Do you remember back in early spring when I shared that tank tops would be trending this year? Well that was no joke. Ha! It’s true that tank tops are nothing new. But they’re definitely “having a moment” this year. And the simple white tank top is the queen of them all. In fact, I don’t see this trend slowing down for fall. So if you don’t have one yet, I’ve gathered plenty for you to choose from. But first let’s see a few of the ways I’ve worn my simple white tank top this spring and summer.
Notice I said the “simple” white tank top. You’ll definitely find lots of variations on this classic sleeveless top. But the easiest to style and the best one to start with is definitely the basic white tank. That said, the must up-to-date silhouette we’re seeing is the racerback tank that fits close to the body. And I’ve noticed that wide trim is very on point, too.
I love the ribbed tanks from Michael Stars. All of the ones I have from that brand are a nice thickness, feel substantial and fit nicely without being tight. I do sometimes size up in them, mainly the white. But I’d read the sizing recommendations on the website for each tank. Also, Talbots has a very similar white ribbed tank that looks really nice. My daughter Abigail has this one and loves it.
Even if you’re not especially comfortable baring your arms, I still suggest having a good simple white tank in your closet. I rarely wear mine without anything over it, but I do indeed go sleeveless occasionally. I guess it really just depends on my confidence level on any given day, truth be told.
But even I have to admit, there’s just something effortlessly chic about a simple white tank with a soft summer skirt, linen pants or shorts. I did indeed wear my white tank without a topper on that hot day shown above.
Can you swap in a beige or even soft grey tank if you don’t feel you look your best in white? You betcha. They’re not quite as easy to find, but they are out there. And I’ve included several great options in the shopping widget at the end of the post. But I have and enjoy this one.
So basically I generally wear my white or ecru (stucco) tanks under anything and everything: cardigans, blazers, denim jackets, linen shirts, bomber jackets, utility jackets, you name it.
So I’ll just share a little inspiration through recent photos, both style shoot and real life outfits.
You can see more of those two outfits in this recent blog post. I love that outfit formula and share more about it there. And below you can see that I wore that outfit similarly on a “real life” day below.
I do love wearing my white tank monochromatically like that. I love it under white jackets or shirts.
In the photo above you can see I’m wearing a looser fitting white tank. I don’t think this looks quite as good nor as on trend as a closer fitting tank. I love the color combo, but I think it would have worked better with that closer fitting tank. What do you think?
The photo above is from a recent video. I think this combination looks so chic. So I love the looser fit of the linen blend cardigan over the more bodycon tank. And the doubling up of the beige is a nice effect, too. But you could do this in reverse with a white cardigan and tank over a different color of pants or skirt.
I worked the same style formula with my beige tank top above. See how the same formula works in different outfits but with similar results?
You can also use a white tee to create a column of white.
Here I paired my white tank with white jeans to create a column of white under a deep blue linen shirt. And below I wore it with white linen pants under a chambray colored linen shirt to do the same thing but a little softer.
That outfit above is my favorite from the entire spring and summer. Love the simplicity and coolness of it. And it just wouldn’t be the same without that white tank. It’s a different one, by the way. Not ribbed, but still close to the body. And this tank is reversible.
I did a whole blog post here in the spring about wearing my ribbed white tank top under different jackets with black pants.
The black pants and white tank are the same in all three outfits, but see how the tone of the look changes with each outer piece.
Of course I changed out footwear, too.
And don’t think that you’ll be putting away your white tanks at the end of summer. I’ll definitely continue to wear mine into the fall. It’s the perfect layering piece under blazers and other fall jackets and you try to create those layered looks…without all the heat!
I especially love a white tank under camel. Of course you can dress it up a little, as in the outfit below. Or you can keep it really casual, like above.
And a close fitting white tank is a must if you plan to wear the trending wide leg jeans and pants.
And here’s another example of how that white tanks works with bootcut jeans.
So yes, even this late into the summer a good simple white tank is a great investment. In fact, if you’ve worn yours as much as I have, it may be time to buy a second one, maybe with a different neckline. I personally love the higher necklines and the v-necks.
I rounded up quite a few for you to choose from below.
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You can shop the look through the links in the copy above or through the shopping widget below. Sale prices are not always reflected in the widget, so click through to get pricing info. Remember, if you purchase anything through these links I potentially earn a commission, but at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through Dressed for My Day. I am grateful!
