In Search Of: Summer Work Tops

It's easier to wear a variety of tops to the office in the winter. Even a lacy tank can become workplace-appropriate if you layer a blazer over it. But in the summertime, you can't exactly depend on a cardigan to elevate your outfit.

My past and present places of work have more casual dress codes, but I always like to take things up a notch. If I wanted, I could probably wear a T-shirt to work, as long as I paired it with a nice, knee-length skirt. But for some reason, I'd just feel better knowing I have a few definite working-girl shirts in my closet.

One of the problems with work tops is a lot of them are button-down dress shirts. I don't have the biggest chest in the world, but for whatever reason (and maybe someone who knows a bit more about tailoring can explain this to me), I have the hardest time finding button-down tops that don't gap. If the top is loose and gauzy like this one from J. Crew however, I can usually avoid this problem. Of course, buying a shirt like this means you have to buy something else to go under it. Oy.

I'm not too crazy about the pattern or color of this silk shawl blouse by Michael Kors, but the shape is flattering for a pear like me--the billowy sleeves would help balance out my wide hips, while the elastic banded hem keeps the fabric from billowing out at the bottom. I think it would go nicely with slacks or a pencil skirt.

What about this sunny tunic from Anthropologie? I like the color and the detailing, but how versatile would it be? Also, am I crazy, or does the neckline look awful narrow? I feel like it starts too high at the shoulder or something. This is definitely a piece I'd have to see in person.