Do you have that friend who swans around the stores citing all the ‘official’ terminology of the clothes and you’re left standing there thinking…but it’s just a top. Whilst it may feel like you were missed out when it came to the fashion directory school that everyone else apparently went to, this is not the case. It just needs a little self education now and again to keep you up to speed. So, that’s where we come in. YAY! These days, a tee is never just a tee. Often over-described in magazines, the ‘top’ has copious different names which all allude to the style of the neckline first and foremost, and then sleeveline after. So we’ve curated the complete guide to all the necklines that you’ll ever need to know. No need to thank us, we’re all about spreading the love. Asymmetric tops are bang on trend for S/S ‘17 which is great news for all us females as they suit all body shapes. Asymmetric is as the name suggests - not identical on both sides. Usually in the shape of one shoulder strap but can be voiced in other ways too, such as colour split or different fabrics. The asymmetric top allows you to be more experimental and playful with your style and adds instant individuality too. Image: ASOS The Bardot top is named after the iconic French actress Brigitte Bardot, who owned the 1950’s with her iconic style and sex appeal. So it’s by no mistake that this top shows off both shoulders giving that sexy AND classy edge to any outfit. It's a timeless shape that will never go out of style (just like the starlet) and will always look pretty and feminine. We love to team ours with some high-waisted skinny jeans, strappy sandals and an oversized clutch. Image: ASOS Yes, you might get confused between this and the Bardot. We can totally understand why. The differences are subtle but they exist nonetheless. The Bardot hemline goes straight across from the outer arm to the other outer arm. The arm cuffs are thick strapped too. The is off-shoulder top less rigid in its formula - the hemline can vary and the straps across the arm can be as thick or as thin as you wish. However, they both scream sexuality and femininity. Image: Zalora The boatneck is more reserved than the Bardot, but still opens up the neck and shoulder area. You can recognise a boatneck top simply by observing the length of the neckline: it will run from the inner shoulder to the inner shoulder. This style offers a very sophisticated finish to your outfit. The boatneck is fantastic for office attire when you just don't want to wear a blouse, as it comes across as formal and professional. Image: Net-a-porter As the name suggests (we do like it when things are kept simple) this style of top finishes high up on the neckline. Think rollneck and you’re already there. The sleeve length doesn’t hold any relevance here - as long as the top cups the lower half of your neck, it’s a ‘high neck’ style. We suggest, in our Singapore weather, if you go for a high neck then perhaps make it short sleeved, to keep you stylish and cool (sweat patches are not the one). Image: Zalora These tops will have, usually, a mesh panel or sheer fabric panel that contrasts to the rest of the top...offering you that enigmatic element to your outfit. The illusion panel means you don’t have to put too much effort into your outfit to make it interesting and unique. The mesh panel also helps to hide any undesired flesh parts (for those of you who perhaps dislike their upper arms as an example) without resorting to just standard long-sleeved tops. Image: SheShops The straight across boob-tube style top is your standard hemline for most strapless tees. A firm favourite for most modern day crop tops, the straight across is perfect for the effortless weekend style. With a decent elasticated hem, most straight across tops hold well and many have built-in support too, so no bra required. Now that's what our Saturdays are all about. Image: ASOS This is a favourite for bridal wear - the hemline gives a fuller bust by dropping low into the cleavage. With the right support it is often captivating and hugely sexy too. We women do know how to work our wily feminine charms! Whether you’re well endowed or lighter on top, this style of top will show off your two great assets *ahem*. If you're looking to throw on something with your jeans to elevate the day outfit for cocktails, a sweetheart top is just the thing. Image: Net-a-porter As the name suggests, this is just a less severe version of the sweetheart neckline. This works well for those who may not wish to reveal too much, but enjoy the idea of ‘suggestion’. The line between sweetheart and semi-sweetheart is pretty blured if we're honest, but the key is to look at the dip in the cleavage and see just how much is revealed. Also, a more rounded hemline across the top of the breasts implies full sweetheart; a less rounded is a semi-sweetheart. Image: SheShops The square neckline may come off as rather ‘military’ on paper, but the exact opposite is true in reality. It is a perfect choice for work (or date night) and allows you to expose your chest but in a softer way than ‘all on show’. For a professional finish to your ensemble, a square neckline never fails to deliver. Image: Zalora Oh this one is easy. The rounded low scoop hemline of the top means it belongs in this category. Don’t confuse with a v neck or a square - the hemline HAS to be rounded and reasonably low to be a scoop, but can be either revealing or conservative...depending on your predilections. Super easy to wear and oh so practical (it will go with anything), a scoop neck is a staple for any girl's wardrobe. Image: ASOS A great ‘office friendly’ neckline, the V-neck plunges from the shoulders straight down into the cleavage in a V formation. Can be as low or as reserved as you fancy, as long as it is a V shape it fits into this category. This particular style can transcend from formal to casual and is thus a popular shape working women. Image: Zalora The halter is easy to recognise - any top in which the shoulders are exposed and the straps go around the neck. The standard halter top will have the front of your chest above the breasts covered, which differentiates it from the halter strap top. As the shoulders are usually our most flattering and feminine part of our upper body, this style of top showcases your ‘best’ bit and thus gives a beautifully feminine finish to any ensemble. Image: SheShops The halter strap is a notch up from the halter top - the shoulders AND chest area will be exposed and the straps stem from the breast line and will fasten behind your neck. The halter strap reminds us of the Golden Era of Hollywood, complete with cinched in waists and large floaty skirts. A popular choice for bikini tops and swimsuits, this style draws attention to your breasts *ahem* and oozes sexuality and feminine charm. Image: SheShops
