One item of clothing shows up in my closet in multiples for every season. The essential white tank top is always there in a variety of shapes, textures and fabrics. It is the first layer in many of my outfits. It provides a smoothing effect under shirts worn unbuttoned a bit for a lighter weight casual third element, cardigan sweaters and all sorts of jackets. After my fiftieth birthday I found that three layers in an outfit was very comfortable and appropriate in almost every situation.
Tank tops come in all shapes and types of fabrics. Knit ones with a bit
of spandex are great for the smooth line they allow. If the tank top is
made from a soft tee shirt knit the next layer will almost always drag
across it rather than flow smoothly so they are better worn with heavier fabrics like denim.
Tank #1 has tiny straps that can be adjusted to allow you to move the neckline lower or higher. This is a great tank to serve as a modesty layer simply for cleavage control and a foundation to give you a smooth back under jackets and cardigans.
Tank #2 has wider straps and a rouching detail at the neckline for a bit of softness. It can be used as a relief layer when your top layer becomes too warm. It covers enough to still be attractive when worn alone while your "private summer" passes.
Tank #3 is a lace number which should be made from silk or rayon or nylon so that it is soft and smooth under dressy jackets and knit cardigans with ornate buttons (think Chanel style knits.) This one has the warm glow of cream white which looks soft and feminine in candlelight.
Tank #4 is a soft tee shirt material which can be worn under denim shirts or sporty knit jackets.
Tank #5 hugs you close and gives you a smoother body under thin jackets and sweaters when you want hold it all in just a bit.
Tank #6 is my necessary cream color tank when white is just too bright as in the photo below. (I now make sure I pack my cream tank when I take this sweater for a weekend get-away.)
I'm wearing a thin knit cardigan with fringe detail and a silky smooth tank (which should have been cream colored) underneath.
This is an Austin Reed navy blazer which has a low V-front closure. I always wear it with a white tank and either a scarf or an interesting necklace when we are going out to dinner in the fall.
Here's another outfit including a silky white tank and the navy Austin Reed blazer.
This is a black and white jacket that needs just a bit of modesty at the neckline
so I'm wearing tank #1 here.
There is a white silky tank #5 underneath this thin gray bomber style jacket.
Tank #4 is under this quilted knit casual jacket worn with dark wash denim and comfy luggage tan booties for a recent trip to the mountains.
Thank you for reading! I hope these tips help you expand your wardrobe and have fun creating different layered outfits with the essential white tank top.