7 Timeless Women’s Tops (for a classic wardrobe)

Timeless tops are worth investing in since trends come and go, but the classics are always in style. I update this post each season since the tops change with the weather, so today, I’m sharing timeless fall and winter tops. If you have these items, you’ve got the makings of a timeless, classic wardrobe for the cooler weather.

7 Must-Have Timeless Women’s Tops (for cooler temperatures)

I’ve always hated clutter, especially in my closet. I loathe when my closet is so full that I can’t find anything to wear, and I don’t like ordering a ton of trendy things just for the sake of having what’s “in…” I’m pretty good about cleaning out my closet each season — and my rule stands for “one thing in, one thing out” whenever I shop.

That said, I’ve worked hard to build a timeless wardrobe over the last decade or so. It does take some time (and some investment), but now my closet is in a place where I have a decent “capsule” wardrobe that works year after year. Sure, I buy a few new things each season, but they’re items that usually complement the basics I already keep in my wardrobe.

So, what are timeless tops?

First, let’s define “timeless” when it comes to clothes.

“Timeless” tops are classic, versatile, and stylish clothing pieces that remain fashionable regardless of trends or seasons. They’re characterized by simple, elegant designs and high-quality materials, making them durable and easy to pair with various outfits. Think tops that are in style year after year.

Okay, here are my picks:

1. White Button Down

The most important top for a timeless wardrobe is a well-made white button-down. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but you should get a crisp material that looks good after multiple wears. I love tops like these because they can be dressed up for work with a blazer or dressed down with a pair of jeans and a French tuck as a busy mom. Dressing for cool weather that warms up throughout the afternoon can be hard, but a white button-down is a great option. See more of my thoughts on what to wear in 40-degree weather here.

I have two favorite white button-down options. The first is this Easy Y-Neck Button-Up Shirt from Madewell. It’s 100% cotton and has a polished, crisp feel. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a second button-down, this A. Putam Classic Button-Up is designed for golf, but it looks like a polished work blouse. It’s made with a functional material that’s comfortable all day, and the cuffs have a cuffed knit sleeve.

The Madewell option is best if you’re only buying one!

2. Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater is another classic option that stands the test of time. Cashmere is not only the softest material on the market, but it’s also never itchy. However, it’s an investment, so I recommend finding a simple, classic cut (either a crew neck or v-neck) that you know you’ll wear year after year. I recommend a neutral color since it’s rare that you’ll want to wear a red sweater once a week. A creamy tan or grey cashmere sweater can be styled with a work outfit, over the shoulders of a blouse or dress, or with a pair of casual jeans. One of the reasons I love wearing a sweater is that I can easily wear a comfortable bra underneath, ha! Read my review of NEIWAI (best bras ever) here.

Nordstrom makes a great Crewneck Cashmere Sweater in multiple colors. I also just placed an order on Quince for an affordable Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, and I’ll report back if the quality is as good as I hope.

3. Denim or Chambray Top

A denim or chambray top is another wardrobe essential, but I actually need to order another myself! In the same way that a white button-down is easy to style a few different ways, a chambray top is, too. Denim on denim (different washes) is a popular trend this year, but in other years, you can style your chambray top with a skirt, colored denim (think black or off-white), or layered over a basic tee. I think of denim or chambray tops as a “durable” option.

J.Crew always makes the best denim tops. This year, they have a Garçon Classic Chambray Shirt in Storm Wash that I love. It’s a bit more casual than some of their other options, but a denim shirt is a casual option in my closet so I lean into that.

4. Black Turtleneck

Everyone needs a good black turtleneck in their closet. And I think everyone needs a sleeveless and long-sleeved option — and getting them in a white colorway is a good idea, too. I wear my black sleeveless turtleneck even more often than my long-sleeve version because I keep my heat on in the house, but a long-sleeve version is a great option to wear with a vest or on cooler days.

The best black sleeveless turtleneck I’ve found is this Madewell Merino Wool-Silk Sweater Tank. The material is just as soft (possibly softer) than cashmere, and the thickness is lightweight, making it perfect for layering under a blazer (another timeless investment!). It’s well-made and priced well, too. I don’t own this BP Turtleneck Ribbed Top, but I have a few other tops from Nordstrom’s BP. line that I love, so I would imagine this is a great long-sleeved option.

5. Basic Long-Sleeved T-shirt

Finding a high-quality basic tee took me a while because I’m a bit picky. I recently discovered this thick, ribbed, long-sleeve tee from Amazon, and it’s my new favorite. It’s thick enough that you never see bra lines, and it’s fitted, so it works well underneath pullovers and vests. I own it in black and white (which I recommend) and wear them equally. And you can’t beat under $20 with Prime shipping.

6. Silk Blouse

A silk blouse is a great top to keep in your closet, but it’s less essential if you don’t work in an office. When I worked in Corporate America, I had a handful of silk blouse button-downs and tops, but now that I work from home, I don’t own any silk blouses. If I were to buy one today, I’d get this Sleeveless Silk Blouse from Theory because I could dress it down with casual jeans and dress it up with a dark wash pair of denim and heels. I love that you can accessorize tops like this many ways.

7. Striped Breton Top

I love anything striped. I have a million sweaters, tops, and tees that are striped in all different colors. However, If you’re only buying one striped top, I recommend a Breton top, which have a wide neckline and a 3/4 length sleeve. They look a bit like what you’d imagine someone wearing in France (classic style for sure). Breton tops are cute with jeans, slacks, skirts, and can be dressed up or down.

This Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-shirt in stripe is a perfect option for a tee, or you could go the cardigan route with this striped cardigan sweater from Amazon that I own and love. If you want an ultra high-quality version, this Filipa Cashmere Cardigan Stripe from Ciao Lucia.

I hope this helps with your shopping! And remember, if something isn’t a “heck yes” when you put it on, it’s a “heck no” so make sure you feel amazing in whatever you try on so you can find the one that will stand the test of time in your closet!

If you’re looking for more styling tips, you may like these posts:

• 5 Shoes to Wear with Mom Jeans
• How to Wear Ankle Boots with Jeans
• How to Style Wide-Leg Jeans
• The Very Best Petite Jeans
• What Sneakers to Wear with Dresses
• The Best Non-Skinny Jeans for Fall
• and more fashion content linked here

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