In Search of Summer Tops That Aren't T-shirts or Tanks

You make another niche request. You get 11 more niche recommendations.

I never really understood people who were obsessed with their group chats until “Personal Choice.” It’s me and my closest friends in LA and it functions as a think tank, daily source of inspiration, sounding board, etc. These are women I’d call with any request. They’re my Board of Directors. So when one of them sends a request as earnest and specific as the transcript below, I knew I needed to dedicate a Substack to finding an answer.

Hayden Freedman is facing a problem that might be more universal than you’d expect. Sure, there are going out tops. And button downs, you know how I feel about those. But what about those months during the summer when wearing a t-shirt or tank top just feels…eh…underwhelming?

Never fear, here are a bunch of shirts to reach for/add to your watch list for when the temperatures rise and you find yourself texting a group chat of your best friends asking “What is a shirt?”

Vintage Lacoste Polo

Recording this pod!

There are lots of polos being re-created by very cool brands. I get it. But I love a classic Lacoste polo. Why mess with it? You’ll have to try out a few sizes to find the right fit, but you already know eBay accepts returns.

This tiny yellow option is very darling.

I’m VERY into this color story. I think you should pay less than $40 for these polos, and if you see one overpriced somewhere, chances are it’s $20 somewhere on eBay.

Outfit idea: Summer-y shoulder bag and taffeta pants.

Modern Peplum

I’m talking something tailored and trim, which can be a real lifesaver for when it’s hot and you have no clue what to wear.

This Rue Sophie option is very sleek and $148.

The thing is, if I told you this was Batsheva, not handmade and $24 on Poshmark, you’d freak out.

It’s amazing how far $25 gets you when it comes to vintage blouses.

Outfit idea: Midi skirt and basket bag.

Square Neck

You could walk into any high street store and find scores of square necks. Or you could spend 8 minutes on eBay. I’ll prove which one yields more compelling results in my next trick.

Linen 90s Ann Taylor.

Can you tell I’m into this green right now? These are both around $25.

Outfit idea: Pinstripe pants and huge sunglasses with an iced tea.

Drapey Jersey

It’s time! Just TRY wearing a jersey with an outfit you’ve already worn a hundred times. It can be work appropriate, just sport some loafers and use this letter as a doctor’s note. Erika said so!

For $30, this is exactly what I’m talking about. I might buy this before I send the letter. I’m sorry.

Pick your favorite color and use it as a filter! This is $40.

Outfit idea: Pleated skirt and loafers.

Prairie Top with a Wide Neck

Let’s keep it in the group chat. This is a hand-me-down from Jessie, Personal Choice’s resident producer and crafter. The key here is a wide neck. Anything too Victorian will have you running to the nearest Muji for a linen tank top.

No frills? No problem! This is $25 and linen.

Puff sleeve perfection for $26! I die for this one.

Major collar for $24!

Not a wide neck, but ventilation via neckline? I just love this top.

Outfit idea: Tailored shorts and a half-finished thank you card.

Loose Cotton Button Down

This is cheating. But hear me out. You need a knock around 100% cotton button down for summer. Even better if it’s in a striped pattern! This kind of top is actually quite breathable and you can toss in the washer. It always makes me feel pulled together.

Not the most lightweight option, but a strong one at $24.

Yellow and blue is my fav color combo right now. This top is $30.

Outfit idea: White linen pants and bright red flats.

Textured Silk Short Sleeve Button Up

Technically, I could recommend any short sleeve button up, but I think silk, especially textured silk, is your best bet here. It keeps things from feeling too dad on vacation in 1997. This example from Nikki Chasin is great.

This vintage silk top is not for taking client calls, but IDK your clients!

Excellent cotton eyelet version from Everlane (surprised!) if silk isn’t your thing.

These sheer sleeves! This DKNY top is $29.

Outfit idea: Alex Mill pants that will look even better in 10 years and a lemonade from Jack’s Wife Freda.

Summer Hydration That's Not Heavy Or Going to Pill

A good summer moisturizer is hard to find. Or at least, it was, until I started using Herbivore's TREMELLA Silky Hydration Gel Cream. Hydrate your skin and protect your skin barrier with Tremella Mushroom, Vegan Silk and Squalane so you can focus on more pressing tasks like diving into the nearest body of water or stopping by McNally Jackson for your weekend read. The lightweight formula has earned its spot in my very limited summer skincare routine.

Outfit idea: Striped PJ set, a London house tour, and some popcorn.

Vintage Sailor Top

My prediction? The sailor-style collar is the next big thing. Luckily, there’s lots on secondhand sites for us before Zara knocks them off. The material of these can often be wool if they’re ex-military, but there’s also plenty of cotton and linen options from moments in the 80s and 90s.

This is $19!

For $17, have your tailor chop this off into a cute little shirt.

Outfit idea: Denim shorts and a beat-up copy of The Bluest Eye sticking out of your pocket.

Something Cotton Voile

Leave it to the brilliant Emily Farra of Tory Burch to recommend a J.Crew top that makes wearing sheer to the office a realistic approach. “It’s super sheer (more so IRL), featherweight, and 100% organic cotton.” TLDR: you should be in the Long Live chat.

How about a 2000s Marni top for $65?

A little lime cotton voile for you!

Outfit idea: Work bag that means business and a late reservation at Margot.

Honorable Mentions

As you know, considering I've made it my whole personality, I'm moving. And moving sucks. But Lugg made it very simple this time around and I can't really imagine moving again without them. You can use code PNM2ZMNG for $10 off your next move/delivery.

If you love

Melissa Febos

the way I do, even if you’re uninitiated, you have to read The Dry Season.

Also, the other two Personal Choice members are the very smart

Nicole Lulinski Weill

and Camille Muson, for what it’s worth.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can preorder my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Bookshop or Amazon. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. You can book my Office Hours to talk shop here. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x