How to Style Tank Tops This Summer: A Classic Wardrobe Basic
Tank tops are a go-to every Spring and Summer. This year, the focus is on wide-strap, scoop-neck styles. All tank shapes are good though, from v-neck to crewneck, from cotton to lace and from simple to embellished. They are all wardrobe basics and great for keeping cool whether combined with light layers or not.
Just choose the right style of tank top for the occasion, be it a casual, athletic or dressy event. Also, be sure to choose tank tops that are not too tight or too loose. The right fit will give you a polished look.
When wearing a racerback tank top, choose a T-strap bra to avoid visible bra straps. If the straps still show, wear a black, colored, printed or lacy bra or bralette.
This post begins with styling basics and then gives outfit ideas for summer parties, classic summer looks and more. Age doesn’t matter.
How to Style Tank Tops This Summer
As the Saying Goes, Opposites Attract
Since a tank top is basically a fitted shape, it’s best paired with full bottoms. Some examples:
- wide-leg trousers
- jogger pants
- loose cargo pants
- oversized linen pants
- loose, baggy jeans
Since a tank top is a simple basic, pair it with a statement skirt or pants.
It’s a Great Layering Piece
Layer your tank top with jackets or blazers, cardigans, or button-down shirts to add versatility and style to your outfit. Also layer a tank top under a jumpsuit or a vest.
For modesty: slide a tank under a sheer blouse or dress, or wear a second tank top under one that’s too low or loose.
For example:
- Wear your button-down open as a jacket.
- In hot weather, add a kimono over your tank. You can get these toppers in sheer and chiffon materials for extra cool.
- In cooler weather or in air conditioning, add a jean jacket or faux leather jacket.
It’s a Blank Canvas for Creative Accessorizing
- Accessorize your tank with necklaces, scarves and/or earrings.
- Embellish a simple tank top with pins, brooches and accessories you already own.
Outfit Ideas
Summer Parties
- Black is fitting for evenings, so pair a black tank top with a long chiffon, georgette, lace or satin skirt.
- A sequined tank top + faux leather pants + heels. Add bracelets & earrings. Carry a clutch. If sunny, add sunglasses.
- A tank top, solid or graphic + a tulle skirt. Add heels + gold jewelry.
Classic Summer Looks
- Pair a tank top with shorts. Add jewelry of choice and slides.
- Pair a white tank with a printed maxi skirt. Add jewelry of choice, a straw bag & flip flops. In case it gets cool, add a jean jacket.
- Tuck a quality loose white tank into a black midi skirt. Add sandals with a sturdy heel, a wrist watch and a pair of sunglasses.
Sky Blue Linen Suit by VivalonCoat at Etsy with a white tank - Wear a tank top with a summer suit. You might like to make your own, such as: 1) a sleeveless blazer with matching pants; or 2) the vest and pants from a three-piece suit; or 3) a silk shirt open as a jacket with pants or skirt in a color that matches the shirt.
- Wear lightweight blazer over a tank top with bottoms of your choice. Add statement earrings & heels.
- Pair a striped tank top with jeans, pants, shorts or a skirt. You might like to add sandals & a straw hat.
Elin Rib Tank from Z SUPPLY with blue jeans - A cooler version of jeans & a tee is a denim skirt or jeans & a tank top.
- A black tank top + khakis + black sandals.
- A tank top, graphic or solid + drawstring pants or sweatpants. You might like to add sneakers.
More Outfit Ideas
- A tank top + midi or maxi skirt or pants or jeans. Tie on a scarf as a belt.
- Match a tank top to pants or skirt, such as black on black.
- Pair a black tank top (cotton, satin, lace, etc.) with a blue floral skirt or black jeans. If cool, add a jean jacket. You might like to add statement earrings, cuffs, heels.
- Pair a tank top, graphic or solid, with wide-leg pants.
- A tank + joggers + a jean jacket tied around waist in case it gets cool. Add a long, beaded pendant + bracelets & perhaps a wrist watch thrown in + a straw hat + sneakers.
- A tank top + gauchos or cropped pants or jeans. Add jewelry and block-heeled sandals.
Always Remember Animal Prints!
- Pair a black tank top with leopard-print pants or skirt. Add gold jewelry & brown or black heeled sandals or black flats.
- Animal-print tank tops are great layering pieces because they add interest to anything monochrome or basic.
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Related posts:
Outfit Combinations, Ways to Wear It
Layering, Outfit Ideas, Spring/Summer, Summer Style, Tank Tops
I love a good tank top. I wonder what the difference is between a tank and a shell. I think I probably have every color under the sun! Thanks for all the different ways to wear them, Angie!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
I’ve only assumed all these years that a shell is anything you choose to put under a jacket or blazer. I just looked it up to see if I was right and I’ve been a little off from the exact definition. A shell is a sleeveless and collarless blouse that’s slightly loose to wear alone or under a jacket or blazer. I guess if you have a silk tank like I do or one in a dressy material, it is the same as a shell. Otherwise, a tank top is usually more casual than a shell. Thanks for inspiring me to get this straight! 🙂