If there’s one style question we hear over and over, it’s how to feel comfortable in the summer without wearing tops that cling to the tummy area. Thus came the idea to style A Line tops.
Quote of the day: “And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” Erica Jong
I know, I know. I hear women dismissing these items with the thought that they make them look pregnant.
But I don’t understand why we think it looks better to wear a tight shirt that encases our tummies?
And why is looking pregnant a bad thing? Heck, if most of us were pregnant at our age, it would be a newsworthy event. LOL.
An A line top is typically more fitted through the bust and shoulders, then gently flares away from the body. That extra room creates movement, keeps you cooler, and lets you enjoy your outfit without constantly tugging at it.
And my crew is here to show how A line tops work with almost any bottom. The three of us showcased different colorways, different items, yet all embracing A line tops to stay cool in the summer.
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The beauty of A line tops is that they balance comfort and style. Instead of hiding your shape, they skim over the areas you may not want emphasized.
Is it flattering? The true question is, is flattering the most important aspect of your look? I’ve talked about rethinking the idea of flattering.
I mean, let me expound about the wonderful details why you should consider a line tops:
And contrary to popular belief, they don’t have to look oversized or shapeless.
Stylist tip: What I’d like to point out is that all 3 of us mirrored the same silhouette from our top in the bottom half. While we hear a lot about “balance” meaning to pair a flowy item with a fitted item, sometimes, echoing the same shape is even better.
These tops may also be called a variety of other names, such as:
-Swing top
-Flowy top
-Balloon top
-Peplum top
I chose a colorful A line top paired with patterned pants for a fun summer look.
What I Love about this top is that it’s more fitted through the bust while the lower portion gently flares away from the body. The lower neckline keeps it from feeling matronly, and the puff sleeves add a little extra personality.
Proportional detail: My pants are a wide-leg, flowy pair that echoes the A line tops’ shape.
Details:
-With a neckline like this, you might wonder what type of necklace to wear. That’s why I used a brooch instead, plus wore my shoulder-scraping earrings.
-Cork sandals are such a fun way to incorporate a neutral shoe, but they still have texture and personality.
-While my exact sun hat is sold out, American Hat Makers has many other options. (my code JTOS). If you’re not one for thrifted hats, then this company is wonderful.
Lesley shows how versatile an A line top can be by pairing a classic black version with a short black and white printed skirt.
Stylist tip: If you worry about the bulkiness of A line tops, add longer necklaces to give your look vertical dimension.
Black may be a neutral, but the silhouette and sheer layer keep the outfit from feeling too heavy. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the shape of a garment is just as important as the color.
Proportional detail: Lesley’s skirt is a flowy skirt with ruffles that mimic the flowiness of the top.
Details:
-This is the same black and white skirt that Lesley wore recently when we talked about what to pair with that color combination print. Even though she paired it with black, the bright pink accessories really livened it up.
-Scarves are practical to add coverage when a place is too air-conditioned. Tying it on your purse is the easiest way to add fun to the look and have it when you need it. BTW, notice the print mixing…scarf and skirt.
Charlotte paired her sunny yellow A line top with an A line denim skirt, and I love how the two pieces work together.
Proportional detail: Charlotte’s denim skirt is a longer A line that copies the shape of her top. There’s a gentle flare to both which creates harmony.
If you prefer a little more definition, this is also a perfect outfit for adding a belt at the waist. Some women love the freedom of the A line shape, while others enjoy creating more structure. Both options work beautifully.
Details:
-My mom has had this skirt since 2019. While they became trendy again in the last couple of years, I really consider denim skirts to be a classic item. Sure, the length and silhouette change over time, but my best advice is that it’s never just 1 item that makes an outfit trendy or frumpy.
-While the outfit already has color with the yellow top, adding in multicolored accents really gives the overall look more personality. If my mom had accessorized with only yellows or blues, it would seem dated.
-And texture!! My mom’s top has an interest in that lace-like neckline texture. Sure, we need basics sometimes, but finding items with personality built in makes putting together a fun outfit easy.
That’s what makes A line tops such a valuable addition to your wardrobe. Different bottoms. A variety of colors. All with different personalities.
Yet all three outfits demonstrate how an A line silhouette can provide comfort without sacrificing style.
I’ve talked about this style of tops or concept in the past if you want more inspiration:
–What to wear with flowy tops
–How to use a peplum top to hide a tummy
–Hide your belly
If you’ve been avoiding fitted tops because you don’t like fabric hugging your tummy, an A line top might be the answer. It offers ease and movement while still looking polished and intentional.
Don’t be mad at your body that it looks different in the clothes you used to wear.
Instead, concentrate on evolving and finding other shapes and styles that feel better to you.
The beauty of A line tops is that they adapt to your personal style rather than forcing you into someone else’s idea of fashion.
After all, being the boss of your clothes means finding silhouettes that make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to enjoy summer your way.
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Jodie Filogomo is a retired cosmetic dentist and fashion blogger behind Jodie’s Touch of Style, where she has been helping women over 50 experiment with style in fun, creative ways for over 12 years.
Find out more about the crew, because we love to showcase all ages, body shapes and women who love different styles.
The post A Line Tops: The Easy Summer Solution When You Don’t Want Fabric Clinging to Your Tummy appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
