The Best Black Tops for Women Over 50 And How To Wear Them

While the “crisp white button-down” or basic white tee tend to get all the love from influencers and fashion editor types making lists of the wardrobe essentials for every woman (or similar content), we don’t really subscribe to that one-size-fits-all philosophy. However, over the years, a true wardrobe workhorse has emerged: a simple black top with perhaps a bit of interesting detail, made of a fabric that works for most seasons.

Best Black Tops for Women Over 50

A black top can be paired with everything from white denim or linen to festive velvet or satin, and work for nearly any occasion with the right accessories. Here are some of our favorite versatile black tops and why we think they are workhorses.

The Ideal Black Tee

While we all want different things from our basic tees, we can all agree that a flattering fit is most likely one of them. This black tee from White House Black Market has slightly longer sleeves than most and a scoop neck that’s perfect for highlighting your collarbones (and a great necklace!), and it’s long and slim enough to tuck in or wear out with most bottoms.

The Not-So-Sheer Black Top

You may not want to embrace the season’s sheerness trend by wearing a fully sheer dress or top, but a little sheer top with a tone-on-tone print like this one by Adrianna Papell can go from casual to fancy pretty easily (plus it covers the upper arms, if that’s your preference). 

The Little Black Cardigan

Cardigans have been trendy for a while, especially worn with minimal (visible) underpinnings. Naturally, you might want a little black option for spring and summer — this rib knit one from Gap is nicely fitted but not too tight. Plus the 90s-esque style is trendy at the moment, but classic enough you won’t cringe later.

The Flowy Black Blouse

If you love a good, easy blouse that you can dress up and down, look no further than this NYDJ version available at Nordstrom. We especially adore the pin-tuck detailing in the back and three-quarter sleeves that allow you to show off some bracelets, a great watch or other accessories.

The Updated Black Tank

While we get tons of use out of our everyday black tanks and camis (they can be the perfect layering pieces), a tank with an edge like this sharp-shouldered style from Banana Republic can make quite the statement on its own. 

The Black Top In Lace

For the times when you want to be super feminine or romantic but also a bit sexy, nothing beats black lace. This embroidered crochet top from Express fits the bill and would look perfect over a black or nude cami or even as a topper for a sleek tank dress or slip dress. 

The Black Tunic Top

There’s nothing quite as comfortable as a flowy tunic top, especially if you prefer a bit more coverage on the bottom. A simple black one can be surprisingly versatile, but we also like one with a bit of a twist like this asymmetrical one from Lea & Viola at Anthropologie. 

The Dramatic Black Top

Nothing beats a statement black top, and this one by Misook with its high collar and covered front closure is as timeless as it is striking. Pair it with a slim skirt or wide legged pants and some dramatic earrings and/or bracelets, and you have an amazing look. It would also look great under a jacket for cooler seasons, so even though it’s a bit of splurge it might be worth it.   

Why We Love Black Tops

One more reason that we love black tops is that they are unlikely to show sweat or get obvious stains, so they can be investment-worthy in our opinion. Also, most fabrics look better and even more expensive or luxe when done in black, so it hides a multitude of sins. And there’s no denying the fact that black is often the most slimming option. 

What are your favorite black tops? Are you a fan of all black everything, or do you prefer other colors, especially by your face? What are your favorite black tops and similar pieces? Let us know in the comments or in our Growing Younger Facebook group! 

– Jacqueline Zenn

You may also like to read more of Jacqueline’s styling posts like So What Is The “Old Money Aesthetic” and Why Should You Care? and Our Favorite Fashion Prints For Spring 2023 (That Aren’t Florals).

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