I know it’s January at the time I’m writing this post and we’re in the midst of a snowstorm out here. However, it’s never too early to think about warmer days ahead and it gives me something to look forward to. I don’t know about you, but I constantly think of different outfits I can put together with pieces in my wardrobe.
Tank tops (sometimes referred to as a wife beater, which I hate by the way), are a wardrobe staple you can probably find in everyone’s wardrobe and for good reason. They’re a casual top you can pair with so many other pieces without thinking twice.
You probably own at least a few in different colors. I’m sure you pair them with jeans, skirts and other bottoms in your closet to create casual looks.
In today’s blog post, I would be sharing different ways to style a basic tank top with other tops and jackets. This could be a spaghetti-strap tank top or one with thicker straps. You would come to see how easy it is to put together chic tank top outfits by switching up your choice of outerwear. You already know which bottoms to pair your scoop neck with, let’s tackle which tops you can pair it with.
You most likely already have your preferred store or site to shop for your tank tops but I would like to share mine with you. This list would be helpful if you’re looking to add some cute tanks to your wardrobe. Remember that tank tops can be worn by everyone and they’re a great base to build a stylish look with.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links, at no cost to you.
Where to shop for tank tops
i) Old Navy
Old Navy is a great destination for everyday tank tops. Some of my best tank tops have been purchased from here. I wear them underneath a button-down shirt or with a pair of denim shorts. Everyone needs a white tank top in their wardrobe and THIS V-neck one comes with thousands of positive reviews. You could easily pair it with skinny jeans a simple jacket for a chic look.
ii) Amazon
Amazon offers a wide range of tank tops in all sorts of colors and styles. You could easily wear any of them to create a chic summer outfit. If you’re looking to create a sexy date night look with your tank top, try going for THIS ribbed button-down tank. Show off a little cleavage during the summer months in this sexy tank. Pair it with leggings, jeans or a pencil skirt.
iii) Shein
Shein is another website that brings you a very large list of tank tops you can choose from. You can find tank tops for all body types at varying price ranges. Tank tops with spaghetti straps such as THIS ONE are a great option to go with if you’re comfortable showing more skin and cleavage. They also work better under more sultry tops and blouses such as a mesh top. Pair one with a mini skirt and a denim shirt for a cute summer look.
This one is under $5 and available in over 20 colors.
iv) Lululemon
If you’re an athletic person or just a fan of the athleisure look, then you may want to check out the tank tops available here. They offer tank tops with a tight fit, meant to hold you in and provide a more flattering fit. With this technology, their prices are the highest on this list but you can be sure to get a lot of wears.
The Power Pivot pink tank top is probably my favorite from their collection. Pair them with yoga pants and a bomber jacket for an easy and laid-back casual look.
v) Everlane
Everlane is a sister store to the GAP and Banana Republic. This means you can expect good quality tank tops. You can incorporate tank tops with prints to your wardrobe to make it more fun. These are a great option if you’re not a fan of mono chrome dressing and wish to break up an outfit. THIS nautical cutaway tank would be a good choice.
Now that you have a good idea of where to find all sorts of sleeveless tops, let’s talk about the many ways to style them. Such simple wardrobe staples can create some very fashionable looks you could rock to the office, after hours and over the weekend. I would be focusing most especially on the types of shirts and jackets you can wear on top of a tank top.
The best shirts and jackets to wear over a tank top
1) A leather jacket
Leather jackets are a great form of outerwear to add on top of a tank top to create a sleek look. You can also use them to cover your arms as well as add an extra layer of warmth. A black leather jacket is a classic but during the warmer months, feel free to experiment with other colors of moto jackets.
Get the look HERE
For an edgy office look, try pairing a black pencil skirt with a tank top in a solid color. Complete your look with a leather jacket and a pair of ankle boots and you’re good to go. You can also create a casual look by opting for a pair of mom jeans instead of a skirt.
2) A long sleeve shirt
Another great way to style your tank tops is to add a long-sleeve shirt on top of it. For a more professional look, button up your long-sleeved shirt and use your tank top as a layer of warmth. If you’re headed for co*cktail hour, feel free to tie up your shirt in the front to create a laid back look.
Get the look HERE
Try pairing a black tank top with a boho maxi skirt and a button up shirt for a simple chic look you could wear to the mall or for bubble tea. Roll up your sleeves and add a pair of bold statement earrings for a fancy dinner. A flannel shirt is a good option to go with during the summer months.
3) A denim jacket
An easy way to style your tank top is to pair it with a jean jacket. This is a great option to go with during the summer months when you just want to add a casual layer of warmth. You could also add a scarf on top during the Fall months if it’s chilly outside.
Get the look HERE
A chic look you could sport to the office would be a pair of high-waist pants with a tank top and a denim jacket. If you’re commuting to the office, feel free to add a pair of white sneakers to your look. Ballet flats could also be worn for a more business casual look. The only thing missing is your tote bag.
4) A bomber jacket
Lightweight jackets are a basic wardrobe staple you could easily pair with a good old-fashioned white tank top. This is a more casual way to style your sleeveless tops but it works like magic. Make your outfit more interesting by opting for bomber jackets in bright colors or bold prints.
Get the look HERE
For bottoms, a pair of skinny jeans work nicely to create a chic look you could wear to hang out with friends. During the colder months, you could opt for a thick bomber to keep you warm. The best way to style this look for date night is to throw on a pair of high heels.
5) A sheer shirt
If you’re going on vacation to an island, you are most likely packing a sheer item. Sheer tops and blouses are typically worn on top of less revealing clothing such as a tank top. Whether your top has thin or wide straps, you can use a sheer top as a cover up to elegantly hide your arms.
Get the look HERE
This is also a great way to protect your arms from sun burn in a fashionable way. You could complete your look with a pair of cargo shorts, a mini skirt or a pair of jean shorts. White-wash denim shorts would really stand out in this outfit. Don’t forget the sunscreen and oversized sunshades.
6) A cropped cardigan
The easiest way to style your tank tops during the winter months is to wear a sweater or cardigan on top of it. Short cardigans give a more formal feel to an outfit. Choose one with buttons down the front for a more preppy and professional look.
Get the look HERE
Cardigans in solid colors work best for formal events. You could pair them with pencil skirts as well as high waisted trousers for fancy occasions. If you do not wish to show cleavage, opt for high neck tank tops.
7) A long cardigan
Long cardigans are great for pairing with tank tops for less formal occasions. An oversized cardigan can be worn on top of any bicep-baring style to add some warmth to your outfit. I see this style worn by both students on campus as well as adults headed to the store.
Get the look HERE
You could complete your look with a midi skirt and ankle boots for a chic Fall outfit. You could also add a pair of jeans for a very casual outfit. One of my favorite ways to style this look is to add a belt on top to really cinch in your waist.
I hope you have found this post useful in terms of giving you ideas for what to wear over your tank tops. This basic wardrobe staple is very easy to pair with other items in your closet. Let me know which one of these was your favorite look.
For some more inspiration with sleeveless tops check out my post 5 simple ways to wear a halter top.
I also have a post The 10 best ways to wear a crop top.
My post: 5+ items to wear with a lace top would provide you with some great outfit ideas to create with lace tops.
For ideas on what to wear over your summer dresses, check out my post: 11 Items to Wear over a Sleeveless Dress in the Summer.
I even have a video to show you 5 different ways I style my tank tops below:
Until the next post,
XOXO
Theankaraqueen
