11 Styles of Tops You Need to Own Now

No sensible woman likes splurging on summer clothes. We figure that “it's a short season.” So how come we're all snapping up new tees, blouses and shirts this year?

Blame five reasons that we can all relate to: looking good on Zoom and FaceTime is a waist-up deal (no one knows you're in old leggings either); a standout top stands out in a crowd (it's easy to lose your individuality wearing a mask 24/7, right?); we gain weight when stressed, and it goes right to our chest and belly; we stained last year's tees eating pasta and drinking wine in isolation; and last but not least: It's hot! These top 10 tops will get you through anything.

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(Left to right) Ann Taylor Mixed Jersey Tank in Winter White; Old Navy Luxe Scoop-Neck Tank for Women in Calla Lily White; Modcloth Endless Possibilities Tank in Plum; Everlane The Japanese GoWeave High-Neck Tank in Black; Everlane The ReCotton Racerback Tank in Off-White

Ann Taylor; Old Navy; ModCloth; Everlane (2)

1. A bra-friendly tank top

Before you say no, hear me out. Even if your biceps are not super toned, the benefits of a tank now outweigh any old fears. Relaxed styles with a subtle A-line shape, high neckline and wide racerback or indented straps make your shoulders appear stronger and your upper arms look slimmer. The tanks offer more substance than a camisole and they smooth bulges and fill gaps as layering pieces, making them a seasonless buy. Choose casual tanks like Everlane's The ReCotton Racerback Tank ($25, everlane.com), Modcloth's Endless Possibilities Tank ($15, modcloth.com) or Old Navy's Luxe Scoop-Neck Tank for Women in Calla Lily White ($12, oldnavy.com). Or choose polished versions in white or black, like Everlane's The Japanese GoWeave High-Neck Tank ($68, everlane.com) and Ann Taylor's Mixed Jersey Tank ($40, anntaylor.com).

(Left to right) H&M Linen V-Neck T-Shirt in Dusty Rose; J. Crew Linen V-Neck Pocket T-Shirt in Frosty Olive; Zara Linen Tee in Beige; Banana Republic Linen V-Neck T-Shirt in Indigo Fog

H&M; J.Crew; Zara; Banana Republic

2. An airy linen tee

T-shirts are forever (see number 10), but linen turns this sporty look sophisticated and sweat-resistant with natural fibers. The appeal of crisp linen tees — like the H&M Linen V-Neck T-Shirt in Dusty Rose or Black ($18, hm.com/en_us), J. Crew Linen V-Neck Pocket T-Shirt ($40, jcrew.com), Zara Linen Tee in Beige ($20, zara.com/us) and the Banana Republic Linen V-Neck T-Shirt in Indigo Fog ($28, bananarepublic.com) — is all about the relaxed fit that floats and drapes over the body instead of clinging. Linen is amazingly effective at helping perspiration evaporate, so if you're a sweat-er, bothered by hot flashes, steamy temperatures and clammy clothes (aren't we all?), add this linen to your lineup. Yes, linen does wrinkle, but it gets softer with every washing and is supposed to look a little rumpled now — like tousled hair, it just looks more modern. Forget the iron and just go with it.

(Left to right) Loft Textured Cinched Waist Top; Prologue Women’s Balloon Long Sleeve Blouse; Como Blu Women’s Short Sleeve Eyelet Wrap Top in Cloud Dancer Combo; Talbots Flower Embroidered Gauze Top in White

LOFT; Target; Walmart; Talbots

3. A cool white blouse

Make a white summer top your new best friend. It works like a reflector, beaming light on your face to erase fatigue, brighten every skin tone and soften the look of wrinkles and dark circles. While classic white button-down shirts and tees are totally fine, blouses with extra details — flutter sleeves like the Como Blu Women's Short Sleeve Eyelet Wrap Top in Cloud Dancer Combo ($14, walmart.com), embroidery like the Talbots Flower Embroidered Gauze Top in White ($80, talbots.com), and puff sleeves like the Prologue Women's Balloon Long Sleeve Blouse ($28, target.com) or Loft Cinched Waist Top ($60, loft.com) — really say 2020. Let it glow.