Remember back in the early 2000’s when we all thought that a statement top would never go out of style? Unbelievably, they did for a moment there. It’s all a black hole in my memory of what the hell we wore in those dark years without the statement top. Maxi dresses? A simple crop top? Blazers? What were we wearing on our torsos from 2009-2018? Hell if I remember.
But thankfully, this year I’ve been seeing a lot more tops on the racks that fall in the straight-up FLAMBOYANT category. Big sleeves, bold patterns, lux fabrics: they all say HERE I AM, BEOTCHES! FEEL MY JOY!
I’ll never argue against that.
You know that phrase, “love is never having to say you’re sorry”?
LIES.
I could go on a tangent about why that line is 100% bogus (like if you’re not apologizing, you’re probably not in an authentic relationship, stop lying to yourself), but the takeaway for this particular post is that a statement top is never having to say you’re sorry (ignore the bad grammar; it’s just the truth).
A statement top doesn’t apologize.
It doesn’t apologize for being big.
Or being skimpy.
Or being feminine.
Or taking up space.
Or creating shapes.
Or getting dragged through your dipping sauce at PF Chang’s (happened to a friend back in ’06. A friend.)
Not even when shamelessly tucked into Obama Jeans (my name for my favorite Levi’s, a purchase inspired by Barry). And especially not when paired with a statement belt.
Nope. No shame with a statement top. It’ll just stay with you faithfully as you go through your day, doing your thing, your way, on your terms (at least that’s how I envision you in your statement top).
The Statement Top is With You All Day, and All Night
And what’s more? You can take this thing from day to night. We’ll never say “no” to versatility, can I get an “amen”???
During the day, wear it with your Obama Jeans, or your Elizabeth Warren/Kamala Harris/Hillary Clinton Slacks (I don’t care what you say, fashion is never not political). I went the jeans route and felt BRAZENLY casual-chic. Highly recommend.
By night, wear it with your disco shorts, or your J Lo skirt, or – please – with pleather leggings. That would be ah-maz-ing. What I did was slap on a fiendishly short skirt with pom poms that I got from ASOS ages ago (I’m clearly not immune to the fast-fashion siren call) and my Missoni belt that I got on consignment. Consider us ready to cha cha.
I kept the same makeup and accessories – just changed the bottoms. If you don’t normally wear bright lipstick to work/during the day, you could def add that on before you go out. Easy peasy. Or use chapstick. Whatever makes you shine.
A note on the top – it’s from AMUR, one of my all-time favorite brands because 1.) Their designs are impeccably cut, creative, and sexayyyy; and 2.) They’re sustainable. Yup. The FULL PACKAGE.
And yup, I’m totally almost flashing you. As the Goddess Brandy says, almost doesn’t count. We’re all friends here, anyways, right?
Do you remember any statement tops from the oughts? One that sticks out in my mind was Julia Stiles’s top in Save the Last Dance. Hers was delightfully skimpy and undoubtedly a classic.
love,
Stig
