Let’s just be clear on something, every single summer top is white. Or cream, but mostly just a blinding bright white so dazzling that the thought of wearing it to any event where drinks are involved is daunting. Not that I have a problem with this, but I just wanted to clear that up before I got started on this weeks Changing Room Selfies.
Summer is a difficult time for people who don't want to show their entire arm off at every opportunity. If you step outside your front door on a hot day (but not today, for obvious reasons) you’re greeted with thousands of people sans sleeves, baring it all. I hate it, and the only reason I hate it is because I’m jealous that I can’t bring myself to wear thin strapped, spaghetti straps, any kind of strapped top – because I really hate my arms. I know there’s nothing wrong with them really, but that doesn't stop me trying to cover them as much as possible at ALL costs.
I suppose I could just rip of the plaster and force myself to bare all (arms wise). But until that day comes, the high street does have a pretty great selection of summer tops with my best friend, the sleeve.
The off-the shoulder
I know, I know, everyone has an off-the shoulder top. But they’re great for people who would rather live in a jumper all summer that get their arms out. This Urban Outfitters one made me feel like I was on a beach in Greece, except I was actually on Oxford Street and it was raining.
Urban Outfitters Top, £32
The cold shoulder
Oh wow hey hi another detailed shoulder top, shocker. The little cut out number made for easy arm movement, as you can see with my hand on the mirror placement. Who doesn’t love a top that allows for easy arm movement? Answer: no one.
Topshop top, £32
The REALLY cheap one
This Primark one was £10, £10 people!! It felt like cheesecloth and I liked it, like those crinkle cut tops everyone wore in the early 2000s with a high waisted denim skirt. Basically exactly what I’m wearing here. Great.
Primark top, £10
The COS lookalike
Okay so this one doesn’t cover all of my arms, but it might get hot in the UK and if it does I need some room to breathe. M&S has some really bloody great stuff in at the moment, shirts being one of them. This one felt very COS, without the price tag.
M&S top, £25
The only blue one
I really love this top. It’s $14.99 and so light and summery I would wear it every day with pride if the sun actually decides to show up. Another off-the shoulder (sorry guys it's just everywhere) it’s everything you’d want in a summer top: no chance of over-heating and would go with practically every single thing in your wardrobe.Sold.
H&M top, $14.99. For some reason this wasn't online, but you can get a similar one here.
The one that’s actually from COS
I NEED this top in my life – okay, yes I want them all – but this guy really stole the show. The frill neckline and sleeves were enough to make me go into my overdraft and buy it then and there, but I didn’t. Loan, anyone?
COS top, £55
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Follow Alyss on Twitter @alyssbowen
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.