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When it comes to wardrobe essentials, timeless cute tank tops are the reliable staple to stock up on for both the spring and the summer months. While the sleeveless silhouette rarely changes, from body-hugging racerbacks to baggy plunging designs, the way that they are worn continues to evolve.
The Notable Tank Tops
- The Modern Take: Mango round-neck tank, $36
- The Celebrity Fave: Skims cotton ribbed tank, $36
- The Timeless Pick: Banana Republic ribbed cutaway tank, $45
- The Classic Savior: Michael Michael Kors ribbed tank top, $74
- The Versatile Hero: ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Boy tank, $100
- The Luxury Investment: The Row Favana silk tank top, $1,010
When the sleeveless hero was first created, it was used as a functional swimming top. Then it transitioned to an undergarment for men. Today, it’s the easiest way for both men and women to beat the heat on sunny days. But thanks to some of our favorite designers, the tank top feels more like a closet essential that should be celebrated rather than just an afterthought. Remember when Bottega Veneta sent Kate Moss down the runway in that plaid button-up shirt last spring? It was the quiet minimalist tank top that added dimension to the casually cool look. This year, both Dries Van Noten and Gucci layered them underneath longline jackets styled with cargo pants and tailored shorts. And on the streets, the tank top continues to hold its status as a styling trick in the closets of some of the most stylish stars.
Margot Robbie showed us how the simple essential can add an elegant sense of ease to a blazer moment, while Kendall Jenner reminded us how effortlessly chic the tank top can be when paired with jeans and a sweater thrown over the shoulders.
Long gone are the days when the tank top was only reserved for lazy days. There are several ways to utilize the seasonal hero to turn any outfit into a sartorial success. See for yourself in the outfits below.
The Sweater-Over-Shoulder-Look
It’s hard to predict spring’s fluctuating temperatures or how cold the air conditioner will be blasting indoors during the summer. Follow Jenner’s lead and beat the chill by tying a sweater over your shoulders to instantly take your tank-top-and-jeans outfit to the next level.
The Triple-Threat Layers
Now’s your moment to show off your layering skills, à la Margot Robbie. All you need is a sharp blazer, crisp button-up shirt, and (of course!) a tank top. The trifecta will prove to be gold in your outfit arsenal.
The Western Influence
Ease into the Wild Western trend like Bella Hadid by throwing a vintage leather jacket over your tank top. Keep the rodeo-inspired vibes going with a coordinating leather belt.
The Elegant Ease
Give sophisticated separates a sense of ease by pairing them with a tank top. Follow Jasmine Tookes’s lead and opt for coordinating neutrals for an outfit that whispers chic.
