Remember the "going-out top"? The one you collected by the dozen, to be paired with miniskirts and skinny jeans; heels and ankle booties alike? The years were the early-aughts and the slinky silk cami was one of the most prized wardrobe essentials you owned. Until it wasn't.
The most recent years gave way to more elegant pairings as we traded boudoir-inspired tops for statement silhouettes; jeggings and heels for ankle-crops and loafers. After more than a decade, though, we're ready to return. This time, though, we're infusing a little more timeless style [1] into the "going-out top" of today. Bustiers are the camisole to be paired with everything. We're layering them over knits in the Winter, showing off our shoulders in the Summer. We're dressing up vintage denim [2] and adding a little subtle flirt to our romantic midi skirts alike. Ahead, our 12 favorite bustier tops for Summer and Fall, along with six ways to style the trend today.
Opt for a bustier top with an exaggerated silhouette, like a peplum or ruffle, for added flair.
Layer your bustier over a t-shirt for a high-low look you can wear everywhere, all year round.
Mix prints with a striped bustier and floral skirt for a patterned look that will have all eyes on you.
Consider a matching set when it comes to your bustier, pairing it with ankle-crop pants in the same print.
Bare a little skin with your bustier look by matching a high-waisted bottom silhouette with a top that just barely grazes your naval.
Add a little something extra by choosing to pair your more casual denim with a boudoir-inspired lace bustier top this season.
Mix day and night by styling your most classic of button-down shirts with a party-ready bustier top layered over it.
Why wear your furry jacket over your top when you can layer it underneath your structured bustier top for a look that's sure to turn heads.
Choose a suiting look that's equal parts borrowed-from-the-boys and boudoir-inspired with a bustier top and high-waisted trousers.
Get party-ready with a black-tie inspired bustier top to pair with your subtly colored silk skirt.
Mix up your year-round mini skirt and blazer combo with the addition of a structured bustier on top instead of a more easy-fitting silk camisole.
Silvia Tcherassi Junquillo Peplum Bustier Vest Top
Silvia Tcherassi Junquillo Peplum Bustier Vest Top [3] ($580).
Reformation Magnolia Top
Reformation Magnolia Top [4] ($128).
Rosie Assoulin Bustino Plaid Crepe Bustier Top
Rosie Assoulin Bustino Plaid Crepe Bustier Top [5] ($750).
Alexis Kaela Jacquard Print Bustier
Alexis Kaela Jacquard Print Bustier [6] ($300).
Brock Collection Papiro Gingham Cami Top
Brock Collection Papiro Gingham Cami Top [7] ($780).
The Great Eros Forma Bustier
The Great Eros Forma Bustier [8] ($148).
American Rag Ruffled Bustier Top
American Rag Ruffled Bustier Top [9] ($8, originally $40)
Fleur du Mal Prince of Wales Checked Silk-Blend Bustier Top
Fleur du Mal Prince of Wales Checked Silk-Blend Bustier Top [10] ($295).
Wild Fable Plus Size Floral Print Strappy V-Neck Zip-Front Denim Cropped Top
Wild Fable Plus Size Floral Print Strappy V-Neck Zip-Front Denim Cropped Top [11] ($22).
Dolce & Gabbana Floral-Print Cady Bustier Top
Dolce & Gabbana Floral-Print Cady Bustier Top [12] ($945).
Le Fou Wilfred Solène Blouse
Le Fou Wilfred Solène Blouse [13] ($74).
Oscar de la Renta Cropped Printed Cotton-Blend Bustier Top
Oscar de la Renta Cropped Printed Cotton-Blend Bustier Top [14] ($436).
Re/Done Reconstructed Denim Bustier
Re/Done Reconstructed Denim Bustier [15] ($294).