After wearing our pretty white blouse tops practically to death so far this summer (due to the fact they're a huge seasonal trend and also thanks to the seemingly endless heatwaves we've experienced), we feel forced to retire them – albeit temporarily – in favour of mixing up our daily look. Yet, anything not frilled, ruffled or lace-trimmed suddenly feels rather bland and boring in comparison...
Yep, the crew-neck plain white t-shirt we rely on year-round to provide the perfect base for minimal ensembles is no longer cutting it. Luckily, we've been reintroduced to an alternative, and far chicer, neckline that's providing just enough interest to our outfits while delivering the much-needed reprieve from flounce we've been craving. We're talking about the slash neck top.
Similar to a boat neck design, the slash neck is a wide neckline that runs shoulder-to-shoulder and sits just above the collarbones. However, the slash neck lacks the curved shape of its counterpart and instead has a flatter, straight, horizontal cut across the body. The result is a sleek style oozing elegance, with very little effort at all.
Given its similarities, slash neck designs have become a classic part of French girl style, AKA the covetable aesthetic we're constantly trying to embody. And the slash neck top might just be the easiest – and most affordable – way to do so.
See Marks & Spencer's Cotton Rich Premium Slash Neck Top that is currently sitting in our online baskets in all four of its wearable neutral colourways (black, grey, white and chocolate brown, if you're interested).
Made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane, it's a lightweight summer staple with added stretch for extra comfort. But the best part? It's just £10! Hence why we're seriously considering snapping up all four styles.
M&S Cotton Rich Premium Slash Neck Top
M&S Cotton Rich Premium Slash Neck Top
M&S Cotton Rich Premium Slash Neck Top
M&S Cotton Rich Premium Slash Neck Top
The outfit options are endless, but we'll be wearing ours tucked into Bermuda shorts to nail the epitome of Parisian cool. A studded leather belt or satin scarf knotted around your waist are optional extras should you want a little flourish. Otherwise, leather sandals and a crossbody bag or woven tote are all you need to complete the look.
When the mercury dips, simply swap your jorts for straight-leg denim. Thanks to its long sleeves, this look will see you into autumn and beyond. Brigitte Bardot, eat your heart out.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
