The hunt for a nice top to go with a good pair of jeans goes on. The chase is never really over, is it?
Whether you subscribe to the call of the catwalk or stick to your long-established style, everyone has certain staples hanging up in their wardrobe. The perfect LBD, a blazer that sharpens up whatever is underneath in a flash, a nicely worn-in pair of denim jeans. And, of course, some tops to go with those jeans.
Swing tops are having a moment, as they do every time the calendar moves into spring and summer.
Often sleeveless, the boxy yet flowing design follows an A-line silhouette - simply put, it’s wider at the bottom - offering a relaxed fit with plenty of airflow. Wear them with trousers, skirts or shorts: the style is popular thanks to its versatility.
Another plus? They’re also body-skimming rather than body-hugging, so if you’re conscious about certain areas in your upper half, a swing top can help boost confidence. Pick something with a pattern for even more camouflaging - floral and gingham are easy wins.
A swing top needn’t be about hiding anything: a halter design can accentuate shoulders, while leopard print will turn heads on a night out. The flared proportions can make your waist look teeny in comparison.
If you’re looking to shake up your tops game, a swing top deserves a place in your summer wardrobe. We’ve rounded up the best options available now to buy and wear with everything you already own.
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Nobody’s Child Black Contrast Trim Swing Top
While this top is part of a co-ord set that comes with matching shorts, it does have to be bought separately. If you’re looking for a nice top to match with jeans, shorts or a skirt, this one has wide appeal. Wear it everywhere from the office to the beer garden.
Buy now £55.00, Nobody’s Child
Hush Vera Linen Blend Shell Top
Trying to figure out what to wear in hot weather can be a nightmare, but if there’s one fabric that you can rely on, it is linen.
Breathable, cooling and with no expectation to iron, linen is our summer hero. Hush seems to agree: its boxy shell top is made from a linen blend and comes with matching loose trousers. Easy breezy.
Buy now £60.00, Hush
Aligne Penelope Linen Peplum Top
The figure defining look of a peplum combined with the carefree swing of a shell top. It may sound contradictory, but Aligne manages it well in this linen top, available up to size 22.
Buy now £99.00, Aligne
Next Monochrome Shell Top With Linen
Monochrome is fantastically easy to wear - perhaps that’s why we don’t stray from it so much.
This shell top is made holiday-ready thanks to a cropped design and side eyelets. Teamed with an abstract botanical print, there are matching drawstring trousers if you want the full effect.
Buy now £20.00, Next
Toast Tie Front Panelled Check Cotton Top
Floaty when you want it, gently tailored when you want some shape, this soft shell top from Toast comes in two bright checked prints with a tie front. It’s a cute look for the weekend, best paired with low-slung barrel jeans.
Buy now £135.00, Toast
Nobody’s Child Blue Denim Broderie Swing Top
A lighter, airier way to wear denim, this swing top comes with broderie detail along the hem, making it perfect for summertime. Pair it with the matching shorts or wear it with your favourite worn-in jeans for a head-to-toe look.
Available in sizes 6-18.
Buy now £65.00, Nobody’s Child
John Lewis ANYDAY Button Back Denim Shell Top
Sometimes, all you need is an easy top to throw on and go. Using denim, John Lewis has achieved this quality in its shell top, which comes with functional buttons down the back. Destined to become a wardrobe staple.
Buy now £35.00, John Lewis
French Connection Birdie Linen Tie Back Swing Top
An effortless top to pair with separates, this linen swing top is made for sudden heatwaves. It comes in mint green, black and this cashmere blue. Got gingham in your wardrobe? This will be a perfect match.
Available in sizes XS - XL.
Buy now £79.00, French Connection
ME+EM Stripe Scallop Knit Swing Top
Vanilla or chocolate? You don't have to pick between the two in ME+EM's cute knitted top, which comes with scalloped stripes of each. The piece is made from breathable pointelle stitch with matching shorts available, nailing poolside chic.
Buy now £115.00, ME+EM
