably only last one season as it is not the most robust fabric but for £18 it may be worth it.

Jovanna @Topshop now £23

A little unique, loving the collar and the detail on the shoulder, this is a top that will get a lot of compliments.

River Island £26

The cold shoulder look is still going strong and the lace of this top makes it look soft and flattering.

River Island £28

So this is so not white but I love love this top, it has a real authentic boho look and the pale blue with red embroidery looks stunning. Perfect for slinging over a bikini with a pair of shorts and majorcan sandals.

River Island £25

Bardot tops always look so chic, I love this one.

Mango @Asos £35.99

Such a pretty, grown up, looking bardot top, tuck the front in your jeans and shorts to save the top looking too floaty.

Warehouse @Asos £32

An easy wear top, put a vest top underneath or wear over your bikini on holiday.

M&S £29.50

A pure cotton top will keep you cool on hot days and loving the arm length!

M&S £28

Another cute white top from M&S, love the frill neckline and edging on the arms. I wouldn't bother accessorising with a long necklace it looks too fussy,especially with the pintuck detail. Keep accessories to some fine gold bangles and maybe gold statement earrings. 

On a side note I would love love to style M&S online fashion, they have got so many amazing items which are sometimes let down by the styling..so if anyone can put a word in for me, I would adore it!! ;-) xxx

There were so many white tops to choose from, I love them all and do wear them so much on holiday (now my kids are a little older - I used to only wear black when they were tiny!) plus the fact I have just washed all my white tops and managed to dye them a pale shade of blue (rogue tie-dye T-shirt of Jack's in the wash..grrrrr!!) So time to buy a few new ones! Have you bought any white tops this year, which style is your favourite? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Fran xxx