Belted Knit Tops for Work

When I shared easy work tops, several of you asked if I could find a cheaper alternative to the Frances Valentine top. I hate to say it, but Frances Valentine apparel is really stellar quality, great fabrics not often seen elsewhere, and manufacturing that can stand the test of time. Especially in 2025, you get what you pay for, but I know not all of us (myself included) can afford or justify the price of Frances Valentine knit tops, so I found some alternative belted knit tops for work that give a similar vibe.

This request forced me out of my retail comfort zone, and you will see some retailers below I don't usually recommend. But based on my analytics, you folks are shopping there. I will share why I do not usually link to them so at least you can be an informed consumer and decide whether that top is really worth it to you.

This is the Ann Taylor Satin Tie Waist Blouse. It is a bit dressier than the Frances Valentine top, but a similar concept and since it's 100% polyester, it's machine washable, making it a great throw-on-and-go top with pants or jeans. Available in this gorgeous blue and a chic coppery color, the neck closure is two fabric-colored buttons with elastic loops. There is an actual defined waist under that belt to reduce bulk. Sizes XXS-XXL. Click here to shop.

This is the Nara Tie-Front Knit Sweater from Modern Citizen. Made from 55% recycled polyester and 45% organic cotton, this is more like a sweater knit than a jersey and needs to be hand washed and laid flat to dry. The pictures make it hard to see if the belt is attached or not, and how this would fit a body different than the model. Sizes XS/0-1X which is a 14/16, this sweater comes in four subtle colors and black. Click to shop.

This is the Crescent Stripe Knot Tee from Universal Standard. While it does not have an actual self-belt, the seaming and knot detail offer a similar effect. This gets great reviews, but is almost sold out in solid black though the Breton stripe option is available in sizes 4XS/00-4XL/40. Click here to shop. If you would like solid colors, Nordstrom has the top as well in black and dark green at this link.

Not knit but chambray, this is the ELOQUII Dramatic Faux Wrap Top. Made from 100% non-stretch cotton, this can be gentle cycle washed in the machine and tumbled dry low. This fits the denim trend this season, and is a fabric that will work most seasons with a switch from linen to leather (or wool, or chino, or poly crepe…). Only available in this one color, it comes in sizes 14-32. Click here to shop.

From Kohl's, this is the Simply Vera Vera Wang Cap Sleeve Tie Waist Sweater Top. While sleeveless, it still is a work-friendly top with the self-belt cinching the waist. I am concerned with the size of the arm holes, but the solo review gives it five stars and specifically mentions the nice fit. Available in three neutral colors and this pretty blue, it comes in sizes XS-XXL. Click to shop.

Also sleeveless, but giving a bit more of the vibe of the Frances Valentine top is the BEAUTIFUL by Lawrence Zarian Regular Sleeveless Tie Waist Tunic that I found at QVC. Note the belt is attached to the top only on the sides, so you have it tie in the front or the back; it does not “cinch” like the others in this list. However, it comes in fun colors, sizes XXS-5X, and gets positive reviews. Click here to shop, and if you want the matched pull-on pants, here is the link for them.

This is the Maeve Ribbed Belted Sweater from Anthropologie. This article goes into why I no longer link to Anthropologie, but since I am sharing, this is an affiliate link as I might as well profit off the company if you're going to shop there. This top is 52% viscose, 28% polyester, 20% polyamide and comes in three colors, sizes XXS-XL in Misses and petite.

This is the Short Sleeve Belted T-Shirt from A New Day™, which is a Target brand. Made from a midweight jersey, this will feel more like a regular t-shirt, but the belted concept elevates it to work in some office environments. It is available in sizes XXS-XXL. I personally am continuing to boycott Target after they dropped their DEI initiative; this August article from Forbes shows how we consumers have power with our wallets. Personally, I haven't missed Target at all and found great alternatives to Amazon and Target for a lot of my everyday needs.

Get Creative!

If this is a look you like, it's an easy look to recreate with a bit of creativity.

• Sew your own! This super simple pattern offers a way for you to make your own belted tunic even if you're a sewing machine newbie. (Happiest Camper)
• DIY it. Knit jersey doesn't have to be sewn; it won't unravel and fray like other fabrics. This means you can cut off the hem of a long t-shirt and turn that into a self-belt, you can cut off a belted dress to get the tunic effect, or even buy a second of the same top and cut strips from it to fashion a self-belt
• Try a wide elastic belt. You can find stretch belts everywhere from your local thrift to department stores like Macy's. Look for croco-embossed, fabric, and braided leather which will look more refined than plain elastic or plastic.
• Try a wrap belt. I have owned the same tan leather wrap belt from ADA Collection for well over a decade and have since gotten another in black. These are well-made, quality leather, look expensive, and are a great option to cinch a tunic, dress, or jumpsuit.