the top recession

death to must have lists + 45 tops that surprise and delight

A few weeks ago, I initially called a Top Recession, but I think we’re in more than that. My comment section and DMs are frequently punctuated by cries for help from the dead zone between clean-girl-quiet-luxury-minimalism and wacky statement dressing. Is it the lingering effects of post-war American conformity? Is it a malady of formulaic dressing tips brought on by the advent of social media styling? Is it brands stuck in (or perpetuating) a cycle of catering to breadth instead of innovating and investing in a lane that sets them apart?

Perhaps all, perhaps none. Either way, not all is lost. There are many good tops out there, if one knows where to look. I’d also like to add that it would behoove us to do away with the bifurcation of “basics” and “statement” or “going out tops” and start to embrace all styles of tops as personal and thrilling pieces that can be naturally integrated into one’s day to day dressing.

Choose Carefully

I can’t manufacture more tops, but I can provide a shift in perspective that may remedy some of this top depression. I frequently hear the lamentation that “everything looks the same these days”, and I do see some truth to this…articles detail experts hunting for “the best white t-shirt”, but usually feature 10 iterations of whichever t-shirt is most popular right now. Is it possible that “everything looks the same” only because we are consuming hoards of content styling the same pieces the same ways? Discernment sounds limiting, but I find it exactly the opposite. When chosen carefully, something as simple as a t-shirt becomes highly personal. Do you want it sheer, burned out, or opaque? Stiff or soft? High neck or collarbone showing? Cropped, hitting the hips, or grazing the top of one’s derriere? Stark white or ecru?

Mick Jones via The Clash book + Proper Magazine. Alessandro Michele via GQ and Getty Images.

Take these examples of Mick Jones of the Clash juxtaposed with designer Alessandro Michele. Jones and Michele both sport basics like white t-shirts, wool blazers, patterned button downs, overcoats, baseball hats, and belts. Michele’s style is clearly more maximalist, but even accessories aside, his choice for cozy plaid button ups read a bit urban/bohemian whereas Jones’ satin stripe button down falls more on a punk-prep axis.