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Between Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams, we're all taking more video calls than ever before. Here's what you need to rock a professional look online.
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Working from home is a trend that’s here to stay, and we’re collectively having more virtual meetings than ever before. But just because you’re home, it doesn’t mean you can wear any old thing. Work rules are still in effect—at least from the waist up. One of the quickest ways to look polished and put together is to make sure you’re wearing one of the best work tops for women. But what, exactly, does that entail?
“The best shirts for video calls accentuate our faces and aren’t the focus of our screen,” explains style expert Sadie Cherney, who owns several Clothes Mentor consignment boutiques in South Carolina. “Shirts that are shiny or have loud prints or a lot of embellishments detract from our faces, as do shirts that are low cut or revealing.”
The bottom line: You want to keep it professional while still showing your sense of style and personality. As for the rest of your ensemble, pair these new work essentials with jeans, loungewear, your best leggings or joggers—whatever you want to be comfy, including slippers. We did the hard work of rounding up the best work tops for women that suit every style, so you can focus on perfecting your ideal backdrop instead.
Blend your love of high-quality materials with bright, eye-popping color to keep the on-screen version of you visually exciting. “Think about your background,” advises Cherney. “Whether it’s your home or a green screen, you’ll want to make sure that your top stands in contrast to it. If there’s a neutral wall in your house you’re going to use as the backdrop, opt for a top in a vibrant shade or bold jewel tone to stand out best.” That’s a top personal stylist tip—and something you’ll swear by from here on out. This Quince cashmere tee is luxurious and easy to wear through several seasons. Plus, it comes in bold colors as well as neutrals and it’s incredibly affordable.
Say hello to your new favorite sweater from Hollister. The soft sweater is comfortable enough to wear layered with jeans yet polished enough to pair with a skirt or pants. It comes in a variety of neutral colors that coordinate well with all your wardrobe staples, as well as both regular and petite sizes spanning XXS through XXL. With neckline detailing and chic front buttons, it will see you through your next video conference call—and then right out to dinner. Pair it with one of the best earrings for sensitive ears.
When it comes to warm-weather tops, sleeveless is OK…but strapless is not. “Strapless tops should be avoided for Zoom calls,” says Cherney. “They’re too casual to be professional and can create the illusion that you are not wearing a top at all.” She suggests sticking to work-appropriate sleeveless blouses that have higher necklines to balance the look. This asymmetrical sweater tank top is easy to dress up or down, offers just enough charm to keep things interesting and looks just as polished with black pants or a skirt at the office as it does with denim and a cute pair of sandals. It also comes in six sophisticated hues to suit every mood and personal style.
This Mongolian cashmere v-neck sweater from Quince offers the timeless sophistication of solid colors including black, white, several shades of blue and green and exciting citrus. With a v-neck silhouette made of rich Mongolian cashmere, this staple is both flattering and fun. It’s one of the best work tops for women seeking a truly versatile wardrobe piece because it transitions seamlessly from day to night—and it’s a budget-friendly luxury essential you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. Need proof? This similar Quince sweater sells out every year.
“Most body types look good in a v-neck neck style, as it can soften a hard jawline, make round faces look longer and elongate the neck,” says Cherney, adding that it’s important to keep v-necks relatively modest for work calls. This Quince top fits the bill. Find it in sizes XS through XL and 11 trendy shades.
This fun, updated take on a classic print is one of the best work tops for women that you’ll be happy to wear again and again. The timeless striped print on this soft cotton button down comes in three colors and features a tweener button that will keep it from popping open in the wrong places. Tuck it into a pencil skirt for workdays, or pair it with a cute summer hat and sunglasses on the weekend—the options are endless.
This simple fine ribbed tee will quickly become your new favorite thanks to its soft, cozy material. It features a flattering silhouette with just the right amount of stretch. Wear it like your favorite loungewear set with linen bottoms, or as a workplace-appropriate look. And as the weather gets colder, it’s perfect for layering with a cozy cardigan or puffer vest. It also comes in three neutral must-have colors and sizes XS through XXL. Try these casual work dresses if you only want an easy outfit.
Cozy knit fabric, a classic V neckline and pretty ruffle sleeves are sure to make this sleeveless top your new go-to for video calls. Whether you pair it with your favorite jeans or a pencil skirt, this work appropriate top will look both stylish and sophisticated. It fits true to size and comes in sizes XS through XL. And while you’re shopping for wardrobe staples, be sure to treat yourself to a classic handbag.
If you just don’t have it in you for much more than a tee, that’s OK, because this CeCe mixed media shirt offers T-shirt comfort with the bonus of flattering puff sleeves. It’s made of an easy-to-wash fabric blend with just a bit of added spandex to keep the tailored-looking fit intact for dozens of washes. Plus, it covers work-important modesty spots like the shoulders and necklines. One more box it checks off? It’s available in fun, bright colors, which Cherney says keeps things interesting on camera. But don’t worry—it comes in classic black, too.
Upgrade your existing denim shirt collection by adding this versatile button down. It’s ideal for video calls thanks to a low-profile collar that’s comfortable and breathable, while relaxed roll-tab sleeves balance belly and waistline areas in addition to being incredibly on-trend. The best part? The elongated back covers key areas and pairs effortlessly with your most comfortable Dragon Fit leggings.
“A button-style top never really goes wrong, and it easily transitions from work to casual,” says Cherney. Plus, this top features 100% Tencel fabric that only gets softer over time.
Add some luxury to your blouse collection with this LilySilk basic military top. Flowing, soft genuine silk boasts a semi-fitted silhouette that makes it one of the best work tops for women who are looking for feminine details and 9-to-5 ease. It comes in a variety of eye-catching colors and is available in sizes medium through XXL. “Best quality silk I’ve ever seen,” writes one delighted five-star reviewer. “And the price is fantastic!”
Take a walk on the wild side with this flirty NYDJ pintuck blouse. The mandarin collar and inverted back pleat offer polished, elegant wearing that feels like a comfortable weekend piece. It’s available in several happiness-inducing colors and prints, and comes in sizes XXS through XL to fit a variety of body types and sizes.
“I have ordered several sleeveless and long-sleeved ones in different patterns—they’re so versatile,” shares one five-star reviewer. But an important sizing note: Reviewers say this top is roomy, so if you want a more form-fitting look, order a smaller size.
This sophisticated sleeveless blouse from White House Black Market is the perfect professional wardrobe staple year-round. Wear it alone in spring and summer and under blazers or cardigans in fall and winter to add polish to any look. The twisted detail at the neck gives it a feminine edge, and the elegant drape flatters all body types. Comes in XXS to XL.
Overly tight or revealing clothing is generally not appropriate for work. For remote work and video calls, Cherney also advises against wearing shirts that are heavily embellished or have loud prints.
At Reader’s Digest, we know how important it is to feel both comfortable and professional. Our editors and testers have years of experience finding the perfect wardrobe staples. For this article, we searched for an array of versatile tops at various price points. We combed through hundreds of reviews and relied on our own experiences with each brand to further ensure that you’ll be dressed to impress. And don’t worry, none of these styles will date you.
