There’s nothing French girls and stylish New Yorkers agree on in the summertime more than pretty white tops, specifically those of the vintage, embroidered sort. Here in NYC, I see them on every block, and on Instagram, I spot them daily in cities across France—from Paris to Marseille—paired with string bikini bottoms, billowy white skirts, and crochet shorts. But usually, the easy, heat-proof blouses get packed away when the first signs of fall arrive. This year, however, a number of well-dressed fans are set on keeping this specific top style in their rotations through autumn, using strategic styling tricks to make the summer staple feel surprisingly seasonless.
On Kaia Gerber: Repetto Cendrillon Ballerina Flats ($375)
Repetto
Black Cendrillon Ballerina Flats
One such part-time New Yorker is supermodel Kaia Gerber, who was spotted this week on a stroll through the city with her boyfriend Austin Butler wearing one of her favorite sleeveless white tops. Though it’s not technically fall weather yet in NYC, you wouldn’t know it from Gerber’s styling. To transition her top into next season, she paired the top with navy blue flowy trousers and black ballet flats, creating a color palette that leans far more autumn than summer. All the look needs to actually be fall-ready is a chunky cardigan or oversized blazer.
California-based content creator Marina Torres posted hard proof that adding a blazer works like a charm, having worn a very similar look to Gerber’s but with a tan, oversized blazer on top. Specifically, she wore a sleeveless white top, barrel-leg navy bottoms, and cream-colored Maison Margiela Tabi flats.
If you’re more of a jeans person than a soft trousers fan, don’t fret. Your pretty white blouse collection can just as easily be paired with denim in the fall, something that plenty of influencers in Paris, New York, and beyond have documented on Instagram. Paris-based creator Franny Fyne paired a short-sleeve collared version with belted, trouser-style dark-wash jeans and white mules, adding a Jane Birkin–esque straw bucket bag for an added French touch. Across the Atlantic, model Imani Randolph paired a likewise short-sleeve embroidered top with layered gold necklaces and faded black jeans.
If you’re feeling as inspired as I am to keep your white tops at the ready this fall and even maybe add more to your autumn wardrobe, keep scrolling. When you do, you’ll find the best versions of this trend that the current market has to offer.
Shop embroidered white tops:
MANGO
Embroidered Cotton Top
THE GREAT.
The Eyelet Tank
Reformation
Lorie Linen Top
Free People
Best of Me Blouse
Doên
Traveler Cotton Crop Top
Reformation
Romee Cropped Top
Helsa
Voile Peasant Blouse
J.Crew
Jolie Top in Eyelet Cotton Poplin