Evening Tops: Satin, Silk and Lace Tops for Parties

An evening top is the hardest-working piece in a party wardrobe: one good satin, silk and lace top turns the trousers, jeans and skirts you already own into a night-out outfit. The ME+EM Crop Evening Top in Barolo Red ($390) is a strong example. Find the rest on our ME+EM page and in the tops edit at Coveti.

This guide sorts evening tops by type, explains what to wear them with, and lists the ME+EM evening tops in stock now, with fabric and fit for each.

Evening tops by type

The ME+EM evening tops

Crop Evening Top. The Crop Evening Top in Barolo Red ($390) is satin-backed crepe with added stretch, sleeveless and cropped, with darts that shape it over the chest and a back zip. For a long-sleeved version, the Long Sleeve Crop Top in Bay Green ($470) matches the brand’s bias-cut skirt in the same shade.

Satin tanks. The Fluid Evening Tank in Merlot ($390) is 100% silk satin with a scooped neck and a level hem that works tucked in and loose. The V-Neck Evening Tank in Bay Green ($410) is satin-backed crepe with a matching tie and inserts under the arms for more coverage.

Cowl halter. The Drape Neck Halter Top in Light Cream ($410) is satin-back crepe with a cowl halter neckline, a straight body and a back zip; it is the most flattering top here for bare shoulders.

Silk baby tee. The Evening Baby Tee in Black ($530) is silk satin with short cap sleeves that have a little volume, in a straight fit. It is also in Light Cream ($530). Wear it with jeans and heels; it is the easiest dressy top to style.

Lace and silk. The Lace Straight Blouse in Black ($620) is silk satin with lace panels and cap sleeves, a fitted shape from careful seaming. The Lace Trim Blouse in Black ($660) is fluid matte silk with deep elasticated cuffs and a matching cami for coverage.

Lace cami. The Lace Trim Cami Top in Dark Chocolate/Black ($430) is satin-backed crepe with black lace at the V-neck and straps. Our lace cami guide covers the new jersey versions too.

Sheer tulle. The Occasion Top in Cocoa Brown ($530) is sheer embroidered tulle, sleeveless with a crew neck, and comes with a colour-matched cami underneath.

What to wear with an evening top

Tailored trousers. A satin tank with a wide black trouser and a heel is the most reliable evening outfit there is.

Jeans. A silk baby tee and a dark straight jean are dressy enough for dinner. Our ME+EM jeans guide explains the fits.

A satin skirt. Match the colour for a column, contrast the texture for something more modern. See our guide to satin skirts.

A sequin skirt. Keep the top plain and matte, and let the skirt shine.

Under a blazer. A tux blazer over a satin cami is the classic. Our guide to what to wear under a blazer has the full list.

Evening tops for each occasion

• Christmas party: a red satin crop top and a black velvet skirt. Read our Christmas party outfits guide.
• Cocktail event: a cowl halter with wide trousers. See our cocktail attire guide.
• Dinner: a silk baby tee, dark jeans, a long coat.
• New Year’s Eve: a lace blouse with a metallic pleated skirt. Our New Year’s Eve outfits guide has more.

For tops to wear out casually, read our guide to going out tops.

How to care for evening tops

Silk and satin-backed crepe are delicate, so follow the care label: most need a cold hand-wash, some need dry cleaning. Never wring; roll in a towel and hang to dry. Steam out creases. Store on padded hangers so the shoulders do not mark.

Frequently asked questions

What is considered an evening top?

A top made in a dressy fabric, such as satin, silk, lace, velvet and sequins, cut in a shape that suits a night out: a cami, a halter, a cropped top and a sheer blouse are typical.

What do you wear with a satin top for a party?

Tailored trousers, a satin skirt, dark jeans and a sequin skirt all work. Add a heel and a clutch.

Can you wear an evening top with jeans?

Yes. A silk tee, a satin cami and a lace blouse look sharp with dark, clean jeans and a heel. It is the simplest smart-evening outfit.

What colour evening top is most versatile?

Black first, then cream. For the party season, deep red and green are festive without being loud.

How do you keep a satin top from looking cheap?

Choose a heavier satin with a fluid drape, such as satin-backed crepe and silk satin, and steam it well. A good fit at the shoulder matters more than the shine.

Do I need a bra with a satin cami?

A strapless bra works under most camis, and a stick-on bra under a halter. Some ME+EM pieces, such as the lace trim blouse and the tulle occasion top, come with a separate cami for coverage.