Huge thanks to Nordstrom Rack and Collective Voice for sponsoring this post
Looking to step up your casual outfits? I love to have a handful of elevated casual tops in my wardrobe that hit the sweet spot of being nicer than t-shirts but not as dressy as blouses, allowing you to feel pulled together and polished each day without feeling overdressed. To help you upgrade your casual options, I want to talk through a few types of elevated casual tops you can add to your wardrobe — all under $27(!!) — and I’m partnering with Nordstrom Rack and Collective Voice to do it!
Nordstrom Rack is AMAZING because you can get high quality items from some of my favorite brands at HUGE savings! And, you can shop conveniently by placing your order online and utilizing their in-store and curbside pickup options. On top of that, Nordstrom Rack carries a huge variety of items, which is also why it’s one of my go-to places to shop for things like elevated casual tops. So, let’s get to them!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Relaxed Button Up Top
A relaxed button up top is a great go-to option that works with jeans and sneakers or flats and can also be dressed up for work. A top like this is a versatile one! It’s relaxed, but polished, and it pairs really well with jeans. This top is VERY soft and comfortable. It’s just $26.97 but feels far more expensive! It legit feels so good and has great reviews! Check it out HERE. I’m wearing size S.
For work, pair it with chinos, khakis, or trousers. Easy! One option for these types of pants is THIS pair by T Tahari. They are SO, SO, SO comfortable! They’re incredibly stretchy and VERY soft, and they’re thick and look really polished. Plus, they’re only $29.97! Check out all three colors, HERE.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 6)
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 8.5 in colorway “White”)
Relaxed Button Up Top Options
Here are several more relaxed button up tops you can check out that are super affordable!
2. Elevated T-Shirt
I love having some options that resemble t-shirts but are a step up from them. This top is a perfect example of that. It’s SOOOOOO soft, stretchy, and comfortable — even more comfortable than a t-shirt! Its thicker scuba fabric holds structure, which makes it look more polished and elevated, allowing you to dress it down with jeans or pair it with trousers for work. And, it’s just $19.97, HERE! I’m wearing size S.
Another top that is just as easy to wear as a t-shirt but is a step up is this batik print top, which is really comfy. I wear it in size S. This flutter sleeve tee is another great option that looks instantly more polished than a basic tee. Lastly, you can check out this raw edge t-shirt!
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 6)
Shoes: Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 8.5 in colorway “White”)
Shop More Elevated Tees
BTW, if you’re looking for jeans, you can find some name brand denim for less at Nordstrom Rack! The pair I’m wearing here is by NYDJ and under $40, which is a steal! Find them HERE. I’m wearing size 6. I’ve rounded up a few more pairs of fantastic denim brands for less in the widget below as well:
3. Gauzy Shirt
Another type of elevated casual top to consider is a gauzy shirt. This type of fabric gives off a low-key, relaxed, and casual vibe but looks really stylish! One example is this plaid top, which is made of a super lightweight, gauzy, breathable fabric. It looks just a bit elevated while feeling perfect for any casual activity. And, it’s only $24.97! Grab it HERE while you can! I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Top: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size S)
Jeans: c/o Nordstrom Rack (exact—wearing size 6; similar)
Shoes: (exact in other colorways—wearing size 9)
More Gauzy Shirt Options
I rounded up a few more great gauzy shirt options!
BTW, these jeans are such a steal! They’re soft, super stretchy, and REALLY comfortable. They’re comparable to jeans that cost $99+, but these are only $42.97! Sizes are limited in this color, but you can see if yours is available HERE or try a similar pair HERE. The ones I’m wearing are also fully stocked in black, HERE!
These kinds of tops are crucial to have in your wardrobe for stylish casual outfits, and they are incredibly affordable!
More Elevated Casual Tops (Most Under $27)
Nordstrom Rack has plenty of options worth checking out, and I’ve rounded up more of them in the widget below. But, hurry as they can get swooped up quickly!
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