The Fashion Memo

How To Style The Runway-Approved Tank Top

A classic tank has become a closet staple. Here, GILLIAN BRETT rounds up the pieces to wear now, plus expert tips on how to style them

Fashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion
Styled up or down, the tank is a summer-street-style essential

A ’90s mood

All things ’90s are back on the style agenda, and one of the decade’s favorite duos – the tank and denim skirt – is given a slick refresh via the brands that excel at elevated basics. Agolde is every fashion editor’s go-to for the coolest staples, and the brand’s ‘Verica’ tank from our NET SUSTAIN edit is both flattering and comfortable. We love the one-shoulder silhouette that elevates this staple piece into a day-to-night top, plus it’s made using lower-impact materials. Wear it with Khaite’s crisp white ‘Lucian’ maxi skirt and Aeyde’s ‘Daphne’ sandals. For another nod to the era, add Alaïa’s sleek ‘Click’ shoulder bag, which comes in a modern iteration of ’90s bag shapes.

With wide-leg jeans

New York-based brand Proenza Schouler has a knack of creating eminently wearable closet staples, and its ‘Roberts’ tank is a sleek example. Made from striped stretch-knit for a slim fit, it comes with a slightly longer hem for ease of tucking into jeans, skirts and Bermuda shorts, and is the sort of piece you’ll wear on repeat. For a classic off-duty look, wear yours with Agolde’s mid-rise wide-leg jeans from our NET SUSTAIN edit. Just add pared-back leather sandals, Bottega Veneta’s finely crafted ‘Hop’ tote and a little shine with By Pariah’s sparkling trio of rings.

Tank and tailoring

Tank tops needn’t be reserved for off-duty occasions: Rabanne’s red version is embellished with the brand’s signature ‘Piercing’ hardware to give it an after-dark appeal. A dream partner for tailoring, wear it with Toteme’s pleated pants for a look that is polished enough for workdays and events. Layer with Saint Laurent’s sleek blazer and finish with Gucci’s suede loafers – both forever pieces offering endless versatility.

Utility style

Tanks naturally have a utilitarian appeal, so it makes sense to pair them with pieces that evoke a similar mood. For easy off-duty style, pair Bottega Veneta’s high-neck ribbed tank with Citizens of Humanity’s cotton tapered cargo pants in khaki green. A pair of leather sandals in dark brown will ensure the look is effortless, while Laura Lombardi’s two-tone ‘Piega’ earrings add timeless polish.

Paired with print

On vacation or laid-back weekends, a fresh lemon-colored tank perfectly complements pretty prints. This minimalist design by Toteme is knitted for a soft handle; wear it with Etro’s cotton and silk-blend pareo, decorated with the brand’s signature paisley swirls and exclusive to NET-A-PORTER. Sleek accessories work as well beachside as they do for city breaks, so finish the look with Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag and a pair of retro-style rectangular sunglasses by Dior Eyewear.

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The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown