What Is A Shell Top?
A shell top, or shell blouse, is a simple sleeveless, sometimes cap sleeve, slip-on collarless blouse. Shells can be made of any fabric including cotton, polyester, wool, or silk. I prefer shell tops to be made from cashmere, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, or a blend of these quality materials. Basically, skip 100% polyester shells. A few decades ago, shell blouses were often referred to in the context of sweater sets (hello ’50s) or bold jackets (hi early ’90s power dressing). Nowadays, in conversations with my clients, I often use the word “shell top” to reference any basic dressier sleeveless top that can be worn day to night. And as folks are dressing up again for the office — and after-office happy hours and events — shell tops are once again front of mind for their simplicity and versatility.
How To Wear A Shell Top
When this post was originally made in 2014, shells were the perfect partner for a bold pant or skirt. The skirt or trouser would be striking in print, shape, or through embellishments. A shell blouse can still shine with a contrasting bottom, but these days I usually use shells to create monochromatic or minimalist looks. Often I use shell tops to complement an on-trend blazer. I am sure you noticed blazers expanded from the office to Instagram. Lastly, and this may go without saying, a shell blouse is practically essential for a pantsuit, statement suit, or skirt suit. Shells go with suits or other two-piece sets like peanut butter goes with jelly.
Where To Find Linen Shell Tops
When it comes time for summer, I adore a linen blend shell blouse. Ooo! Nothing looks more chic than a linen shell with denim (shorts or jeans) and a linen blend blazer. Here are my go-to sources for linen-based shells right now…
Where To Find Cashmere Shell Blouses
Finding a cashmere shell is harder than you think. Perhaps that is why you are here! There is not an obvious outpouring of cashmere shells, so I will let you in on my resources. Here is where I find my favorite cashmere shell tops…
Tip: Pair a cashmere shell with jeans or a tweed suit.
Where To Find Silk Shells
I desperately miss the J.Crew silk tank shell that is no longer for sale. I was constantly putting it on clients. It tucks beautifully into higher-waisted slacks and skirts, and you can wear a bra with it. I much prefer a shell over a cami for this reason. Camisoles are sexy, but the barely-there straps make a bra impossible and that slinky fabric often shows nipples — a big no for most of my clients. Alas, that top has moved on, but I found other amazing silk shell resources to share with you…
Best Shell Tops
The shell game is constantly changing, so I update this post every year with my favorite shell blouses right now. Below are my current favorite shell tops for you to pair with jeans, blazers, and more. Basically, whenever you have a pant you love and you don’t know what to put with it, just start shelling.
St. John Collection Silk Crêpe de Chine Tank in Royal Blue
Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, and St. John Collection.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% silk
NIC+ZOE Scoop Neck Satin Tank
Available at Nordstrom and Amazon.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
Banana Republic Sublime Silk Tank
Available at Banana Republic
Sizing: XXS-XXL
Material: 100% silk
ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Silk Charmeuse Tank Top
Available at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: XS-M
Material: 100% silk
St. John Collection Silk Crêpe de Chine Tank in Moss
Available at Nordstrom and St. John Collection.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% silk
Open Edit Scoop Neck Woven Tank
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% polyester
St. John Collection Silk Crêpe de Chine Tank in Powder Blue
Available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and St. John Collection.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 100% silk
Eileen Fisher Scoop-Neck Silk Jersey Tank
Available at Neiman Marcus and Eileen Fisher.
Sizing: XXS-3X
Material: 100% silk
J.Crew Cashmere Mockneck Sweater Shell
Available at J.Crew.
Sizing: XXXS-3X
Material: 100% cashmere
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Jersey Tank
Available at Nordstrom.
Sizing: XXS-XL
Material: 100% organic linen
St. John Collection Liquid Satin Round Neck Shell
Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.
Sizing: XS-XL
Material: 78% triacetate, 22% polyester
Gap Modern Shell Tank Top
Available at GAP.
Sizing: XXS-XXL, available in tall and petite sizes
Material: cotton 58%, modal 39%, spandex 3%
Theory Shell Top in Silk Georgette
Available at Theory.
Sizing: S-XXL
Material: 100% silk
Best Shell Tops From Years Past
I originally wrote this post years ago and update it regularly due to its popularity. I’ve left these photos below for nostalgic purposes. Whenever I update older posts, I love to hold on to a collection of images as a bit of a time capsule so we can watch how our style evolves.
J.Crew Sleeveless Shell Top
One Grey Day Talia Cashmere Tank
Boden Scoop Neck Linen Tank
Club Monaco Signature Cashmere Tank
Splendid Wool Blend Rib Sweater
This wool-cashmere blend ribbed shell top is available at Nordstrom and Splendid.
Vince Square Neck Rib Tank Top
Photos by Dayley Photography
