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Queer Influenced Fashions

Guide to Tops, Blouses and Shirts, Part 1

By Andrew Ferlitsch, Seattle

Disclaimer: All the images presented were generated using the Dezgo (AbsoluteReality 1.8.1) AI image generation service, and do not depict any specific model. Copyediting and polishing assisted with ChatGPT4. Due to the nature of the artificial image generation, there may be minor distortions – such as with the hands.

Diving into the world of women’s tops, blouses, and shirts can be an exciting journey, given the vast array of styles available. This comprehensive guide is designed to navigate you through the myriad of options, assisting you in discovering the ideal match for any event. In the first segment, we delve into the nuances of neckline, collar, shoulder, and strap styles. The subsequent section will explore the intricacies of sleeves, chest, waist, button placements, and overall design aesthetics. This guide aims to empower you with knowledge, transforming your shopping experience into a delightful adventure.

Neck line

1. Mock Neck

A women’s mock neck top is a style of shirt that has a high neckline, similar to a turtleneck, but does not fold over. It sits closer to the base of the neck and provides a sleek and modern look.

2. Turtle (polo) Neck

A women’s turtleneck top is a style of shirt that features a high, close-fitting collar that folds over and covers the neck. It’s a popular choice for colder weather due to its ability to provide extra warmth. It’s also known as a polo neck top.

3. Cowl Neck

A cowl neck top is a style of women’s shirt that features a loose, draping neckline. The design is inspired by the loose, flowing fabric of a monk’s cowl, hence the name. It’s a popular style for sweaters and blouses and is often seen as a more relaxed, comfortable alternative to more structured necklines.

4. Round (Crew) Neck

A women’s round neck top is a style of shirt that features a circular neckline that sits at the base of the neck. This style is quite common and versatile, suitable for both casual and formal occasions. It’s also known as a crew neck top.

5. Wide Neck

A women’s wide neck top is a style of shirt that has a neckline that is wider than a standard one. This design exposes more of the shoulders and collarbone area, providing a more relaxed and casual look. It can come in various styles, including sweaters, t-shirts, or blouses. Some wide neck tops can even be worn off one shoulder for a more dramatic effect.

6. Jewel

A women’s jewel neck top is a style of shirt that features a high, round neckline that sits at the base of the throat. This design is often seen in more formal or conservative styles, and it’s named “jewel neck” because it’s a perfect backdrop for showcasing jewelry, particularly necklaces.

7. U neck

A U neck top is a style of shirt that features a neckline shaped like the letter “U”. This design typically sits lower on the chest, providing a more open and relaxed look compared to higher necklines. It’s a popular choice for casual wear and can be found in a variety of materials and styles.

8. V Neck

A V neck top is a style of shirt that features a neckline shaped like the letter “V”. This design can be a deep or shallow cut, and it’s popular for its ability to elongate the neck and show off the collarbone. It’s a versatile style that can be worn in both casual and formal settings.

9. Plunging Neck

A plunging neck top is a style of shirt that features a deep, low-cut neckline that descends down towards the waist. This design is often seen in women’s fashion and is typically used to create a more dramatic, sexy look. The depth of the plunge can vary, with some tops featuring a slight dip, while others may expose much of the chest.

10. Scoop

A women’s scoop top is a style of shirt that features a neckline shaped like a “U” or a “scoop”. This design typically reveals more of the wearer’s neck and chest compared to a traditional round neck. It’s a popular style for both casual and formal wear.

11. Square

A women’s square top is a style of shirt that features a neckline shaped like a square. This design typically sits wide on the shoulders and has a straight line across the chest, creating a square-like shape. It’s a popular style for both casual and formal wear.

12. Scalloped Neck

A women’s scallop neck top is a style of shirt that features a neckline with a series of curves, resembling the edge of a scallop shell. This design can add a feminine and delicate touch to the overall look of the shirt.

13. Sabrina (Boat, Bateau)

A women’s Sabrina top is a style of shirt that features a wide, off-the-shoulder neckline. This design is also known as a boat neck or bateau neck. It’s named after the 1954 movie “Sabrina” where Audrey Hepburn wore a dress with this type of neckline.

14. Queen Anne

A women’s Queen Anne top is a style of shirt that features a neckline known as a Queen Anne neckline. This design typically has a high collar at the back of the neck that scoops low in the front, often in a heart shape. It’s a classic style often seen in formal wear and bridal gowns.

15. Sweetheart

A women’s Sweetheart top is a style of shirt that features a neckline known as a Sweetheart neckline. This neckline is characterized by its distinctive heart-like shape that is low at the front and often has a curve at the bust, creating a shape that resembles the top of a heart.

