Butterfly tops are flying back into fashion, and it’s easy to see why. They mix Y2K nostalgia with today’s love for playful, statement pieces.
If sparkly for a night out, crocheted for festivals, or pastel for coffee dates, butterfly tops are versatile and budget-friendly. You don’t need to spend a fortune many styles can be thrifted, DIY’d, or styled with pieces you already own.
Here are 20 butterfly top outfit ideas that will inspire your next look.
Which Butterfly Top Matches Your Style?
Your Perfect Butterfly Top Is:
1. Glittery Night-Out Butterfly Top
A glittery butterfly top is perfect for nights when you want to shine. Pair it with black jeans or leather pants to balance out the sparkle. Add simple hoop earrings and strappy heels to complete the outfit.
You don’t need too many accessories since the glitter is already the centerpiece. For a budget version, check thrift shops for sequined tops and alter them into butterfly shapes.
You can even sew sequins onto a plain top for a DIY version. This outfit works great for parties, birthdays, or club nights when you want something bold but still stylish.
2. Crochet Butterfly Top for Festivals
Crochet butterfly tops scream summer freedom. They’re lightweight, breezy, and full of texture. Pair one with denim shorts and boots or sandals for a festival-ready look. You can layer beaded necklaces or shell jewelry for extra flair.
If you’re handy with yarn, crochet your own at home it’s cheap and customizable. Even beginners can find easy butterfly top patterns online.
If not, many small creators sell handmade versions at affordable prices. The best part? No two crochet butterfly tops look the same. It’s a fun way to stand out in a crowd while keeping your outfit cool and creative.
3. Pastel Butterfly Top for Day Dates
Pastel butterfly tops are soft, romantic, and perfect for daytime outings. Pair one with a denim skirt or high-waist jeans for a casual, sweet vibe.
White sneakers or ballet flats make the outfit easy to walk around in. To keep the look budget-friendly, shop clearance racks or second-hand stores where pastel pieces are common.
You can also upcycle pastel scarves or bedsheets into halter-style butterfly tops. Add small gold hoops or a simple necklace to finish the outfit. This style is ideal for brunch, casual dates, or afternoons at the park.
4. Sheer Butterfly Top with Layering
Sheer butterfly tops add drama to even the simplest outfits. Layer one over a bralette or bandeau for a trendy touch. Pair with ripped jeans and chunky boots for an edgy contrast.
To make it affordable, repurpose sheer scarves into DIY butterfly halter tops. You can also find sheer fabrics at fabric stores for very little cost. This outfit works well for concerts, casual nights out, or creative photoshoots.
Since sheer material can feel delicate, keep accessories minimal but bold like a choker or oversized sunglasses. It’s an easy way to look daring without trying too hard.
5. Velvet Butterfly Top for Evenings
Velvet adds a touch of evening glamour to butterfly tops. Deep shades like emerald, burgundy, or navy feel rich without being expensive. Pair with tailored trousers for a chic dinner outfit.
Add heeled boots or pumps to polish the look. You don’t need much jewelry since velvet naturally feels dressy. For a low-cost version, look for old velvet dresses at thrift shops and turn them into butterfly tops with basic sewing.
This way, you get a unique piece without paying high retail prices. Perfect for date nights or family dinners where you want something stylish but not over-the-top.
6. Denim Butterfly Top
Denim butterfly tops are bold and trendy, especially if you’re into Y2K vibes. Match them with wide-leg jeans for a denim-on-denim moment. Add a chunky belt to break up the look.
To keep it affordable, cut up old denim jeans or jackets and repurpose them into a butterfly top. You don’t need perfect sewing skills raw edges actually add to the cool factor.
This style pairs well with chunky sneakers or platforms. It’s casual but makes a strong statement without spending much.
7. Metallic Butterfly Top for Parties
Metallic butterfly tops scream party energy. They reflect light beautifully under club or stage lights. Pair with a leather mini skirt or black trousers. Add statement earrings to match the shine.
If you’re saving money, buy metallic fabric scraps and create a simple halter version at home. Metallic fabrics are easy to find and don’t require much sewing.
Keep the rest of your outfit simple so the butterfly top remains the main focus. Perfect for birthdays, dance floors, or themed nights out.
8. Oversized Butterfly Print Tee
Not all butterfly tops need to be fitted or sparkly. An oversized butterfly-print tee is comfy and casual. Knot it at the waist for shape, or leave it loose over biker shorts.
Add sneakers for an everyday streetwear look. Thrift shops often carry printed tees for very cheap. You can also DIY by painting or printing a butterfly design on a plain shirt.
This option is budget-friendly and versatile you can wear it lounging, running errands, or even styled with a skirt for a playful twist.
9. Off-Shoulder Butterfly Top
Off-shoulder butterfly tops mix romance with relaxation. The neckline highlights your shoulders while keeping the butterfly silhouette. Pair with linen pants or skirts for a breezy summer look.
Sandals or espadrilles complete the outfit. If you’re on a budget, modify a regular off-shoulder blouse by reshaping the front into butterfly wings.
Fabrics like cotton or rayon are cheap and easy to work with. This style works well for vacations, beach strolls, or summer evenings outdoors.
