… tank dresses.
What’s that I hear you saying? It doesn’t look like I’m wearing tank dresses in these photos? Exactly right. Although I’ll occasionally wear one of these bad boys with a big loose cardi as a cover-up, I am far too self-conscious to wear them alone. BUT! They make the most fantastic layering pieces, since they’re essentially just very, very long tank tops.
For making supershort sweater dresses less risque, for giving an outfit more depth, for added warmth, for a shot of color in an otherwise monochromatic ensemble, for making sheer garments wear-able … my tank dresses have proven themselves invaluable again and again this fall and winter.
Mine are from Express last year, and American Apparel via Amazon this year. And hardly a weekend has gone by that one hasn’t been in rotation.
Are you a fan of tank dresses, on their own or as layering pieces? Have you ever considered them as a potential layering option? (I know I hadn’t until I bought my first few last year on super sale.) Any other suggestions for vendors or sources?
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
J'adore le tank dress
I wear them all the time, as layering pieces in the winter and on their own with capri leggings and sandals in the summer (although during British summers they end up as layering pieces too!)
They are also great with leggings for that quick change from work (I dress quite casually for work) to yoga class!
All hail the tank dress
I love the gray & maroon look – super cute and those gray boots are smokin'!!
Tank dresses are great especially for layering – I like that since it *could* be worn alone in the summertime – I get that reminiscent feeling of warm weather and sunshine when I choose to do it in the winter!!
http://www.everydaychicny.tumblr.com
Okay, first of all that first outfit is insanely awesome… I think especially because the guitar is in the picture… the whole thing is so "coffee-shop-cool", does that make sense?
I've never owned a tank dress but now I'm pretty sure I need to! So versatile!
P.S. I've totally taken pictures by that orange moose before, just not with it's rump!
I don't own any tank dresses like you have here, but I love dresses that have a tank style top, because they are so great for layering! And thus they can be worn throughout the year; under a cardigan in the winter, and alone in the summer.
I especially love the "twofer" dresses, where the bodice and skirt look like two different pieces. Because then, when you wear them under a cardigan, it really takes the appearance of a whole new outfit (looking like a skirt/top/cardi, instead of just a dress). I have a really cute dress like that, that also has the tank style top, so it is insanely versatile.
I have never owned a tank dress! I don't know that they would work in my wardrobe…must ponder this. Great food for thought, Sal!
I love that purple outfit.
Is that a big orange moose butt? ha!
I don't own a single one, but I'm working on that…
I have a question. I have the same sweater from Anthropologie in your first picture, and I love it because it's so pretty and warm. However, I wear it open because I have a large chest and small waist (if I button it I look pregnant). I think with a belt it would look odd. Do you have any suggestions?
i'd have to agree.. those tank dresses.. so cute and EASY.. which i like.. to layer over some leggings.. i need to get me some.. i lack easy long tunics…
Jaimee: Hmmm, have you tried a belt? Something narrow and neutral could work. Or a scarf in a light gray or pale blue used as a belt. You could also try a vest over it … though I know vests can be tricky for the large-of-boob. Wearing it open sounds like a fabulous solution to me. Do you not like how it looks that way?
I've never really had any tank dresses, but I think you've convinced me that I must get some. I love layering so much, it makes sense to own some dresses designed specifically for layering.
sal, thank goodness for you!! i have been hemming and hawing about what to wear on a very long plane trip i have coming up, and i didn't even think of tank dress plus leggings (like pajamas in disguise!!).
i just bought two tank dresses from american apparel for only $9(!!!) on amazon (also had never thought to buy aa stuff on amazon–genius!).
you are the BEST. seriously.
That moose butt made me laugh!
You know, I'm not. It's not that I don't see their use, and I think they look great on a variety of people (and in the way you have styled them). They just aren't my go-to piece. Jeans are my go-to piece…
I've been totally using my old tank and jersey dresses this winter too. They rock. I actually organized my outfit today around this post, but I think I need to work on the propriety level. Thanks for another great post.
Those gray boots make me *so* jealous!
Hmm, I don't currently own one, but I feel like I should. Personally though, I think a tank dress with long sleeves might be more practical.
Even though I don't really dress like that myself* I do love the look of layering knits, huge shirts, tank dresses, legwarmers boots cardis scarfs tights and leggings…
I'm especially fond of your first three ensembles!
*)except for during lazy weekend walks or if I'm at the countryside, or sometimes when I head for work.
First off I couldn't stop staring at that orange moose bottom – and then I saw the gray boots and couldn't stop staring at them either! Thank god they were on the same photo!
You make all those photos look so stylish, yet really cosy and warm at the same time. Kudos!
They totally work on you, that's why!
clothedmuch.blogspot.com
Wow, those gray boots are amazing! I don't wear tank dresses too often, but when I do, I always layer them with scarves and big cardigans. They are so easy to wear!
I've thought about them a time or two. I'm not sure where they'd fit in my current wardrobe but when I own a bigger closet I can definitely see incorporating them. Although I think my newest 'tunic' could ride the line between tunic and tank dress. It just has more detailing
This is one of the many things on my must-have basics list. And I've yet to find one I like. But seeing all the ways you've worn your just cements the fact the yes, I MUST find one!
I like tank dresses (for layers! not with my arms showing!), and love layering dresses, but I always find it tough to FIND the right dresses! Tank dresses and t-shirt dresses mostly seem to be made in a clingy tube style, which is, shall we say, not my best look, not even under stuff. Also, because of the bodaciousness of my bottom, anything tube-y and jersey tends to crawl right up my thighs to indecent levels within a few metres of normal walking. Either that, or they're straight and boxy, which makes me look dumpy and frumpy.
However, I have the loose A-line American Apparel tank in black, and it's a wonderful thing, and gets far too much wear. (Although it is also way too short to wear as a dress, and I use it as a tunic, or wear it over skirts.) I really wish I could find a little wardrobe of well-made basic tank and tee dresses in nice jersey with a princess or A-line shape and no crewnecks or V-necks.
I love them! Also, asymmetrical hem tank dresses are the best–they're so interesting paired with legging and a cardigan!
I went shopping yesterday (I was sorely in need of new clothes) and I saw several really cute tank dresses at Target in lots of colors. But I ended up not getting any, because I don't usually do all that much layering. And even if I did, in Georgia it'll be way too hot to wear ONE layer, much less more than that, in just a month or so.
Maybe next fall I'll thrift a few and give it a try. That being said, you look wonderful in every single picture, and I love the one of you posing all dignified in front of the giant moose.
I LOVE the artwork behind you in the second pic – who's the artist? (I love the outfits too, obviously!)
Rebecca: The paintings are by our friend Megan Bell Honigman: http://www.meganbell.net/index.html
Your layering is inspirational. I have no dresses in my wardrobe (not a one!) because I haven't found any that look perfect. But layering could really work for me. I love the way you layer skirts and underskirts, too.
I'm a huge fan of American Apparel's tank and t-shirt dresses as layering pieces (they're super unflattering on me when worn alone, but add a vest, sweater, top layer, etc, and they're perfect!), and this post has me scouring eBay and Amazon for more!
Love these looks! I think I need to reintroduce myself to tank dresses. Your blog is so inspirational– it gives me new takes on things I haven't thought about wearing. Thanks!
I adore that first cardigan, the buttons are fabulous. I agree with FutureLint — definitely coffee shop cool.
You sold me on them weeks ago! Which style of American Apparel ones are you wearing? I've been trying to figure out which ones to get.
grace: Yay! I get the ribbed racerback style. Get 'em for $10 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KLTNNW/ref=oss_product