As I write this, the day’s weather forecast includes a high of 91 degrees—it’s safe to say the time has come for summer dressing. This is, of course, easier said than done. And while I love the idea of donning outfits that channel a warm-weather holiday in Italy, I find myself reaching more for casual summer staples this time of year. One such staple is the halter top—which, I admit, I did not have on my bingo card for this season’s biggest fashion trends. But I’m certainly not upset about it.

celebrity sightings in new york city july 12, 2024
Gotham//Getty Images

It makes sense that halter tops are trending for summer 2025. It girls like Bella Hadid and Jennie Kim have been sporting versions reminiscent of the Y2K and early-2000s era, giving the look their seal of approval. On top of that, with its sleeveless, open design, it’s a natural option for beating the heat. After all, this is the season when you most likely don’t want anything touching your body—and like backless dresses, what better way to achieve that than with a halter?

a person poses on stage while gesturing to an audience
Courtesy of Dale Arden Chong
In my DIY halter.

To be honest, I can’t see why you shouldn’t have a handful of these in your warm-weather wardrobe. From sleek and simple styles from brands like Nili Lotan and Éterne to head-turning options in iconic prints (ahem, Pucci), there are undoubtedly a few to add to the rotation when you aren’t in the mood to wear a tank or blouse. (And if you’re like me, you can fashion from a scarf—I recently styled with a collar necklace for a chic going-out top.) Of course, there’s no need to get crafty when there are so many gorgeous options to choose from on the market. And whether you style them with a simple pair of wide-leg jeans, micro-shorts like Ms. Hadid, or a maxi skirt, I promise you’ll be looking like a style star all season long. Ahead, see my favorite halter tops to incorporate into your 2025 summer capsule wardrobe, below.

Shop the Best Halter Tops
Halter Top
Éterne Halter Top
Rialta Top
More to Come Rialta Top
Emmilie Top
Dôen Emmilie Top
Sonnie Halter Top
Bec + Bridge Sonnie Halter Top
Now 19% Off
Britt Halter Top
Nili Lotan Britt Halter Top
Winslow Poplin Halter Top
Aritzia Winslow Poplin Halter Top
Checked Cotton Halter Top
Prada Checked Cotton Halter Top
Audrey Silk Cami Top
Nili Lotan Audrey Silk Cami Top
Halter Crop Top
Naked Wardrobe Halter Crop Top
Auvira Top in Silk
Aflalo Auvira Top in Silk
Halter-Neck Top
Mango Halter-Neck Top
Now 50% Off
Feyza Top
Isabel Marant Étoile Feyza Top
Kampos Halter Top
Lingua Franca Kampos Halter Top
Now 25% Off
Cotton Poplin Top
Stella McCartney Cotton Poplin Top
Now 40% Off
Marmo Printed Silk-Twill Halterneck Top
Pucci Marmo Printed Silk-Twill Halterneck Top

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.