We’ve all watched the opening credits of Sex & The City a thousand times. Salsa music plays, Sarah Jessica Parker – as Carrie Bradshaw – struts down the sidewalk in a tutu and gets sprayed with water as by bus drives by. It’s an iconic scene, and that white tutu and pink tank top are forever etched in our minds.
Well now, thanks to the rise and rise of athleisure wear, the humble tank top – or vest – is enjoying a return to the limelight. Whether a classic racer-back, ribbed cotton or silk version – vest tops have been part of our wardrobes for years. This time around, however, they have taken on a slightly sportier aesthetic and in some cases the racer-back is being positioned at the front.
For Leonie Hanne, the neutral toned tank is a go-to basic
Overall, whatever you team this basic with, it has a slightly minimalist feel and it’s definitely one of the most affordable new season updates out there.
MOJEH contributor, stylist and creative consultant Gemma Deeks refers to the tank as part of her “freelance uniform” and admits to stocking up on the style. “I love how versatile the tank top is. You can wear it with high-waisted mom jeans for off-duty dressing, or throw a blazer on top and add a chunky gold chain for date night. A tank top is the new white tee!” she tells us.
This street styler elevated a basic tank with a sheer blouse
A quick glance at the squares of Rosie Huntington-Whitley’s account and you can see the supermodel in black, blush and white iterations of a simple vest top. She pairs hers with everything from a lemon Tibi two-piece, to a Bottega Veneta skirt.
And on the spring/summer 2020 runway, basic tanks were elevated to a sartorial season staple — from ‘90s inspired form-fitting styles at Hermès to simple silk tanks paired with brightly hued prints at Salvatore Ferragamo. The key is to invest in neutral colours to maximise the wearability.
While the humble tank might have spent previous years being layered under knits, or as part of your workout wardrobe, all of a sudden we’re feeling its new lease of life has given it Friday night party-appeal.
Here’s how to tap into the tank top trend…
Read Next: How Fashion Month Inspired Our Workwear Wardrobe
- Words Elaine Lloyd-Jones
- Images: GoRunway.com
