A soft sleeveless top with a dramatic butterfly print. A little artsy, a little edgy — and surprisingly easy to wear with everything.
Emma Brook
“Just me, my coffee, and a growing pile of AliExpress packages.”
🦋 The Butterfly Top That Got Me Compliments
Why I Clicked “Add to Cart”
Okay, full disclosure: I don’t usually go for graphic tops. Most of them feel either too much or kind of cheesy. But this one? I don’t know — something about the giant black butterfly just looked... cool. Not cutesy, not loud — more like a quiet statement. So I ordered it, fully prepared for it to be a one-wear kind of thing.
Spoiler alert: I’ve worn it three times this week already.
The Material & Feel
The fabric is this lightweight cotton blend that feels soft but not clingy. It’s not that stiff synthetic feel some budget tops have, and thank goodness — because I probably would’ve returned it on the spot. It has a nice drape that doesn’t hug the body too much but also doesn’t look like I borrowed it from someone two sizes up.
It’s unlined, but the cream color isn’t too sheer. I usually wear a nude bra or a bandeau under it, and I haven’t had any issues. Plus, the butterfly print adds a bit of coverage to the chest area, which helps.
Fit & Cut
I went with a size M (I’m around 165 cm / 54 kg for reference), and the fit is that perfect in-between — not tight, not oversized. The armholes aren’t gaping (thank you, design gods), and the shoulder line is gently padded, which sounds intense, but trust me, it just gives the silhouette a bit of structure.
It’s sleeveless, but not the tank-top kind. More like a muscle tee but cleaner. I think that’s why it works with more outfits than I expected.
Styling Notes
So, how do I wear it?
Look 1:
– Tucked into high-waisted charcoal trousers
– Simple silver jewelry
– A belt and loafers
That’s the outfit in the photo, and honestly, it’s been my go-to “I want to look cool without trying” look.
Look 2:
– With black denim shorts
– Big sunglasses
– Messy bun and coffee in hand
Look 3:
– Layered under a blazer for a slightly dressier feel
– Add heeled boots and a crossbody bag
Something about the butterfly makes people comment — and not in a “where did you get that print?” kind of way. It’s more like “That top is really cool.” Which, I don’t hate.
The Print
Let’s talk about the butterfly. It’s big — like, almost-too-big. But it’s also not symmetrical, which somehow makes it better. It’s got this soft fade on the edges that keeps it from looking like an iron-on sticker. I was worried it might peel or crack after a wash, but so far, it’s holding up. (I do wash it inside out on gentle cycle, just in case.)
A Few Real-Life Notes
– It doesn’t wrinkle much, even after a full day of wear.
– The shoulder padding is subtle but makes a difference.
– It’s breathable enough for warm days, but I wouldn’t wear it on a super hot hike.
– I wouldn’t throw it in the dryer — I lay mine flat to dry, and it keeps its shape perfectly.
Things to Consider
If you’re not into bold prints, this might feel like a lot. But if you usually wear neutrals and want one piece to spice things up, this does the job without being flashy. Also, it’s one of those tops that gives “I styled this” vibes without having to do much.
The neckline is high, but not chokingly so. It’s more of a modest round cut, which makes it super layer-friendly, especially with cardigans, blazers, or even a light hoodie.
Final Thoughts
This top surprised me. It’s simple, wearable, and a little bit artsy in the best way. I wasn’t expecting it to become a regular part of my wardrobe, but here we are — it’s one of those pieces I now reach for when I’m standing in front of the closet, tired and indecisive.
If you’re into basics with a twist, or you just want something that makes you feel a bit more you, give this one a try. It might become your favorite unexpected piece too.
Thanks for reading — and if you’ve seen other butterfly-inspired stuff worth checking out, send it my way. You know where to find me.
—
Emma Brook
Forever one AliExpress scroll away from a new find 🖤