Fact: There’s nothing that makes getting dressed easier than a great top. I mean, really—it takes all the work out of putting together an outfit. All that’s needed is jeans or trousers (or a skirt!) and you’re done. A pretty statement top does all the heavy lifting for you. That’s why I recently went on a mission to find the best of the bunch to zhuzh up my summer wardrobe to make my life just a little bit easier for the months ahead.
So, we already established that there’s nothing better than a pretty top, but one that’s also affordable? That’s double the fun. From cool-girl ruffles that amp up every bottom imaginable to the $36 Zara top all of the Who What Wear office is loving, I present below the 29 best dramatic and affordable summer tops (aka unicorns) I’ve come across. Happy shopping!