A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Between Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams, we're all taking more video calls than ever before. Here's what you need to rock a professional look online.
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Working from home is a trend that’s here to stay, and we’re collectively having more virtual meetings than ever before. But just because you’re home, it doesn’t mean you can wear any old thing. Work rules are still in effect—at least from the waist up. One of the quickest ways to look polished and put together is to make sure you’re wearing one of the best work tops for women. But what, exactly, does that entail?
“The best shirts for video calls accentuate our faces and aren’t the focus of our screen,” explains style expert Sadie Cherney, who owns several Clothes Mentor consignment boutiques in South Carolina. “Shirts that are shiny or have loud prints or a lot of embellishments detract from our faces, as do shirts that are low cut or revealing.”
The bottom line: You want to keep it professional while still showing your sense of style and personality. As for the rest of your ensemble, pair these new work essentials with jeans, loungewear, your best leggings or joggers—whatever you want to be comfy, including slippers. We did the hard work of rounding up the best work tops for women that suit every style, so you can focus on perfecting your ideal backdrop instead.
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Blend your love of high-quality materials with bright, eye-popping color to keep the on-screen version of you visually exciting. “Think about your background,” advises Cherney. “Whether it’s your home or a green screen, you’ll want to make sure that your top stands in contrast to it. If there’s a neutral wall in your house you’re going to use as the backdrop, opt for a top in a vibrant shade or bold jewel tone to stand out best.” That’s a top personal stylist tip—and something you’ll swear by from here on out. This Quince cashmere tee is luxurious, easily worn through several seasons and comes in bold colors as well as neutrals. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable.
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When it comes to warm-weather tops, sleeveless is OK…but strapless is not. “Strapless tops should be avoided for Zoom calls,” says Cherney. “They’re too casual to be professional and can create the illusion that you are not wearing a top at all.” She suggests sticking to work-appropriate sleeveless blouses that have higher necklines to balance the look. This Carve Designs Dylan top is easy to dress up or down, offers just enough charm to keep things interesting and looks just as polished with black pants or a skirt at the office as it does with denim and a cute pair of sandals. It also comes in two playful chambray tones to suit every mood and personal style.
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This fun, updated take on a classic print is one of the best work tops for women that you’ll be happy to wear again and again. The timeless gingham print on this Southern Tide popover comes in nine colors, and the shirt offers UV protection, breathability and quick-dry fabric. Tuck it into a pencil skirt for workdays, or pair it with a cute summer hat and sunglasses on the weekend—the options are endless.
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The modern Z Supply Zena button-down will quickly become your new favorite thanks to its breezy rayon challis material. It features a relaxed fit with upscale details like dropped shoulders, flutter sleeves and a chic collar. Wear it like your favorite loungewear set with linen bottoms, or as a workplace-appropriate look. It also comes in two neutral must-have colors and sizes XS through XL. Try these casual work dresses if you only want an easy outfit.
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This Mongolian cashmere v-neck sweater from Quince offers the timeless sophistication of solid colors including black, white, several shades of blue and green and exciting citrus. With a v-neck silhouette made of rich Mongolian cashmere, this staple is both flattering and fun. It’s one of the best work tops for women seeking a truly versatile wardrobe piece because it transitions seamlessly from day to night—and it’s a budget-friendly luxury essential you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Need proof? This similar Quince sweater sells out every year.
“Most body types look good in a v-neck neck style, as it can soften a hard jawline, make round faces look longer and elongate the neck,” says Cherney, adding that it’s important to keep v-necks relatively modest for work calls. This Quince top fits the bill. Find it in sizes XS through XL and 11 trendy shades.
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Say hello to your new favorite henley from LOFT. The soft pointelle is comfortable enough to wear layered with loungewear yet polished enough to pair with a skirt or pants. It comes in a variety of neutral colors that coordinate well with all your wardrobe staples, as well as both regular and petite sizes spanning XXS through XXL. With neckline detailing and chic front buttons, it will see you through your next video conference call—and then right out to dinner. Pair it with one of the best earrings for sensitive ears.
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This effortless M.M. LaFleur long-sleeved top tucks in for work calls, untucks for more casual-yet-polished daytime looks and creates an elongating effect on the body thanks to subtle details on the shoulder seams that draw eyes toward your face. That’s the whole point of a Zoom call top, isn’t it? The fabric is also treated with Polygiene, a special finish that repels odors, so you can wear the piece multiple times without needing to toss it in the laundry. (And yes, it’s machine washable!)
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If you just don’t have it in you for much more than a tee, that’s OK, because this CeCe mixed media shirt offers T-shirt comfort with the bonus of flattering puff sleeves. It’s made of an easy-to-wash fabric blend with just a bit of added spandex to keep the tailored-looking fit intact for dozens of washes. Plus, it covers work-important modesty spots like the shoulders and necklines. One more box it checks off? It’s available in fun, bright colors, which Cherney says keeps things interesting on camera. But don’t worry—it comes in classic black, too.
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This sophisticated sleeveless blouse from Ming Wang is the perfect professional wardrobe staple year-round. Wear it alone in spring and summer and under blazers or cardigans in fall and winter to add polish to any look. The stand-up smocked neck gives it a feminine edge, and the elegant drape flatters all body types. Comes in XS to XL.
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Upgrade your existing denim shirt collection by adding this versatile button down. It’s ideal for video calls thanks to a low-profile collar that’s comfortable and breathable, while relaxed roll-tab sleeves balance belly and waistline areas in addition to being incredibly on-trend. The best part? The elongated back covers key areas and pairs effortlessly with your most comfortable Dragon Fit leggings.
“A button-style top never really goes wrong, and it easily transitions from work to casual,” says Cherney. Plus, this top features 100% Tencel fabric that only gets softer over time.
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Add some luxury to your blouse collection with this LilySilk basic military top. Flowing, soft genuine silk boasts a semi-fitted silhouette that makes it one of the best work tops for women who are looking for feminine details and 9-to-5 ease. It comes in a variety of eye-catching colors and is available in sizes medium through XXL. “Best quality silk I’ve ever seen,” writes one delighted five-star reviewer. “And the price is fantastic!”
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Take a walk on the wild side with this flirty NYDJ pintuck blouse. The mandarin collar and inverted back pleat offer polished, elegant wearing that feels like a comfortable weekend piece. It’s available in several happiness-inducing colors and prints, and comes in sizes XXS through XL to fit a variety of body types and sizes.
“I have ordered several sleeveless and long-sleeved ones in different patterns—they’re so versatile,” shares one five-star reviewer. But an important sizing note: Reviewers say this top is roomy, so if you want a more form-fitting look, order a smaller size.
