Sometimes you wanna dress up a little bit from a t-shirt like for a relatively casual meeting, lunch or dinner out, or even for teaching, but a blouse might feel too dressy. That’s when elevated casual tops are perfect. They are generally in fabrics that are not quite blouse material, so they don’t feel overdressed, but they have special details on them that definitely elevate them beyond basics and add style and interest to outfits effortlessly.
I recently wrote a blog post with a few of these tops (HERE) and today I have MORE for you! Elevated casual tops hit that sweet spot between being nicer than a t-shirt, but not as dressy as a blouse.
I’ll highlight several elevated casual spring tops that I’ve personally tried. Then, at the bottom of the post I will share a HUGE roundup with more options for spring tops!
SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
Elevated Casual Spring Tops
1. Old Navy Floral Print Top
SUCH a cute spring top! The fabric is nicer than a t-shirt but not as dressy as a blouse, perfect for elevated casual. The print is springy without drawing too much attention, and the sleeves add some drama. It’s available in straight, petite, plus, and tall sizes HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Old Navy Top (wearing size S)
Wit & Wisdom (Nordstrom) Wide Leg Jeans (wearing size 6)
Gap Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
2. LOFT Leopard Print Wedge Tee
This is made of comfy t-shirt material but definitely feels elevated. The wedge cut makes it look sharper, and the tee is a tad thicker so it looks more polished, but you still get the comfort of a T-shirt! 🙌 It’s available in straight and petite sizes, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfits:
LOFT Animal Print Tee (wearing size S)
Wit & Wisdom (Nordstrom) Wide Leg Jeans (wearing size 6)
Kohl’s Draper James Pants (wearing size 6)
Kohl’s Denim Jacket (I wear size S)
Nordstrom Tan Flats (similar)
Old Navy Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
3. Nordstrom Rack Ruffle Sleeve Top
I got this shirt last year, and because it’s from Nordstrom Rack it wasn’t in stock long enough to share it much. But it’s back now!!!
I love this top! It’s somewhat understated, as it’s fairly simple and not that eye-catching. It’s just a a v-neck blouse with ruffle sleeves that elevate it. But the reason I love it is because it just looks good! It’s that piece you can throw on to look good for a meeting with a teacher, lunch with a friend, out for a date, or a regular day at work. Anything! I feel like we all need pieces like that. Things you can just rely on to look good at any moment. This isn’t as dressy as a blouse, though it can totally be worn to work, too. It’s awesome! And the torso is stretchy, so it’s comfortable to wear. I just love it! AND it’s ONLY $19!! Find it HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Nordstrom Rack Top (wearing size S)
Frayed Hem Cropped Jeans (similar)
Nordstrom Tan Flats (similar)
4. Nordstrom Rack Dolman Sleeve Blouse
If you’re not into ruffle sleeves, this option is similar to the one above but has dolman sleeves instead. Though the two spring tops are similar, I own both because some days I don’t want to wear ruffles! 😊 This top is similarly stretchy along the torso and made of a similar fabric that doesn’t feel too dressy for everyday wear but can be worn to work, too. Find it HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Nordstrom Rack Top (wearing size S)
Wit & Wisdom (Nordstrom) Wide Leg Jeans (wearing size 6)
Old Navy Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
5. Kohl’s Button Up Shirt
I shared this one recently in a blog post, but it’s definitely worth sharing again. This is such a great elevated casual top! You get the polished look of a button up, except this one is super soft and comfortable! It comes in 4 colors and is only $24.99, HERE! I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Kohl’s Button Up Shirt (wearing size S)
Kohl’s Draper James Pants (wearing size 6)
Gap Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
6. Kohl’s Printed Top
I shared this one in my recent blog post (HERE) as well. I love this one! While it is closer to a blouse, it can still be worn on a regular nicer casual day, paired with jeans and flats. I love the print on this top and how it instantly looks good with jeans thanks to its flutter sleeves, v-neckline, and print. It comes in 13 prints and colorways. See them all in straight sizes HERE, plus sizes HERE, and petites HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Kohl’s Printed Top (wearing size S)
Wit & Wisdom (Nordstrom) Wide Leg Jeans (wearing size 6)
Target Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
7. LOFT Pleated Sleeve Blouse
This top has lots of details to elevate it from a standard white blouse. Very pretty! You can wear this for nicer casual days, lunch or dinner dates, and at work. Super versatile! Available in straight and petite sizing HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
LOFT Blouse (wearing size S)
Kut From the Kloth (Nordstrom) Wide Leg Jeans (wearing size 4)
Gap Mary Jane Flats (wearing size 9)
8. Quince White Peasant Top
Here’s another white blouse elevated by details. This one is really pretty as well, with details that give it a sweeter and romantic vibe, like a ruffled collar and ruffled sleeves. While the LOFT top is roomier at the torso and sleeves, this one is a more fitted all around. This comes in 5 colors and is available HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Quince Top (wearing size S)
Quince Jeans (wearing size 28)
Nordstrom Tan Flats (similar)
9. Pointelle Sweater
Gotta love a short sleeve sweater for spring, and this one is CUTE! It’s short enough to NOT have to tuck, which means it pairs effortlessly with wide leg pants, straight leg, and flares — all the things! This comes in 7 colorways, HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Kohl’s Pointelle Sweater (wearing size S)
Kohl’s Draper James Jeans (wearing size 6)
Nordstrom Tan Flats (similar)
These are some elevated casual spring tops that you can wear for a WIDE range of activities, from everyday casual outfits to church to social gatherings. Elevated casual tops are SO versatile!
That said, there are WAY MORE in the roundup below!
Elevated Casual Spring Tops
Here are some more casual spring tops to check out. There are SO many! One note is that some of them are t-shirts, but they’re a little more substantial and look slightly more elevated. You can dress them up with flats and a crop jacket if needed.
Most of them come in several prints and colors, so if you like the cut and general feel, definitely visit the product page to see what other colors and prints are available!
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