How to Style the Same Black Top for Various Occasions

Are you looking to build a capsule wardrobe, but don’t know where to start? I’m going to talk about one of the most important timeless items to add to your closet, a black short sleeve top. Going to the gym, hanging out with friends, or to an interview? I’ve got you covered and so does a staple top! Learn how to style the same black top for various occasions!

Athletic

First, a plain black fitted top can simply be worn with other comfortable clothing. Whether your going to the gym or relaxing on the couch with friends, a black top can be styled with your outfit! You can easily dress down an outfit by throwing on some joggers, sneakers, and a black tee. The image below shows inspiration of how my black top was styled to create an athletic outfit. I have on athletic pants, New Balance sneakers, and my fitted black top. This outfit is amazing for anytime I’m seeking comfort!

Casual

A black fitted tee can also be styled into a casual outfit. This is a great look if your going to the store, school, hanging out with friends, or anyplace casual but you still want to feel put together. First start by pairing your black tee with a pair of pants like leggings and jeans, then add your favorite sneakers. From here, you can add layers for warmth, like a jean jacket. Don’t forget to add your accessories! For more information check out my previous blog post, How to Accessorize to Your Outfit. The images below are two example of how I would style a black top for casual events.

In the first image I have on leggings to establish my comfort. I also have on a jean jacket, hat, jewelry, sneakers, and of course the same black top shown previously. This is such a fashionable but laid-back outfit. In the second image, I styled the same black top with denim blue jeans and sneakers. Then to slightly upgrade my outfit I paired my a purse and of course added gold jewelry. The pants and accessories selected can very easily change an outfit, impacting the overall look. Again this all depends on the occasion and what you want to communicate to others.

Business professional

Thirdly, a black fitted top can be styled into formal attire for professional events, like a job interview. The same top can certainly dressed up because of the other clothing items and accessories you select. This would include items like dress pants or trousers, very business professional garments. Then add shoes like heels, loafers, or clean sneakers to tie together the base of your outfit. Over the black top, you will want to add a sleek jacket, like a blazer. That is an important step to elevate the look. Next, you are certainly going to want to add accessories like a necklace, earrings, bracelets, rings and a purse. This will tie everything together to create a formal fashionable outfit!

The image demonstrates how I would style the same black top for a formal occasion. To reiterate what I stated above, I styled my outfit with dress pants, heeled boots, a black top, jewelry, a purse, and a pink colored blazer to add some personality. This outfit would be a great look for any fancy event where I want to look my absolute best!

Wondering where to purchase a quality black top? A personal favorite of mine is the Snug Crop T-Shirt from Old Navy or the Estelle Longline Crewneck Tee from Garage. There are tons and tons of different brands that sell similar options!

In terms of styling, the same black top can easily be incorporated into various outfits depending on the event your attending. No matter if you are going for an outdoor walk, to the grocery store, or an interview, a staple black top can be part of your outfit. After acquiring inspiration on how to style the same black top for various occasions, I encourage you try this out. Ensure that you have a good quality top, and maybe try purchasing more colors like white and grey. This is a perfect capsule item to add to your wardrobe because its surely versatile. A black top is timeless and will never go out of style!