A wardrobe staple

The black top. 

I say top as it can be a blouse, it can be a.. mmm top?  I had one on yesterday that was three years old and one today that is seven years old.  Over the years, both have been that ideal top for shoving on when I'm not sure what other top to wear.  There is NOTHING that is as versatile as a black top that you love. 

They work with everything, for ever occasion.  Skirts of all description, trousers and can transform jeans into an Out Out outfit.  Throw on with some trainers though and you can just legit to the supermarket. 

So long as the fit is good and you know you'll wear it loads, I don't think it matters how much you spend on it.  There really is something for all budgets and for all shapes. 

I will start with sleeveless as it is the Summer and this is very similar to the (sold out) one I have from three years ago.

Na-kd ruched neck sleeveless top £24


Puffed sleeves will transform any black skirt into a dress, but will also work perfectly with a pair of jeans or look incredible with wide leg trousers - cropped or full length.

River Island Button Through Puff Sleeve Top £25


This top from hush is great if you're not looking to tuck your top in.  Ideal for over skinnies or if you're just not a fan of the tucked in look!

Porto Top from hush £59





Similar at ASOS but with perhaps even more volume - again ideal for layering over bottoms. 

ASOS DESIGN linen ruffle top £30



This is very similar to the one above but is more fitted - a snugger fit and would work really if you did want to tuck it in.

Lexington Black Top from hush £59




Long sleeve with frilled sleeves now in the sale at AllSaints at John Lewis. 

Isa Top was £98 now £46.60




Another long sleeved version which isn't the most summery but boy do I LOVE it. 

ASOS DESIGN ruffle long sleeved blouse in broderie £34



Now this isn't going to be for everyone but I have to say I blooming LOVE it.  The prairie look that you can slot into your wardrobe without buying a whole dress - make the most of what you already have and change up the look by teaming it with different colours.  With a black skirt, white skirt, print skirt or any denim. 

Satin Gather Prairie Blouse from Topshop £29





Similar in the sale at Whistles... 

Whistles Adara Smocked Waisted Top was £109 now £79



This would work so well for someone who is already curvy OR for someone who would like to add the idea of curves. 

Button Down Short Sleeve Blouse £19 from Topshop




This is longer on the hips - super flattering for disguising problem areas (depending obviously where your problem area is - for lots of us I'm sure it's the stomach and hip area....for me FOR SURE!).

Black Short Sleeve Plunge Blouse £32 from Topshop




Similar but half price in the sale from InWear.

InWear Elise Wrap Blouse was £110 now £52




Another v neck at AllSaints, again in the sale.  Super flattering for those with a bigger bust and just generally, fabulously easy to wear.  

AllSaints Penny Top in Black was £88 now £41.60





And finishing with a top which is part shirt part blouse - androgynous with just a hint of feminine.

Black Revere Collar Blouse with gold buttons from Mint Velvet £69





Textured cotton in the sale at Matches from Masscob was £225 now £90



And here I am in one of my old tops from the 3yrs ago. 



Top - Goat (gift 3yrs ago)
Skirt - Label Mix (gift 2yrs ago)
Shoes - Valentino from Bicester Village (from paid partnership aw18)
Basket - Hospice in the Weald Charity shop (current)
Sunglasses - Nasty Gal (current)
Belt - Accessorize (sale current)
Hat - Toast (current)

Still looking at shoes for the Summer that will take you into the Autumn and from day to night... not to mention trousers!  And of course there are more dresses to talk about...