Do I need non-layering tank tops or other sleeveless tops?

So, after all my purging in preparation for packing/moving, I've realized that I now have almost no sleeveless tops that are not explicitly for layering under things. I do have plenty of layering camis and a couple of layering tanks but by and large they are either very thin, very skimpy, or very clingy and not really wearable on their own.

So I'm wondering: do you think I need some sleeveless tops and tanks to wear on their own (or under something like a denim jacket that I'd remove throughout the day) in the summer? I have no problem showing my arms and shoulders - I wear sleeveless dresses all the time - but I do try to avoid things that enhance shoulder slopiness. I also do have lots of cap sleeve and short sleeve tees and tops that I wear without a topper in the summer.

And if yes, what styles? Classic tanks? Sleeveless blouses? Shells? Peplum? Something else? (Photos are random examples of the types of things I'm talking about, all from BR.)

ETA: Added a photo of a handknit lace tank that I do own. Maybe something else in this silhouette? I like that the shoulders are wider.

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12 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Well, do you want sleeveless tops to wear on their own? If yes, then why not buy some? As for the style, it all depends on your preferences and where you intend to wear them.

I like to expose my arms and shoulders, but prefer not to look too sexy, so if I go sleeveless I tend to opt for something with a higher neckline. Not turtleneck high, but crew neck, boatneck and grecian all work well. Your green lace tank is exactly the sort of thing I'd wear. It looks great on you.

Scoop-neck tanks, for me, are only for layering, or for lounging.

I don't have one, but I would also wear a sleeveless, fitted button front shirt, like the one in pic 3.

Peri

Where are you moving? If its hot, then absolutely. For me, I've gone off real tank tops...like the second picture...and more just tops that are sleeveless, like the other pictures.

Which brings my to my Q..What is picture number one? Because I want it!

(website)

What is your climate, again? In FL I practically lived in my tanks and had a good dozen.
If you have a hot climate, I'd say you should go for at least a few stand alone tanks. Luckily, looser is in, so it shouldn't be too hard to find some.

Diana

Mo, we don't have a very long summer in Boston but it is disgusting, hot, and humid. There are always a couple of days a year where I just can't deal and wear a cami and short shorts to work, and nobody really cares but me. So you might be right and I should get a couple of proper tanks for those days so I feel somewhat decent but still not roasting.

Aziraphale, I think you alluded to part of my problem. I don't like high or straight necklines. My neck is short and my rib cage is prominent, so I prefer a scoop or v neck to counteract that, and then sometimes I wonder if the top also being sleeveless makes it all too bare. The lace top works for me only because it's lace and you can see skin under it at the neck.

Peri, you can see #1 on the BR site here about halfway down, but unfortunately when I click on it, it seems to be sold out. Maybe you could find it in store though.
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=tank+tops

Diana, I have a short neck too, and I certainly find that the vee is the most flattering neckline on me. No argument there. But I can get away with a higher neckline when there is lots of arm skin exposed. I'm not sure why that is true, but there you have it. Based on the above pic, I think it would work on you too. I know a lot of gals feel like they can't wear the crew, but a more open boatneck is a good alternative.

That's also why I suggested the sleeveless shirt. You an unbutton it to a vee shape to elongate the neck, yet bare your arms and still not feel too slinky because the woven fabric glides in a flattering way over the body.

Yeah, I think maybe I will experiment with a sleeveless button-down of some sort. That seems like the way to go. Plus it has a collar which is always helpful.

I think the lace top looks deceptively high-necked in that photo. In reality it's actually like a highish scoop (shows the collarbones which is important).

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Angie

Fashion Stylist

Sure! Get a few, Diana. You run warm and actually wear sleeveless tops the way they were intended to be worn

From this selection, I like #1 and #4 best. And the one you knitted is best of all!

Anonymous

It depends on the climate as to what kind of tanks to get. Everyone likes to wear regular cami that you can layer under jackets or tops. If you're petite, you can wear spaghetti tops to make shoulders look broader, which makes hips look smaller. If you have bigger chest, then go for the wider tanks.

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