On a recent trip to Milan, the pull-on-and-go top came in quite handy. For daytime dressing when you want to look stylish but not too try-hard, a simple silhouette with a little ‘extra’ is the solution. Think delicate print, just the right amount of ruffle, or cutwork embroidery. The pull-on-and-go top will perk up a pair of barrel-leg pants or midi skirt, with ease. Perfect when you’re travelling, or WFH and nipping out for a meeting. More relaxed than a button-down, more dressed up than a T-shirt – but just as cool.
Now, I have never really thought of myself as a frilly person – even though I did have a Teenage New Romantic phase – but there’s something inherently rakish and 1970s about this shirt that I find appealing. It’s the Suzie Frill Shirt a generous gift from NRBY (also available in white but that feels a bit Austin Powers, to me). And should you prefer a ruffle that’s reduced in size, there’s the Stevie top in a beautiful shade of blue.
Laura Miles from WOVEN clothing
At a small sustainable fair recently I met Laura Miles from WOVEN clothing, she was wearing a great pull-on-and-go top from her collection and (after a little persuasion) allowed me to take a photograph. The organic handloom cotton shirt has a frilled neckline made from a striped selvedge left un-hemmed. So it’s elegant but not too neat. My favourite combination (back to not wanting to look try-hard, again). Laura has worked in woven textiles for over 20 years, designing fabrics and acting as a consultant for fashion houses and textile mills around the world.
‘I love the ease of a blouse,’ says Laura, ‘ I like to look feminine but also need to be practical, on most days I’m on my bike, walking the dog, sorting out my kids and then designing in the studio. I live in my jeans and blouses, they work all year round.’
The pull-on-and-go top might already be in your wardrobe – like the Toast boxy shirt, above ( mine is a few years old but the current collection has this poplin top in a similar colourway). It’s a lovely shade of Prussian blue with contrasting white buttons and it goes with the trousers du jour. Mostly, I’m into plain tops with a little decorative touch, nothing too boho – not too much faffage. Choose cotton poplin or a lighter-weight natural fabrics only. No synthetics. Keep it chic in the heat.
Here’s a plethora of pull-on-and-go summer tops:
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WOVEN supports women-led collectives in India; and if you live in London, Laura has a shop at 400 Caledonian Road, N1 1DN.
This post was published on
thatsnotmyage.com
on June 18, 2025 and written by Alyson Walsh.
