The Best Tops for Women Over 50 in 2024

Tees, tanks, shirts, tunics and blouses are true mix and match superstars. They refresh skirts, elevate jeans and give blazers and cardigans a style boost. The right top can pull together an evening outfit in minutes, wake up your face at 8 a.m. and make you look 5 pounds slimmer when your pants feel too tight. Wondering if oversized or relaxed is what you want? Whether to choose a crew, V-neck or boatneck? How about three-quarter, long or short sleeves? Are crinkle gauze and linen a summer fling or year-round shirts? Here’s all you need to know now.

(Left to right) Everlane The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt in Pale Blue; J. Crew Garcon Classic Shirt in Cotton-Linen Blend Gauze in White; Loft Striped Cotton Blend Oversized Pocket Shirt in Cobalt Current

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: J.Crew; Everlane; Loft)

1. Discover the fit that flatters your body now.

You’ve probably noticed that many women’s tops —  especially shirts and tees — are categorized as oversized, boyfriend, relaxed, classic or slim. Here’s how to choose a top in sync with your bust, body and style. Oversized or just plain old “big” is always the loosest, fullest, most generously cut style. It’s going to hide your true body shape and looks best over a narrow bottom like slim jeans or leggings. Buy your usual size. Boyfriend is sometimes used interchangeably with oversized. It’s also a loose fit but not as exaggerated — as if you borrowed a guy’s shirt. Any top billed as oversized or boyfriend is an “outie” worn like a tunic, but it can also be casually layered over a tank or tee as a shacket (shirt/jacket). To keep big tops like these from appearing too uptight or sloppy, be sure to style them. Unbutton to a V if it’s a button-down style, roll the sleeves and turn up the cuffs (but keep it imperfect not precisely cuffed). Relaxed fits are eased through the torso and are the new “normal.” They often feature a dropped or raglan sleeve and feel like you’ve gone up one size minus the unwanted drag of excess fabric at the hem and sleeves. Many women 50-plus now find a relaxed fit more flattering (and forgiving) to wear than what used to be a classic fit. Classic tops nowadays have a straight, updated-preppy fit. They work if your overall style is classic, meaning you often tuck in tops and prefer a neat, trim silhouette. Classics partner best with full silhouettes like wide-leg pants, A-line or pleated skirts. Slim tops follow the line of the body —  especially at the bust and torso — and reveal every bump and bulge. You can do better.

Ones to consider: The J. Crew Garcon Classic Shirt in Cotton-Linen Blend Gauze in White or Majestic Sky ($63, jcrew.com), the Madewell Relaxed Button-Front Shirt in Poplin in Wide Celeste White Stripe ($77, madewell.com), the Everlane The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt in Pale Blue ($88, everlane.com), the Loft Striped Cotton Blend Oversized Pocket Shirt in Cobalt Current ($20, loft.com) and the Universal Thread Women’s Oversized Long Sleeve Collared Button-Down Shirt in Purple ($14, target.com).

(Left to right) Old Navy Oversized Boyfriend Shirt in White Oxford; Lands’ End Women’s Eyelet Split Neck Shirt in White; Vineyard Vines Eyelet Long Sleeve Top in White Cap

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Old Navy; Lands' End; Vineyard Vines)

2. Count on white shirts to brighten your looks and wardrobe.

Want to erase lines, shadows and fatigue? A crisp white shirt works the same way filters and makeup highlighter do. It freshens your face and gives a polished impression no matter what’s on the bottom. It’s why Sharon Stone famously wore one to the Oscars in 1998 and why mature celebs now make this top their go-to for photo shoots and appearances. Any style from collared button-downs to popovers, tunics and boho blouses with full sleeves works — plain, ruffled or embellished. You can’t have too many. Which fabrics work year-round? All cottons including modern no-iron versions, smooth Pima, this year’s star: breathable linen (which gets softer with washes and wear), lightweight crinkle gauze and white or ivory tops in silk and satin for a softer but equally illuminating dressy version. All elevate everything from black pants to knee- and midi-length skirts and of course jeans. They also brighten a dark neutral wardrobe and sharpen the effect of colorful bottom pieces. Great choices include the Old Navy Oversized Boyfriend Shirt in White Oxford ($18, oldnavy.gap.com), the Ann Taylor AT Weekend Linen Blend Tunic Shirt in White ($54, anntaylor.com), the Lands’ End Women’s Eyelet Split Neck Shirt in White ($59, landsend.com), the Vineyard Vines Eyelet Long Sleeve Top in White Cap ($148, vineyardvines.com) and the Nic + Zoe Flowing Ease Top in Paper White ($148, bloomingdales.com).