Future You Is Gonna Look Really Good in These 8 Summer Top Trends

I practically live in jeans and slouchy trousers, so great tops are a staple in my wardrobe. Looking to the season ahead, there are so many trendy summer tops on the horizon that are already starting to bubble up among the fashion set. If you have summer on the mind as I do, you're probably already shopping for some warm-weather looks—and I have all of the cool top trends you'll want to add to your cart.

This summer, there really is something for everyone when it comes to fashion-forward tops. Midriff-bearing tops take on the rising "naked" trends that are set to be everywhere, oversize button-downs offer up a directional way to wear comfortable clothing, and padded elbow-sleeve tees introduce a trendy take on the basic T-shirt. But there are plenty more to know about. Ahead are the eight trendy summer tops that you're about to see on the fashion set.

Midriff-Baring Tops

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

I can't get enough of the midriff-baring tops that are everywhere on the market right now. Pair them with a mini or maxi skirt, and then add a fun pair of heels.

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Oversize Button-Downs

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(Image credit: @dualipa)

Add an oversize button-down over denim, swimwear, or micro-shorts to tap into one of the biggest top trends for summer. I particularly love all of the bold shades on the market right now like lime green and bubblegum pink.

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Black-and-White Prints

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(Image credit: @pamarias)

Brands like Chanel and Matteau have beautiful black and white printed tops in their current collections and the fashion set can't get enough of them. Style one over a bikini top and relaxed trousers.

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Bust Detail Tops

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

One of the coolest micro-trends on the S/S 21 runways? Interesting bust detail pieces. Already a favorite among the fashion set, look for tops from brands including Lirika Matoshi, Area, and Christopher John Rogers.

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Retro Florals

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(Image credit: @withjean)

Retro florals are happening in a major way at the moment. From swimwear to tops, these throwback prints add a major dose of fun to any look.

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Underwater Prints

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(Image credit: @annarvitiello)

Most notably seen in Versace's S/S 21 collection, underwater prints featuring seashells and starfish are having a moment. This is the first thing I'll be packing in my suitcase once I plan a vacation.

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Padded Elbow-Sleeve Tees

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Elbow-sleeve tees with padded shoulders are picking up steam. These give an editorial spin to a basic tee and this editor is snapping them up. I especially love the fun prints from designers like The Attico and Retrofête.

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Knitted Tops

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Knits for summer? They're about to be big. Be on the lookout for crochet tank tops with cool designs ranging from stripes to florals to patchwork.

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Next, shop 45 epic under-$100 items for a trendy summer.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.