Hi, and a question about summer tops?

Hi everyone! It's been an age since I've participated on here (have been lurking and keeping up a little) - but hoping for a bit of a breather and some time to catch up!

With the weather, finally (??), turning the corner from winter/mud season to sunny spring (*knocks on wood* - it literally started to rain as I typed that lol!), I'm starting to think about my summer wardrobe. I'm in good shape on most items, but am completely lacking in 2 things: tanks and skirts. Skirts are not an essential for me, so I'm going to just be open to what's out there with no pressure to buy, but tanks are an essential once the super-hot weather hits.

The last few summers I've enjoyed the more fluid styles of tanks, which are great for hot and sticky days, but with the bodycon looks coming in, are these dated - or classic, per Angie's post today? What fits are you looking at for casual summer tops?

In Finds - some BR examples I've been browsing. The linen ones are especially appealing to me - esp. that pretty blue one ....

TIA and hope to catch up with you all soon! xx Helena

Banana Republic

Eyelet Back Tank

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Top Pick

Banana Republic

Luxespun Tank Top

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Banana Republic

Linen Tie-Front Tank Top

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Banana Republic

Luxespun Tank Top

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Banana Republic

Linen Tie-Front Tank Top

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Top Pick

5 years ago

Liesbeth

Veteran

Welcome back, praying along with you for better weather!
I bought some similar styles last year so I hope they’re not dated yet! That being said, when browsing I’m seeing lots of linen for summer so I think you’re right on trend there.

Custom Find

by Liesbeth

Anonymous

I'm moving away from knit tanks and t's this summer, and looking for tops with a bit of a crisper or structured edge. Linen (I know, not crisp, but...) cotton, even a lightweight synthetic. You're very slight and slim though, so t's and tanks look great on you , and I agree that the knotted hem ones look fresher and more interesting than the same old stuff out there.

Barbara Diane

I like all of the tanks above.

Jessikams

(website)

Your picks are lovely and practical too. I’ve been loving tie-front versions so I don’t have to fuss with keeping a half-tuck in place.

fifthandfinest

Active Member

The tie fronts are super cute and add some interest and originality to a staple item. Also love the orangey red though - such a great color.

rachylou

I really like the tie front tanks. I don’t think of myself as a tie front type, but I’ve picked up a thing for them.

Elizabeth P

IMHO, fluid is essential for summer, regardless of the trends. I can't stand fabric touching me too much when it's humid!

I bought one of the tie front linen BR tanks last year, and it's quite long. I find it hard to style, but I kept it because I do have a couple of bottoms to wear it with. Will be curious to know if it's any shorter this year. Of course, you may be longer through the torso than I am.

I purchased these this year... slightly fluid, and I like the asymmetry of the knot. I also really like BR's luxespun fabric.

Luxespun Twist-Front Top

Cardiff girl

I agree with Elizabeth,if it’s really hot you need fabric that flows away from the body,not things that cling.Whether you do this in a structured way or a floaty way is down to personal style preferences but I really like your picks and think that they would suit you very well.

SarahD8

Count me in as another surprised to be a fan of tie-front tops. I think they can add a nice bit of structure without being too fitted/bodycon. (I am also on the when it’s hot I don’t want anything touching me train.) I haven’t actually purchased one yet but have tried a couple and they’re definitely on my radar.

I will say that I bought a couple of linen knit tanks last year and found that they didn’t hold up very well. But your BR tanks may be better quality than the ones I bought (from Loft).

Christina F.

Elizabeth, I have the black tank, and it's indeed quite long. I imagine it over flowy pants or skinny pants - I am short on top and it's certainly close to tunic length on me.

jackiec

Hi TG! I’m chiming in because I refreshed exactly this category yesterday at BR! I bought the tie linen tanks last year (white, and white/blue stripe) and the stripe one was such a workhorse I wore a hole in it! I repeated the style this year with black and that blue - but returned the blue yesterday because it’s not my best blue (but it would be stunning on you!). I also realized that the ones I have are actually a bit big - especially for this year’s higher rises. I picked up yet another in store in sage’ish green and sized down to XS. Wishing I hadn’t cut the tags on the new black one - it should be an XS. I’m pretty sure you need XS too, and still might find it big. I like that you can cinch the tie so it fits how you like. I also picked up the luxespun tanks - one black, one white. They are a super comfy fitted fit. Will look great untucked and tucked into high waisted bottoms (and regular bottoms). I don’t have the find, but I also grabbed a great linen grey tank - in small, that is a nice loose fit but hits at the high waist so it’s not billowy. It was 50% off T-shirts yesterday so a great deal (although isn’t the rule to never pay full price at BR??).

Hope you don’t mind me jumping in after such a long absence. I feel like we are on the same shopping schedule! Also, fwiw, the pleated skirts at Aritzia are fab - and a luxespun BR tucked into the skirt, with sandals or sneakers, will be party of my summer uniform.

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nemosmom

Hot summers, for me, are much like extremely cold winter: comfort is key even if that means sacrificing a bit of style. And summer is my most difficult season to dress for (I want my layers!!). That said, I don't think the flowy ones you posted look dated at all, and that blue would look gorgeous on you.

Welcome back!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

All these tanks are good.

I'm sorry, but................HI JACKIE!!!!!

Helena

Hahah Elizabeth, my reaction exactly. Jackie, we are on the same shopping schedule for sure and thanks for all the tips! I'll check out the Aritzia skirts too. I hope you are doing well xx

Elizabeth, thanks for the feedback on the tanks - I'm short in the waist too, so I'll have to see - did they shrink at all in the length; I've found past BR linen purchases have for me?

Thanks everyone for the feedback; here I go to purchase a few of these and see how they go! xx

Ok, I chose 4 - a white luxespun, a white-and-navy striped luxespun (I was not sure about this one, so we'll see - looks cream vs. white in the pic), the lighter blue and white striped tie-waist, and the navy tie-waist (annoyingly not on sale, but navy's always a workhorse). If this work out, that should be my summer shopping almost done - barring sandals and a skirt that captures my heart Will let you know how it goes!

Yay! We are twins! I would have picked up the navy too, but it wasn’t in store, and the online purchase/return cycle is exhausting (since my the mall where I typically do returns is surrounded by choking construction)... fingers crossed for you!

PS another highly recommended summer top is the Murphy tank at Aritzia. I have it in white and in black. Dress it up for a night out or pair with linen shorts for casual. Workhorse for me. I’m useless with finds & am on my phone...

PPS **hi Elizabeth!!!!**

Mainelady

I like the pics you posted and it sounds like you made great choices. I hope you will post pics once you finally get to wear your tanks. Good luck with the skirt.....there are so many pretty options, I bet you do find one that makes your heart sing.

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