Short Sleeve Tops

Women's short sleeve tops for warm days at work

Short sleeves are the sensible middle of a working wardrobe: covered enough for the office, cool enough for summer, and easy to layer when it is not. Forcast's short sleeve tops come in sizes 4 to 18 and include short sleeve knits, cotton tees, cuffed shirts, peplum tops, pleated high neck tops and shell tops, so there is one for every dress code you work under.

Choosing the right one

For a corporate office, a short sleeve knit like the Catherine Short Sleeve Knit or Ellen Wool Short Sleeve Knit reads as tailored and holds its line under a blazer. The Morgan Short Sleeve Cuff Shirt does the job of a white shirt without the sleeves. For a smart casual workplace, a relaxed cotton tee or the Jemma Relaxed Knit Top with high-waisted pants is enough. When you want more shape, a peplum such as the Bonnie Gathered Peplum Top or a draped style like the Zafina Pleated Draped Top defines the waist.

How to wear them

Tuck a fitted short sleeve top into a pencil or A-line work skirt and add a belt. Wear a pleated high neck top with wide leg work pants and let the top do the talking. On the weekend, the same tee goes with jeans and sandals. In winter, a short sleeve knit under a blazer or coat is warmer than it sounds and easier to sit in all day than a heavy jumper.

Fabric and fit

Cotton and jersey for the tees and relaxed tops; ribbed and cable knits, some in wool blends, for the sweaters; crepe and satin for the dressier shell and pleated styles. Fits run from relaxed to fitted, with V, scoop, crew and high necklines. Check the size guide for how each style measures.

Shopping the range

If the day is hotter still, move to sleeveless tops; when it cools, long sleeve tops pick up where these leave off. Standard delivery is free on Australian orders over $100, express is $12.99, and there are 30 days to return or exchange online or in any store.