The Hunt: The Best Sleeveless Tops, Shells, and Blouses for Work

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Sleeveless tops are a basic in every woman’s work wardrobe — but which ones are the best? These are some of the best-selling styles we’ve mentioned in the past, all rounded up in one place — I’d love to hear your favorites that aren’t included here.

As I’ve noted in the past, these aren’t necessarily my favorite tops to wear under blazers or other dry-clean-only clothes — call me a weirdo, but I like to have sleeves (even short sleeves) to better separate my body from the clothes that need expensive cleaning.

(You may want to check out our post on the best tees for layering if that sounds more like your speed.)

Above, the best women’s t-shirts for layering at the office as of 2021: elbow scoop / v-neck / scoop / long-sleeve / elbow (not pictured but also)

That said… a sleeveless top is much better for layering and creating clean lines beneath cardigans and blazers. I like that all of these tops cover the bra strap entirely; they also have pretty high arm holes and relatively high necklines — they’re very different from camisoles we’ve featured in the past.

(As we’ve cautioned in the past, know your office — sleeveless looks aren’t always considered professional or conservative enough by themselves; only layered beneath things.)

Readers, which are your favorite sleeveless tops for work — and how do you wear them? What’s  your preferred price range (most of these are under $50!) — and where do you buy your sleeveless tops? 

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Update: these are some of the sleeveless tops that we’ve loved for years…

Our Hall of Famer Sleeveless Tops for Work Outfits

These are some of the most versatile sleeveless blouses to wear beneath suits jackets, cardigans, and more — and I love that all of them have enough fabric to keep your bra straps covered if you want to remove your top layer.

Some of our favorite sleeveless tops as of 2022: one / two / three / four / five (not pictured but also) 

Favorite Sleeveless Tops in Plus Sizes

Some of our favorite sleeveless work tops in plus sizes are below: black / blue / white / pink — also check out this collared top and this camisole (but know your office before wearing without a blazer or sweater)!

A Closer Look at Some Of Our Favorite Sleeveless Tops…

I remembered that we mentioned this top recently — but looking today I’m surprised to see that we were talking about it as long ago as 2012. The Macy’s description notes that it’s unlined, but if you look at the back of the shirt it does look like the front is double-lined.

I knew the shirt came in black and white — I did not realize Amazon has a zillion other colors. The top is available in regular and petite sizes 2-16, as well as plus sizes for $25-$59. Calvin Klein Sleeveless Pleated Top

This inverted pleat top from Vince Camuto has been around for a few years and has a great blousy look if you don’t like close-fitting tops. It’s currently available in a ton of colors at Nordstrom and Amazon for around $32. Inverted-Pleat Blouse

I’ve always liked Anne Klein clothes for work, and this triple pleat neck sleeveless top looks lovely. (We featured it not long ago in a leopard print!) It’s available in sizes XS-3X at Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Amazon.

This raw edge tank from Halogen has been getting rave reviews and coming out in a ton of great colors and prints in regular and plus sizes.

This Tahari top is a bit more expensive ($68 full price) — but note that the georgette fabric is listed as “dry clean.” (You can see our thoughts about what “dry clean” really means here, though.)

It’s available in white and black at Bloomingdale’s for $68. (This V-necked sleeveless top from Calvin Klein is similarly priced and also getting good reviews.) Pictured:  ‘Edie’ Pleat V-Neck Blouse

Personally I find cowl necks difficult to style with blazers and cardigans — but maybe that’s me! If you prefer a more cowl-necked style, do check out this MM.LaFleur top. It features an all-natural anti-odor finish, is machine washable, and is wrinkle resistant — sign us up!

It’s $165 at MM.LaFleur, available in multiple colors and sizes XS-3X.

This Elie Tahari silk blouse has long been a best-seller at Saks and Bloomingdale’s — I love the high collar paired with the deep V. It’s available in basic colors for $178 in XS-XL. Judith Silk Blouse

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

Social media images (woman in yellow sleeveless top) via Deposit Photos / xcai.

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