We put a lot of emphasis on the perfect pair of jeans, but it’s what goes on top that makes them an expression of personal style. The range of fashion-forward top options seems to be limitless – change your shirt and you’ve changed your entire look. We sat down with ELLE.com Fashion & Shopping Editor Sydney Wasserman for her expert advice on all things tops.

Rue La La: Okay, we need the inside scoop on flattering tricks! Are there different styles that work best on different body types?
Sydney: I believe women with curves should choose more form-fitting tops instead of trying to hide their shape in baggy styles. A shapeless shirt can make you look larger than you may be. A few more rules of thumb: a button-down top should never be too tight so that the buttons look like they’re about to pop off, and a T-shirt should hit right below the waistband.

Rue La La: We tend to lean towards dresses when going somewhere formal – but what types of tops work best for dressy occasions?
Sydney: The key is wearing fabrics that appear rich – if it’s a print, try well-draped chiffon. And a silk blouse is always right for a dressy occasion.

Rue La La: What trends are you loving right now?
Sydney: Unexpected color combinations and color blocking, which will be big for spring. Color is an easy way to update your wardrobe – right now, I’m into bright sunshine yellow, poppy orange, true red, and bold emerald green. I also love the 70’s refined bohemian look, like rich jewel tones and peasant skirts.

Rue La La: What’s your weekend uniform – fitted, cropped, or long and drapey?
Sydney: I live in striped tees and long-sleeve tops. They go with everything. I tend to wear more fitted tops because I find them more flattering than drapey ones which can drown a smaller figure.

Rue La La: We think of New Yorkers as being great at layering. Share your secrets!
Sydney: The trick to layering is to use shades in the same range, like shades of grey or shades of drab green. Combine varying textures – start with a cotton tee, add a chunky knit, a fur vest, a soft cashmere scarf, and top it all off with a wool coat. The rest is about comfort and warmth.

Rue La La: A plain white tee – take us through a day-to-night transformation.
Sydney: For day, I’d pair it with comfortable slacks, like grey wool cropped pants or navy pleated trousers – really stylish if they’re the right fit and more Lauren Hutton than office attire. For evening, I’d go with a more extreme skirt – something with shine, embellishments, or really strong pleats. The beauty of a white tee is that it allows you to experiment with the bottom half of your outfit.

Rue La La: What kind of embellishments do you look for on your favorite tees?
Sydney: I think tees with pockets are great because they’re classic, but not too boring. Tees with embellished necklines can be nice – something with a light lace design or rhinestone accents – but nothing too heavy or over-designed. To dress up a simple tee, top it with an embellished jacket or slim-cut tuxedo blazer. It’s an easy, everyday look that’s stylish enough to draw eyes, and you’ll never feel too over- or under-dressed when you combine high and low styles.

Rue La La: What’s the most universally flattering top or neckline?
Sydney: A crewneck. Whether it’s a sweater or a leather shirt, it just works. For formalwear, I think something that has straps that fall right over the collarbone is most flattering because it gives more shine to a woman’s shoulders.

There’s nothing quite like a late summer concert. The days are still long, the air still warm, and the amplifiers still cranked to 11. Whether you’re hitting up a free show on the Brooklyn waterfront or taking in a set at The Fillmore, we believe in looking backstage fresh. Who knows, you might be called on stage for a guest appearance.

Luckily, the solution to the concert fashion quandary is a quick fix. We’re loving the rocker appeal of William Rast, the clothing company founded by Justin Timberlake and Tracy Ayala. This is the look of the world-tour, lifestyle-premium denim (that looks better unwashed, after several consecutive days of wear), tailored leather jackets (preferably in the iconic black of the Ramones), and essential graphic Ts. Of all pieces, the graphic T is most emblematic of the anti-hero vibe that comes from being under the bright lights and elusively answering questions from interviewers. It has sass and attitude, and is not afraid of being in your face. It is the definition of swagger.

If an indie rock concert is in the plans, try black jeans and a form-fitting T for admiring looks from the Williamsburg set. Complement the dark denim with a simple canvas sneaker or a mid-height boot. The fit of the denim for guys should be a bit looser than skinny jeans, but not overly baggy – you want to be noticed, but not in the “look at that guy in the wide-leg jeans circa 1996” kind of way. Boyfriend jeans on women send a “not trying to impress” vibe.

At a hip-hop or electronica show jeggings look right on women, and the stretch factor makes it easier to move. On guys, a lighter shade of denim in distressed cuts is a sure shot – we prefer a slightly roomier fit (for easy dancing). Pair them with plain white Ts or a subdued graphic shirt that is more urban swagger than rocker moodiness. Sneakers, preferably high-tops, amp up the funkiness.

Regardless of genre or cultural scene, William Rast lends itself to the musically inclined. Either from the front row, the lawn seats, or up in the box (for the arena shows), experience summer tunes in style. Channel your inner rocker, rapper, or DJ. Kick out the jams.