10. Backless Butterfly Top
Backless butterfly tops are bold yet elegant. They tie at the back with thin straps, creating a delicate silhouette. Pair with high-waist trousers or skirts for balance.
Add minimal jewelry since the open back is already eye-catching. Budget-friendly options include DIY halter tops made from old scarves or bandanas. Just cut into a butterfly shape and tie with thin ribbons.
This style is ideal for summer parties or dinner dates. It’s simple, chic, and easy to create without spending much.
11. Embroidered Butterfly Top
Embroidered butterfly tops look artistic and detailed. The stitching adds texture and makes the piece feel unique. Pair with a maxi skirt or high-waist jeans.
Add simple sandals to keep the focus on the embroidery. For a budget version, buy plain tops and add iron-on butterfly patches. Embroidery kits are also affordable if you want to stitch designs yourself.
This is a great way to personalize a top without spending much. Embroidered butterfly tops are versatile they work for casual wear or even family gatherings.
12. Satin Butterfly Top
Satin brings softness and shine to butterfly tops. Pair with pleated skirts or tailored trousers for a dressy vibe. Neutral shades like champagne or blush pink feel classy and timeless.
You don’t need a lot of jewelry just delicate earrings or a bracelet. Satin fabrics are usually affordable and easy to sew into butterfly tops at home.
Repurpose old satin dresses for a DIY version. This style works for semi-formal dinners or evenings when you want something stylish yet comfortable.
13. Tie-Dye Butterfly Top
Tie-dye butterfly tops are playful and casual. Pair with ripped shorts or jeans for a laid-back summer look. Sneakers or sandals work perfectly here.
You can DIY with a plain cotton top and cheap fabric dye kits. Tie-dye patterns hide imperfections, so even beginners get fun results. These tops are great for casual outings with friends or backyard hangouts. They’re colorful, unique, and budget-friendly.
14. Sequin Butterfly Halter
Sequin halter butterfly tops are made for special occasions. They shine under bright lights, making them perfect for performances or events. Pair with wide-leg trousers for balance.
Add bold makeup for extra drama. To save money, buy sequin fabric scraps and tie them into a halter shape with ribbons. You don’t need complicated sewing. This gives you a glam outfit at a fraction of the cost. It’s fun, dramatic, and party-ready.
15. Mesh Butterfly Top
Mesh butterfly tops are trendy and edgy. Wear them over bralettes or tank tops. Pair with leather pants or skirts for contrast. To keep it affordable, use mesh fabrics from fabric stores they’re cheap and easy to shape.
You can also layer fishnet pieces for a DIY vibe. Mesh adds texture and looks stylish with minimal effort. This outfit is perfect for concerts, night outings, or edgy street looks.
16. Ruffled Butterfly Top
Ruffles make butterfly tops playful and dramatic. Pair with simple bottoms like denim shorts or skinny jeans. The ruffles do all the work, so you don’t need heavy accessories.
To DIY, sew extra fabric strips onto a basic butterfly top. Lightweight fabrics like organza or chiffon are cheap and add nice volume. This style is great for summer festivals, daytime parties, or even vacations.
17. Strapless Butterfly Top
Strapless butterfly tops are bold and flirty. They highlight the neckline and shoulders. Pair with midi skirts or trousers for balance. Add minimal jewelry like chokers or stud earrings.
To keep it cheap, modify bandeau tops by sewing them into butterfly shapes. Red, black, or jewel tones work well. This style is perfect for dinner dates or events where you want something fun yet elegant.
18. Graphic Butterfly Print Top
Graphic butterfly tops are casual and trendy. Pair with cargo pants or joggers for a streetwear vibe. Sneakers or platforms complete the look.
You can find graphic butterfly tops online for very little money. Another cheap option is printing butterfly graphics on plain tops at home using iron-on transfers. These tops are easy to style and work well for everyday wear.
19. Fringe Butterfly Top
Fringe butterfly tops are playful and full of movement. Pair with denim shorts or skirts for summer fun. The fringe sways as you walk or dance, making it a standout piece.
For a DIY version, attach strips of fabric or tassels to a basic butterfly top. This adds flair without costing much. Fringe tops are great for parties, fairs, or festivals where you want something eye-catching and fun.
20. Sparkly Rhinestone Butterfly Top
Rhinestone butterfly tops look glamorous without being too heavy. Pair with sleek trousers or skirts. Add simple heels to keep the look balanced. You don’t need extra accessories the rhinestones already sparkle.
To save money, DIY by gluing rhinestones onto a plain butterfly top. Craft stores sell rhinestones in bulk for cheap. This style works perfectly for concerts, nightclubs, or celebrations. It’s shiny, bold, and fun to wear.
Conclusion
Butterfly tops prove that fashion can be fun, nostalgic, and affordable all at once. Whether glittery for a party, crocheted for a festival, or pastel for brunch, there’s a style for every mood.
Many of these looks can be recreated at home with simple DIY tricks, thrift finds, or budget fabrics. Experiment with layering, colors, and textures to make the style your own.
Butterfly tops are flying back into fashion—pick your favorite and wear it with confidence.
