Basic ideas for a ‘smart’ top

[NorthernPaws]

I’ve got to go to a presentation event this week, where I would like to look smart and like I’ve made an effort. I’m usually a really casual kind of person, and I don’t really feel like myself in dresses or skirts. I’ve got various smart trousers that I’d like to wear, but I’m stuck on what kind of top to go for.

I’m going to have a look round the shops this afternoon, but feel at a bit of a loss as to what to even look for! I usually just wear fitted T-shirts and a cardigan with my smart trousers at work, but I think a cardigan would look a bit too ‘cosy’ for this event that I’ve got. All I can think of to look for is a blazer. Is that still a thing to do, or am I harking back to decades ago?! Or maybe a nice shirt would do, without a blazer, seeing as the weather is still quite warm.

I’m on a low budget and I’m even going look in charity shops. So I’m not necessarily looking for specific ideas from specific shops of what to buy, more just general and basic ideas of what constitutes a nice smart look nowadays! Thanks. ☺️

For me, a silk shirt. You don’t need a blazer for inside. They can look a bit corporate. I’d not wear a cardigan either if it’s soon. I also like knitted tops in cotton.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do like a nice shirt - that could be a good look for my event.
I’m perimenopausal, so I think I would get too hot in a blazer anyway! & a cardigan would also make me feel too hot plus wouldn’t be smart enough (I feel that cardigans are the right level of smartness for my particular job, but not for a special event).

Also I like your idea of a knitted cotton top. If I can find one, that would make a change from my usual T-shirt.

I think you can get some good tops that are almost a step up from t shirts, as they’re made from fabric rather than jersey, usually called shell tops. New Look and H & M used to do them, short sleeve. Round or V neck. I always think of them as a posh t-shirt, just add a nice necklace and earrings.

Those are great examples, thank you! Perfect for what I need, for this time of year and the sort of style that I’m comfortable with. 🙏

@NorthernPaws A couple of these are .£20-30 at M&S. Might need a cami underneath and jazzing up with a scarf or jewellery but I think they are good for the money. Work well with trousers and scarves are now fashionable by the way. Look smart in my view.

I like these ideas, thank you.