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Memorial Day is still two weeks away, but already it's in the 80s here and I'm scrambling to find outfits that can bridge the heat and humidity outside and the virtually arctic air conditioning inside. The trick, of course, is to layer, and my favorite layering piece is the tank top.
You can find tanks everywhere, from very high-end lines like Michael Stars (where a basic tank will run you $39.00) to your local SuperTarget (where long ribbed tanks are a more reasonable $6.99). A ribbed tank is incredibly versatile, particularly for summer; you can wear a tank virtually anywhere, as long as you do it thoughtfully. The tank pictured here is the Jockey Classic Cotton Tank Top, available for $10.00 from Bare Necessities.
For starters, be sure you are fully covered. Choose a tank that is long enough to keep your stomach and back under wraps during normal wear; when you sit down, the hem of your tank should still meet the hem of your pants or skirt. Choose a tank that provides full coverage across the chest as well, and wear a properly fitted bra. Keep bra straps under cover, either by wearing a convertible bra or one with a racer back, or by using something like The Strapper, which holds the straps on your regular bra out of the way. I have one of these and I love it. Do not be tempted by spaghetti strap tanks with built-in shelf bras; these don't look right on anyone. Opt for a tank with wide straps and a modest scoop neck, for the most coverage and support.
So what can you wear your tank with? Quite honestly, everything. Wear a tank to work with your suit, instead of a blouse or sweater, or with a jacket or cardigan and fitted skirt. Layer a brightly colored or striped tank under a neutral suit for a look that is both playful and professional. Keep your jacket or cardigan on in the office, though; the tank alone is probably too casual for even the most casual office.
For evenings or for casual days, wear a tank with a knee-length skirt; I like to layer two tanks (something colorful, for example, over a white tank) for more coverage. I also layer shorter tanks over longer tanks, to keep my middle under wraps. Toss a sweater or denim jacket over your tanks in the air conditioned inside.
For weekend wear, pair a ribbed tank with a pair of jeans or capri pants or shorts, either with or without a sweater or jacket. If you're going to wear a fitted tank with cropped pants or shorts, though, look carefully at your overall line; unless you have a very boyish figure, slim pants and a slim tank will draw attention to the widest part of you, whatever that might be. Minimize a large chest or wider midsection with a jacket that buttons at the breast; slim a wider bottom half with wider leg pants. The A-line skirt is universally flattering, particularly with a tank; it minimizes wide hips and provides balance for a large chest.
For an evening out, pair a tank with an embellished skirt and some pretty shoes and jewelry. Add a light wrap for cooler restaurants or bars.
Tanks are an easy addition to your summer wardrobe; they are inexpensive and easy to care for and come in a wide array of delicious colors. At the end of the summer, when your tanks are beginning to look a little worn, wear them under sweaters or jackets or slim shirts. When they really begin to fade or pill, wear them to work out or to sleep in.
Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and about everything else at Friday Playdate. Today she is wearing two tank tops (pink and white) from Old Navy and a black A-line skirt from J. Crew.
