Hotter than a summer day.
When I think of summer, I think of tan lines, cheesy pop music, sticky sunscreen, and lazy days galore.
In these uncertain times, I find solace in remembering the brighter days we had before the lockdown. Whether its treating myself to a mango milkshake ala Jonah’s Fruit Shake or revisiting pictures from my singular Boracay trip in 2013, finding little tokens of sunshine has never failed to bring me a sense of warmth and comfort.
And of course, what good is living in a mental summer paradise if you can’t dress the part too?
The biggest pre-summer trend that’s been circulating the sartorial scene is reminiscent of all the cheesy 70s summer movies you’ve probably spent a little too much time on growing up.
Low-v Halter Tops are by no means new to the game, but they are a welcomed returnee in a time where fashion is basically just glamorized escapism. First revived by Australian label With Jean’s Rendezvous Top, the surge of playful and patterned halters featuring deep-V necklines has since skyrocketed and landed straight into the local clothing industry.
By the time you see these tops dominating your feeds, you won’t even have to look out the window to know what season it is— after all, nothing says summer like less fabric and more skin.
Gleam Darling
Of course I had to start this list off with Gleam Darling. I’ve been an avid supporter of the brand since I first discovered it last year, and since then, have had 2 of my favorite tops custom made by the wonderful owner, Angel. Gleam Darling is all about the the 70s tea party aesthetic, so I knew they were the perfect label to design my own halter. My custom gingham piece features a little bit more coverage on the neckline and back detailing, baring just the right amount of skin for my taste. Not too much, but not too little— exactly how I like it.
Ret and Ro
The Aitana by Ret and Ro is a tight fitting floral halter with adjustable straps and backless detail. This beauty closely resembles the iconic WJ Rendezvous top, so if you’re in the market for a local dupe with a slightly more vintage touch, look no further.
Hu.bō Apparel
Coming in the prettiest shades of blue, Hu.bō’s Makiling top is all sorts of flirty and fun. If you’re a little bit more on the conservative side, this halter is the perfect cross between mode and modest with its wide straps and slightly longer bodice. Fashion is all about playing around, so if you’re eyeing this trend with some reservations about baring too much skin, this top is a great way to feel cute without sacrificing comfort.
Kinda Vintage
Kinda Vintage is one of the local thrift gems I’ve had my eye on for a while. The slow-fashion shop provides a wide array of beautifully upcycled and reworked pieces, a few of them being pastel low-v halters. Each piece is one of a kind, so if there’s any store you should be setting reminders for, it should be this.
Lay Low Label
I’ll always have a soft spot for handmade pieces, which is why when I first found Lay Low Label, I knew I had to give the shop a little browse. The Jenna Top is a wrap halter inspired by Jenna Rink from the 2004 romance film 13 Going on 30. I love when clothing allows their designers to tell a story, and the fact that this adorable floral top carries the legacy of one of my favorite movies just makes this halter all the more alluring.
Love, Trish The Label
It’s no secret that the low-v trend is a matchmade in heaven for every woman with a penchant for seductive style. If you dare to bare, Love, Trish’s Kels Top is definitely a sight for sore eyes. The daring velvet piece is equal parts risqué as it is rich, featuring an open tie-back and a deep front split that perfectly accentuates the décolletage.
Rani The Label
Wanna hop on the trend but not too fond of light colors or loud patterns? Then, my oh my, do I have the top for you. Rani The Label’s Rica top is an image of sophistication with its clean lines and stark black fabric. I assure you, every minimalist will find their perfect fit with with this halter. I’ve already purchased a corset from this brand before, and if the expert stitching and unique material of this piece is anything like mine, then I just know you’ll be as obsessed with this label as I am in no time.
Marcelo Studios
To end this list, I just had to top it all of with a new local brand that’s been on my radar for quite some time now. Marceló Studios locally crafts quality linen clothing, and their Freiya Top is just one of the many pieces in their collection that I’ve fallen in love with. Given that we live in a tropical country, linen has undoubtedly become a staple for many of our local brands. Only with Marceló have I seen the sustainable material designed in such a playful and romantic manner, and for that, they’ve earned a fan.
