As a self-confessed Francophile, I’ve studied the quintessence of Parisian fashion and have noticed that jeans-and-a-top combinations represent the essence of pared-back dressing. This is especially true for nights out—jeans, heels and a nice top are the perfect equation for fuss-free eveningwear. And all editors, influencers and celebs seem to agree with me.
The good news is that you needn’t be in Paris to squeeze the most out of this failsafe outfit combination. Despite the rise in popularity of tailored trousers, jeans remain a firm staple in any capsule wardrobe. Therefore, having a wide variety of top-half options means we can extend the wear of our favourite pairs.
Sylvie opts for a sleek asymmetric top with ecru jeans and gold jewels.
A special top can pull looks together and elevate a pair of jeans to new heights. When I envisage nice tops, my mind goes straight to contemporary designer Christopher Esber. His sophisticated designs have taken the fashion world by storm.
I was in awe of his summer designs and as we transition into winter dressing his slinky styles continue to dominate. There’s been an influx of sultry tops just in time for the party season – whether that’s corsets, asymmetric styles or knitted variations with exposed necklines. These are especially great for those of us who prefer jeans and nice top outfits to dresses. Evenings are also an opportunity to wear lighter textiles and silks that are soft to the touch.
I also consider classics part of my nice-top repertoire. Although high-neck vests are deemed casual, well-cut basics act as a foundation for outfits to be levelled up with blazers and jewellery. If you’re hoping to add a new pieces to your seasonless nice top collection this winter, keep scrolling for the styles that have caught my attention lately.
Tanice styles her Tove Zoe top with straight-leg jeans, heels and a mini woven bag for an evening look.
I’m enamoured with the back detail on this top. It’s the perfect way to do eveningwear if you’re not a fan of too many bells and whistles.
The sculpted bandeau is one of the biggest top trends of the latter of 2022. I don’t usually gravitate towards sexy tops but there’s something about this style that feels wearable. Paired with tailored trousers and slingback heels, it’s a great mix of androgyny with feminine shaping.
Between the rich brown colour and the taught neck, detail this top will be perfect for day-to-night transitions.
I’m head over heels for Coutille – a recently discovered brand that produce lacy designs you can wear in myriad ways. Although their dresses are popular, their top offerings are equally special.
I adore the puff sleeve silhouette and the tie-around detail is an extra touch that makes for more glam eveningwear. With or without a bared midriff is your calling!
Doen’s Victoriana-style blouses bring an air of romantic cottagecore to every outfit. I enjoy a ruffle-sleeve blouse for day or night. You can dress cotton poplins with brown hues in the winter!
I always gravitate to a puff sleeve. The multi-toned embroidery on this blouse is the sweetest detail.
Animal print is a recurring theme every autumn but especially in the 2022 trend forecast. This year we’re seeing leopard and zebra print in abundance.
Bows needn’t be left for the back. With the front-tie detail, you can wear this top in many ways.
Christopher Esber is undoubtedly the brand of 2022. The summer releases were beautiful but their winter pieces are ones to write home about, too.
A sustainably made basic turned super flattering thanks to the deep-set square neckline. Tuck these into jeans and prop up with heels – a classic fail-safe!
Sabina Sommer’s designs are perfect year-round. This wraparound style provides ample coverage with the sweetest broderie anglaise details.
Why not have a Britney and Justin moment with some double denim? It never dates.
A clever style you can transition from summer to autumn, either paired with jeans or layered underneath pinafores and dungarees.
A very Parisian style button-down top.
Between the olive hue and the raglan sleeves, it’s perfect.
If you’re missing Broderie anglaise styles in the winter, why not dip your toes into crochet styles like this? This blouse will look great paired with flare denim and tan shoes for a ‘70s bohemian vibe.
This two-toned shirt was made for indigo denim. It’s also crafted from Tencel and lyocell which are soft to the touch.
This will look good with rich brown-toned accessories and deep denim.
The ultimate ‘pretty blouse’ that will instantly beautify a look!
Wear with a crisp white shirt underneath, statement earrings and straight-leg jeans. It also comes in a striped variation and grey.
I recently attended 080 Barcelona Fashion week where I fell for Habey Clubs’ designs. This contemporary style top is a perfect example of how classics can be elevated into luxe designs that transcend from day to night.
This style of blouse will never date. The deep floral backdrop lends itself to autumn styling.
A more formal way of incorporating Breton into your wardrobe. It also makes a welcomed change from all the horizontal variations.
It’s in the little details – like the ruching. It’s the subtle difference between a plain black tee and something a little more special. It’s also 100% wool, which is perfect for the nippy days we’re experiencing in the UK.
Checkerboard is an updated take on gingham for winter and Kitri Studios do it very well. The slim-fit silhouette also bears a touch of a noughties vibe.
Simple but so chic. This is such an easy top to dress up or down with a simple switch of accessories.
The twist knot detail is perfect for the party season.
Rixo is shining this A/W with vintage-style designs. Case in point – the Darwin Tiger Print blouse. This style will pair beautifully with the deep indigo denim that we keep seeing on the high street.
I’ve loved this top since summer and I’m surprised it hasn’t sold out. It looks very high-end!
A one shoulder detail always adds a special touch to a denim-led look. The ruching on this knitted style is so flattering, too.
