Now that the weather doesn’t warrant a coat, we’re looking for new ways to add a final layer to our fits. A lightweight summer jacket can be a great answer, but even a lightweight jacket can get a bit toasty, and nobody wants to be carrying a coat around all afternoon just in case the temperature drops in the evening. A great solution is an overshirt. Somewhere between shirt and jacket, the overshirt acts as a warm top layer when the sun drops behind the clouds, but won’t burden you when it’s not being worn.
We’re on a mission to upgrade your summer looks, so we’ve put together the best of the best top layers. Look to Acne Studios and Barena for understated options while Needles and Bode offer a louder take on the seasonal essential.
Keep scrolling for your solution to chilly summer evenings.
Acne Studios Houston Cotton Twill Shirt
Houston Cotton Twill Shirt
Acne Studios
Free Shipping On Orders Over $500
Free Shipping On Orders Over $500
While many Acne Studios pieces are positioned well outside the box, this cotton twill overshirt is relatively conservative. Sometimes that's exactly what you need from a top layer, though. This understated piece is a solid full stop to your outfit.
BODE Cut-Out Applique Shirt
Cut-Out Applique Shirt
BODE
Emily Bode's coveted handmade style shines through in this red and white overshirt. A bold red appliqué jumps out from the lightweight white construction to give a punchy addition to summer style.
Raf Simons Slim-Fit Denim Shirt
Slim-Fit Denim Shirt
Raf Simons
Free Shipping On Orders Over $500
Free Shipping On Orders Over $500
Pledge your allegiance to the Raf Simons lab with this slim-fit denim shirt. A slightly extended torso makes it a perfect top layer.
Needles Plaid Print Shirt
Plaid Print Shirt
Needles
Leave a lasting impression with this mind-boggling overshirt by Needles. This is the shirt for those who find it hard to pick one — why not wear twenty at once?
Needles Cut Off Bottom Classic Shirt
Cut Off Bottom Classic Shirt
Needles
Needles doesn't really do minimal, and when their collections contain pieces like this, why would we want anything else? Layer this overshirt on a plain black T-shirt for serious impact.
Our Legacy Soul Shirt
Soul Shirt
Our Legacy
Our Legacy never runs out of ways to leave its unorthodox mark on orthodox garments. This shirt features no frills in construction, but a slightly washed-out color palette and fading stripes instills it with unique character.
Jacquemus La Chemise Paul Shirt
La Chemise Paul Shirt
Jacquemus
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Jacquemus' archetypal south-of-France nonchalance is on full show with the La Chemise Paul Shirt. Featuring a longer body and faint, tonal floral pattern, this shirt screams summer.
Song for the Mute Oversized Shirt
Oversized Shirt
Song for the Mute
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Color-blocking is a tried and tested formula. While many designs feature contrasting color blocks, Song for the Mute shows that black, khaki and white are a match made in heaven.
Barena Cedrone Overshirt
Cedrone Overshirt
Barena
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
Free Express Shipping On Orders Over $300
If there's one country that knows about elegantly draping a top layer over the shoulders when the sun drops, it's Italy. Take Barena's lead with this masterfully minimal overshirt.
Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.