Earlier this summer, my Vinted obsession shored up a true, undeniable gem: a Marine Serre tank top selling for a whole 60 quid under RRP (I do not reveal my sources, or my methods). It was love at first sight and an instant add-to-cart.
Then came the tricky part...how to style my oh-so-chic-and-may-I-remind-you-it's-designer-tank-top so that it looked grown up, and put together, rather than (let's be brutal) kind of... lazy. Bc, yep, it's hard to make an outfit look intentional when its hero feature is the kind of sleeveless top you tend to just throw on when you're on your holibobs.
However, where there's a will, there's a way. After lots of time examining street style pics, scrutinising influencers and fashion insiders alike, and speaking to my fellow clothing obsessives on the Cosmo fashion desk, I have officially cracked the tank top styling code.
FYI, I'd primarily define a tank top as a type of sleeveless top that you might also refer to as a singlet or vest top - but these looks would also work with all manner of strappy tops and bodysuits.
Keep scrolling for 7 ways to faultlessly style your very own tank top: even for a fancy event or work.
Tank top and jeans
Tank top + jeans = a tried and tested winner. What we'd say though is that, in order to make this work, you might want to opt for a more fitted, cropped tank paired in white, paired with a slouchier pair of jeans (mid or low-waisted is best) in a light rinse. Variations in colour and exact styling are fair game, but fitted-top-meets-baggier-jean is a good starting point.
Everyone's clicking on...
From this base, you can decide where you want to steer the outfit: keeping it clean girl with a slicked back bun and some ballet flats, or building on it with glam additions a leather clutch bag, kitten heels and some 90s sunglasses. The accessories allow you to dress the fit up or down, depending on the venue or occasion.
The key to this one is keeping the white of the tank crisp, so invest in a good laundry detergent and some Vanish.
Tank top and tailored trousers
If you're brave, and possibly work in a creative career, you can transform the tank top into office attire with a little help from a pair of tailored trousers. We'd recommend a potentially more fine/less bulky tank top and a pair of high-waisted trousers so that you can tuck the tank in. Pair with a heeled boot or heeled sandals, slick your hair back, stick on some Missoma earrings and dark lippy...and you get the vibe. We're all for freeing the nipple, but you may want to ensure you've got a good t-shirt bra to seamlessly blend underneath the vest top. This one also works for dinner dates, cocktails, and a whole manner of chic social engagements.
Tank top and maxi skirt
The boho trend is here, and there's no escaping it. Enter: the return of the maxi skirt. If you really want to commit to the late aughts boho tank + maxi skirt combo, we'd recommend finding a longer tank top (one where the hem doesn't sit above the hips but below), layering a leather disc belt on top.
However, there are other ways to approach the tank top and maxi skirt trend. If you opt for a more fitted, cropped vest it works well with a more flowing, full-length skirt in a contrasting colour (ie a white tank paired with a navy skirt) or pattern. If you stick with a minimal colour palette, you'll be able to channel a minimalist vibe (good for the city), but if you go for brighter colours and patterns (good for a summer vacay vibe).
Tank top and denim skirt
With late aughts style currently in the zeitgeist, SoCal style is also rearing its head once more as teens fight over Brandy Melville baby tees and all your friends are starting to look like minor characters in The OC. The good news? Denim skirts are back, baby!
Channel your inner Marisa Cooper with a paper-thin white or grey tank, a low-rise denim mini, flip flops and a tiny wristlet. If Laguna Beach was never your vibe, you can opt for a more country-fied version of the look, going full Coyote Ugly with a tank top, denim mini, cowboy hoots and cowboy hat look (great for festival season).
There's also a more elevated version: a denim midi skirt. Pair your tank top with a longer, more structured denim skirt, short boots, a big leather bag and aviator sunnies and you have the perfect fit for mooching around the shops or a cute lunch date.
Tank top and short shorts
While the tank top works well for minimal takes on dressing, you can opt for a bolder angle on the trend. Namely: a tank top tucked into a bold, bright pair of shorts. Working with a pair of track shorts, or the white bloomies which have been all over the festival circuit, can work well here, especially if you contrast the casual nature of the shorts and tank with more refined accessories: costume earrings, a pair of leather thong sandals (pref with a heel) and a clutch or small over-the-shoulder bag.
You can keep it more casual with a tank top and denim bermuda shorts/cargo shorts - a look that works well with flip flops, Dr Marten boots or trainers. Extra points if you accessorise with some chunky silver jewellery and striped shirt worn on top.
Tank top and leather trousers
Where are my rock chicks at? If you're a fan of graphic tees, we're happy to intro you to the graphic tank top and its partner in crime: leather trousers. Not one for a heatwave (good luck wearing skin-tight leather in 80 Fahrenheit weather), but a fit that works well on balmier days for an evening of bar hopping, pair a form-fitting tank with a pair of lowslung leather/ pleather trousers - ideally with a flair or wide-leg fit for more of a 70s feel. We'd recommend pairing with a pointy-toed pair of flats or stiletto boots, or chunky motorcycle boots.
Tank top and culottes
Tank tops and culottes is a srsly underrated look. An offbeat approach to events dressing, pairing a casual tank with a pair of tailored culottes is a great way of elevating this trend for a cocktail event, especially if you throw in a pair of stiletto boots or kitten heels for good measure. Keep the accessories minimal and refined, lead with strong lines and a monochrome palette and you are good to go!
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