16. Split Crew

A women’s split crew top is a variation of a crew neck top, which typically has a round, close-fitting neckline. The split is a design element such as a slit or opening in the neckline of the top.

17. Choker Top

A women’s choker top is a style of shirt that features a built-in choker in the neckline. The choker is typically connected to the body of the shirt, creating a cut-out effect around the neck.

Collar

Collar

A women’s collar top is a style of shirt that features a collar, similar to those found on men’s dress shirts or polo shirts. The collar may be a traditional point collar, a button-down collar, or even a more stylized version like a Peter Pan collar.

2. Mandarin Collar

A women’s mandarin collar top is a style of shirt that features a mandarin collar, which is a short unfolded stand-up collar style that starts at the neckline and typically rises vertically two to five centimeters. It’s a design element that originated from dress styles in East Asia.

3. Peter Pan Collar

A women’s Peter Pan collar top is a style of shirt that features a Peter Pan collar. This collar is a type of flat collar that is round and lies flat on the shoulders. It’s named after the collar found on the costume of the character Peter Pan in the classic play. This style is often associated with a vintage or classic aesthetic.

4. Pussy (Tie) Bow

A women’s pussy bow top is a style of shirt that features a bow tied at the neckline, similar to a tie. The bow, often made from the same material as the shirt, is typically large and floppy, creating a feminine and somewhat vintage look. This style was popular in the 1960s and 1980s and has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Shoulders

1. Off-Shoulder (Bardot)

A women’s off-shoulder top is a style of shirt that exposes both shoulders. The neckline typically runs across the chest and under the arms, leaving the shoulders bare. This style can be elasticized to stay in place, or it may have straps for support. It’s a popular choice for casual wear and is often made from materials like cotton, silk, or synthetic blends.

2. One-Shoulder

A women’s one shoulder top is a style of shirt that leaves one shoulder completely bare while covering the other. This design can be seen in various types of tops, including blouses, t-shirts, and dresses. It’s a popular style for summer wear or evening wear, offering a unique blend of elegance and casual style.

3. Hoodie

A women’s hoodie top is a style of shirt that includes a hood. This type of top is typically casual and can be made from various materials, including cotton, fleece, or polyester. It often features a large pocket at the front, and some designs include a zipper down the front. Hoodie tops are popular for their comfort and versatility, and they can be worn in various settings, from workouts to casual outings.

4. Cape

A women’s cape top is a style of shirt that features a cape-like design. This could mean that the top has a loose, flowing fabric that drapes down from the shoulders, similar to a cape. This style can add a dramatic, elegant touch to an outfit. It’s often seen in formal wear, but can also be found in more casual styles.

5. Cold Shoulder

A women’s cold shoulder top is a style of shirt that features cut-outs at the shoulders. This design allows the wearer’s shoulders to be exposed while the rest of the arm and body remain covered. It’s a popular style for spring and summer, and can be found in a variety of materials and patterns.

6. Draped

A women’s draped top is a style of shirt that features a draped design. This could mean that the fabric is loosely gathered and falls softly over the body, creating a flowing and elegant look. This style can be found in various types of tops, including blouses, tunics, and even dresses.

7. Asymmetric

A women’s asymmetric top is a style of shirt that features an asymmetrical design. This could mean that one side of the top is longer than the other, or that the neckline, hemline, or other design elements are not symmetrical. This style is often used to create a unique, modern look.

8. Grecian

A women’s Grecian top is a style of shirt that is inspired by ancient Greek fashion. It often features elements such as draping, one-shoulder designs, or wrap-around styles. The fabric is usually lightweight and flowing, creating a graceful and elegant look.

Straps

1. Halter

A women’s halter strap top is a style of shirt where the fabric wraps around the back of the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back exposed. This design is often seen in summer clothing and swimwear. It can be tied, buckled, or snapped at the back of the neck.

2. Spaghetti

A women’s spaghetti strap top is a style of shirt that features thin, delicate straps, similar to the size of spaghetti noodles, hence the name. These straps are typically adjustable and the top itself can come in a variety of styles, including crop tops, tank tops, and camisoles. They are often worn in warmer weather or as a layering piece under other garments.

3. Criss Cross Top

A women’s criss cross top is a style of shirt that features a design where the fabric crosses over itself, typically at the chest or back. This can create a variety of looks, from a deep V-neckline to a more complex lattice design. The criss cross design can also appear on the straps of the top.

4. Strapless

A women’s strapless top is a style of shirt that is designed to be worn without straps. It typically has a tight fit around the bust to ensure it stays in place. This style can come in a variety of designs, including tube tops, bandeau tops, or corset-style tops. It’s a popular choice for summer wear or formal occasions.