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Blessed for My Day
It’s one thing to say we love, but it’s much more difficult to demonstrate that love sometimes. And for some of us it is much easier to tell someone we love them than to show it. But God’s Word calls us to demonstrate love – both to God and to other people. In fact, one way we demonstrate our love for God is by loving other people, specifically the people of God, the church.
Who are you having a difficult time loving today? Instead of trying to change your feelings toward that person, why not begin with changing your actions toward them? Sometimes when we start with demonstrating love (out of love for the Father), then our feelings follow. Think of practical, tangible ways you could demonstrate love to others today.
Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. ~ 1 John 3:18
I live in Houston, Texas and its blazing hot into October. Can I continue to wear linen into the Fall?
You absolutely can. Style these days really is more about wearability, lifestyle and even location. So that’s perfectly acceptable. 👍🏻
Having the purchasing info under each picture is a huge help/improvement. I often have trouble finding the info when listed together at a different place. Thank you for making it easy today. Your blog had many great suggestions today!
Hi Kay, I truly like the look of a nice tank and admire women who can wear it. Unfortunately, I cannot, too much midriff and even with spanx, I’m not comfortable wearing a tank unless I pair it with a blouse or sweater.
I love your racer back tank, and I think sleeveless is generally more flattering than short sleeves. Sometimes the hem of the short sleeve will fall at a spot that makes your arm look bigger. I am going to shop for a racer back tank!
Yes, I agree with you completely about the sleeve thing. 😉
I agree with you about the looser top not looking as sharp as a close fitting tank would look with your beige linen skirt. It’s a subtle difference. I bought new tees in the spring and whenever I wear them I feel kind of sloppy. I think I’m putting too many loose, oversized pieces together. A better fitting tank would be a smart buy for me. Thanks for the post and suggested outfits!
Hi Kay, I just bought a white tank top this year, and have worn it alone. It’s not ‘fitted,’ so I feel I comfortable wearing it over shorts to someplace casual – a picnic or taking a walk for example. I just turned 69, but I still wear tank tops alone on days when it’s hot and humid here on the East Coast. I think it’s a pretty common sight here in New England to see women of all ages wearing tank tops, so I just go ahead and enjoy wearing them alone if the weather calls for one – but again – only to someplace casual. 🙂
I have to say I don’t love the racer-back tanks. Everyone looks like they are shrugging their shoulders! I like a wider strap placement for my wide shoulders!
I have another tank on the way from Walmart, as we speak!
Thanks for sharing Kay!
Absolutely wear what looks best for your body type. 🥰
Hi Kay,
Love the looks you’ve shown us today.
I have a couple questions…
1) where might I find an ivory or beige or ecru tank or tee? I have a blazer that I like with an ivory background.
2) I was in the process of ordering a jacket in my size from Nordstrom this morning and as I did it went Out Of Stock. I gave them my details to keep it on order, but has this happened to you before and will I be able to get it before the sale ends, do you think? (I had been watching it to come back in with my size and it did, then went out again–sad to say)
Thanks for any help you can give me. God bless…
Hi Jane. I’m so sorry for the ordering snafu. Yes, that has happened to me several times. The sale just moved faster than their inventory system sometimes. And I’ve actually had that happen with other retailers, too. But it very well could still come back in and you’ll get another opportunity. I think right now is when most mailed returns are getting back, so just keep an eye on it. Maybe this tank would work for you? https://rstyle.me/+_b1f703I9Av-Mx_OQSGNAA
I agree with the tank top being so versatile in the summertime. I have a number of them that I mostly wear underneath different style tops or jackets. I was able to get some good quality tank tops in various colors from Macy’s website. The charter club brand has some good quality Supima cotton tank tops. In various colors they sell for $14.99. I was able to purchase them on sale for $10.99. I wash them on cold and line dry them. I always have good luck with Macy’s charter club. Supima cotton tops, no matter what the style.
Thank you for the blessed for my day. I need that. I love the wide leg pants and bootleg jeans on you. Those are my favorite style of pants. Skinny jeans and pants were never my thing. I have several tanks in various colors. I never get rid of them. Thank you for the styling ideas.
What size did you get in the jJill white linen pants? Thanks.
I sized down to a small in those. However, when I tried a small in the blue stripe, they didn’t fit. But the white worked nicely for me in the small.