It's official: this Y2K top trend is currently the favorite among all fashion enthusiasts.
As I draft this, the weather forecast for the day predicts a high of 29 degrees, prompting my immediate concern: What will I wear in this heat? Dressing for warm weather in London is certainly more challenging than it sounds. For me, the most straightforward way to gather outfit inspiration is to hit the shops. Around this time each year, I embark on my annual summer shopping spree, selecting a single chic top that I can wear repeatedly throughout the season and beyond. Although I used to be driven by sales and impulsive buys, I've become more discerning with age. My goal is to buy less but choose better, continually searching for a stylish yet timeless piece that has versatility. This year, I find myself particularly drawn to halterneck tops.
Finding the ideal piece for the quintessential jeans-and-a-nice-top ensemble (or leather shorts and a nice top, as showcased by Bella Hadid) is a predicament that many face. However, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike have made their choice clear, continuously gravitating toward halterneck tops. With a touch of Parisian elegance, halterneck tops have made a comeback as wardrobe essentials while still embracing their party girl, Y2K origins.
In 2025, we've witnessed a resurgence of many Y2K styles. Think Bermuda shorts, micro-skirts, chunky thong sandals, and low-rise jeans. Among these, halterneck tops stand out as a particularly prominent trend. I realize this is a bold claim, but it seems there isn't a day that passes without spotting this style on someone fashionable—be it on my Instagram feed, at a celebrity event, or out and about in London or abroad.
What contributes to the halterneck top's popularity? Its design is straightforward—sleeveless with an open-back silhouette—yet its effect is striking. From its glamorous 2000s era, often associated with Paris Hilton's numerous outfits from her 21st birthday celebrations, to its transformation into a polished staple like a halter vest, the halterneck top has consistently endured. Reemerging in the autumn/winter 2023 season, the silhouette has been refreshed with contemporary twists, such as a thick neck white strap and jeweled bodice at Chanel, and a fuchsia ribbed version with a knot front detail at Simkhai. These tops are ideal for any summer capsule wardrobe, suitable for enjoying a drink at the pub, vacationing on the Amalfi Coast, or casually running errands on the weekend (yes, a halterneck top can be styled casually!).
To create the perfect halterneck outfit, I've consulted the experts. Unsurprisingly, fashion insiders are crafting flawless summer looks, all featuring halterneck tops prominently. Continue reading to discover the halterneck outfits I plan to recreate this summer.
Here are the 6 Halterneck Top Outfits I’m recreating this summer:
1. Halterneck Top + Genie Trousers + Crochet Mules
Style Notes: After seeing how effortlessly chic Jeanette Madsen looks in a halter, I’ve been inspired to embrace crochet for the rest of summer! Paired with genie trousers, this ensemble has a light, airy feel perfect for a getaway, yet it works just as well at home. For a more polished version, swap the crochet for a crisp poplin skirt, sandals, and a blazer.
Shop the Look:
- Massimo Dutti: Embellished Crochet Knit Vest
- Free People: Misty Bubble Pants
- Magda Butrym: Crochet Mules
2. Halterneck Top + Jeans + Pointed Toe Heels
Style Notes: I was sold on this halterneck and jeans combo after seeing Amy Lefevre. Her pairing of a halter with relaxed, low-waisted jeans and sharp pointed-toe heels creates a chill, effortless vibe that’s exactly what I want for cooler days—I’m eager to recreate this look, even if I don’t look quite as cool!
Shop the Look:
- Reformation: Tate Linen Top
- AGOLDE: The Low-Slung Baggy Jeans
- Charles & Keith: Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps
- VCCKNB JEWELRY: 14k Gold Plated Chunky Hoop Earrings
3. Halterneck Top + Maxi Skirt + T-bar Heels
Style Notes: I've admired Ilirida Krasniqi's fashion for years, and once I saw her don a halterneck, I knew I had to recreate it. Her minimalistic color palette exudes elegance, and the outfit consists of pieces likely already in your summer wardrobe, which is a great bonus.
Shop the Look:
- Reformation: Molly Knit Top
- Lounge Underwear: Maxi Skirt
- Russell & Bromley: Edgebold
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It's official: this Y2K top trend is currently the favorite among all fashion enthusiasts.
This summer, halter neck tops are making a comeback as a key Y2K trend. Praised for their chic fit, versatile styling options, and enduring charm, this revival has taken many by surprise. I've drawn inspiration from celebrities and fashion influencers to share the best ways to style your halterneck this season.