Women's Tops

Ladies' fashion is so complex that designers and retailers have given up on naming subcategories. Everything you'd wear on top is just called a "top." We're here to try and elucidate consumers and make filling your closet simple.  We're narrowing this category a bit--this article won't cover clothing that goes on top of tops like sweaters,  blazers, or jackets.   Read on and we'll help you understand the vast world of products also known as "shirts."

As with all fashion, any of these items could be twisted, reconceptualized, and mutated into any hybrid form fabric could allow. Prepare to have your consciousness altered by the array of options before you. As such, this guide cannot describe every permutation of top. So focus on the basics before your imagination runs wild.

Easy to Understand Tops
Strapless  No straps or sleeves. Very daring. Tube tops  fall into this category. Make sure it's secure so that you leave something to the imagination--invest in a strapless bra.	Tank Tops  Anything with straps instead of sleeves. Perfect for warm weather. Straps can be thin like bra straps or wider, like a sleeveless t-shirt.	T Shirts  Incredibly versatile and comfortable. Cropped,  tiny tees are no longer in fashion. Beware the midriff. Layering tees is making a comeback.	Long Sleeved Tops  Keeps you warmer than a shorter sleeves. All sorts of sleeve treatments and body styles are possible here. Henley's  and turtlenecks  are included here.

Professional Blouses

Classic Fit  are simple, comfy, and relaxed but hard for larger-chested women. Work well with suits. Tailored  blouses give a more refined silhouette if it hugs your curves well. 3/4 Length Sleeves  go just past the elbow for intermediate weather and a put-together look. Not great under blazers, there you'll want a full length sleeve. Short-Sleeved  are more casual and still business casual. Sleeveless  blouses are usually too casual for the office unless covered up by a sweater.  French Cuff  is an angular cuff with the option of contrast colors. These require cufflinks  and beware, the cuffs get dirty very easily.

Trendy Tops
Victorian  Romantic  styles with puffy sleeves, ruffles, lace, pearl buttons, and/or billowing parts. Sweet and feminine. Too many ruffles can make a non-skinny woman look rather large.	80's Themes  Disco fashions are making a resurgence: tops fall at hip or below hip and are loose on top and then fitted around the hips. Pair with straight, skinny jeans.  Layer under a tank top or t-shirt.	Sheer Black  Sheer black tops should be worn with a black tank top  or bra  underneath, Not suitable for the office. Try to keep the bottom simple or this look could get trashy.	Tunic Tops  Bohemian  and Indian-inspired cuts and prints mark these loose-fitting, long blouses. Comfortable and interesting. Loose fabrics always make you look a bit bigger, but can also hide some imperfections.

What Else Could Go on Your Top?

• Many Buttons make it more whimsical. Especially if there aren't any button holes.
• Sashes can tie at the neckline, below the bust, at the waist, on the bottom, or anywhere in between. Make sure yours highlights your best features.
• Ruffles add to the romance or goofiness of a shirt, depending on their quantity. If you're not super-skinny, don't put chunky layers over ruffles or you'll balloon.
• Sparkles come in the form of sequins, glitter or rhinestones. These can dress the shirt up a lot, but look out or you'll cross over into the cheesy dimensions.
• Wrinkle-Free shirts keep you from ironing. Nice!
• Stretch shirts have a trace of spandex in them, bringing the shirt closer to you. As long as they're not too tight, this is a refined addition.

Non-Traditional Necklines
Sweetheart	Boatneck	Halter	Keyhole	Slit

How Can They Stay On?

• Over the head tops just pull on and off. Simple.
• Buttons pull a shirt together from the front or back.
• Ties could be for straps around your shoulders, neck, waist, or back.
• Spandex will keep anything up, if it's tight enough.
• Hooks mimic your bra and add some spice.
• Snaps are like buttons, but with a pop.
• Zippers often go up the front but sometimes tiny ones will be on the side or back, for a fancier top.

External Links

• About -- Ten romantic blouses to love.
• eHow -- How to choose the right neckline for your body.
• Style -- Learn about the über-trendy shirtdress.