After a long, harsh winter, for many of us, our fashion wardrobe has been reduced to puffer jackets and flashy cardigans. As the weather slowly warms up, we're starting to shed our second-skin turtlenecks and long sleeves and turn our attention to sexier styles we can wear this summer.
Emily Ratajkowski is always my go-to girl when I want to add a sexy vibe to my wardrobe, and she's kicked off some summer trends we never knew we needed (or, let's be honest, wanted).
It features a halter top, buttons scattered throughout, and a slightly prominent collar.
Last seen in the '90s, the collared halter top added the ultimate Y2K twist to what was already a very Y2K trend. That's right, “corporate core” has arrived on our list of sexy staples, bringing a touch of buttoned-up sophistication and office sexiness to backless, bare-shouldered and plunging (excuse me?) wardrobe items.
At first, I thought the extra buttons and a collar defeat the easy-going purpose of a sexy halter neck, but on closer inspection, I saw that it suited the subdued eroticism of Rosamund Pike glaring at Ryan Gosling from across the floor of a law firm after-party in the 2007 thriller Fracture. It accentuates the back and shoulders, while also lending a touch of masculine sophistication. After all, simmering, subdued sexuality is what the corporate trend is all about.
(Provided by Koji Production)
And there's versatility in a structured version of this sexy warm-weather favorite: You can wear the buttoned-up striped cotton version to a family barbecue, or wear a more structured version with heels and suit trousers for cocktail hour. Either way, it adds a bit of mystery and wildness to the halter top's undeniable sexiness.
We've put together a variety of variations that will look sexy all over your room this summer.
Sexiest Structured Halter Tops
(Credit: MNG)
MNG, buttoned halter top
Starting at $69.95 at MNG
Best for: Easy summer elegance
With a summery halter neck keyhole detail and high drawstring collar, it's smooth and easy to wear. Wear it with Y2K low rise jeans or loose pants.
Key features:
85% cotton, 15% linen Drawstring neckline Elasticated back (Credit: Bardot)
Bardot, Freya Best
Starting at $249.29 at Revolve
Best for: High-end tailoring
The wide collar of this vest has a say in “sealing the deal” – without needing to reveal what the deal is, of course. Business in the front, party in the back. We love the structured hourglass fit and wide collar of this vest. Throw it on with a suit jacket for a high-profile look at the office, or pair it with gold chains and slingback stilettos for the after-party.
Key features:
Shell: 65% polyester, 30% cotton, 5% elastane Lining: 95% polyester, 5% elastane Side flap pockets Crepe suiting fabric Double-breasted front button closure Deep back
Bec + Bridge Naida Halter Top
Starting at $220 at Bec+Bridge
Perfect for: Conference rooms to bedrooms
If our office's seductive muse, Rosamund Pike, had a halter top, she'd be in this sleet-gray one-piece from Beck & Bridge. We love the lingerie-inspired finish of this suit-style halter, with its deep neckline lace detail and corset-like front hook-and-eye closure. You'll be glaring erotically across the room in this bad boy all summer long.
Key features:
68% polyester, 28% rayon, 4% elastane Deep back with mid-rib band (Credit: Dazie)
Dazzy Boss Chic Cotton Halter Top
From $20.00 (usually $39.99) at The Iconic
Best for: Easy and fun
This easy-to-wear 100% cotton halter shirt is perfect for summer weather when paired with a summer skirt or low-rise pants.
Key features:
100% cotton Mid-length Elastic ruching on the back
Balmain, halter-neck buttoned crepe top
$4,350 at Net-A-Porter
Best: '90s Supermodels
A structured halter top fit for Linda Evangelista or Christy Turlington. From the double-breasted gold buttons to the sharp lapels and hourglass cut, this is a halter top fit for a queen. Wear it relaxed with denim or with wide-leg trousers and a suit and boots.
Major features:
Black crepe zip closure 100% polyamide, lining 52% viscose, 48% cotton
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Ruby Fennelly