Fashion can often be distracting. Bright colours, bold prints, and new trends can pull focus and sometimes cause us to overlook the hardworking basics our wardrobes need to thrive. In the past, when I've prioritised statement pieces over anything else, I've always felt as if I had nothing to wear. The appeal and shine of maximalist dresses or exciting shoes would quickly fade, and I'd soon be on the hunt for another buy that got my pulse racing. Recently, however, I've shifted my focus to honing my basics. Now, with drawers and rails lined with pieces that are truly versatile and interchangeable, I never feel as if I have nothing to wear. And one of the most worn items in my wardrobe is the vest top.
Tank tops, vest tops—whatever you like to call them—are having a moment right now. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that they're defining 2025's aesthetic . Once a second-thought purchase for many, the tank top has never been more appreciated than it is now, with influencers regularly centring their outfits around them and high-end brands serving up their own covetable iterations of the staple. (I'm still dreaming about Loewe's logo-embroidered tank.
However, much like anything else, when you wear something a lot, you risk becoming fatigued by it, which is why I'm sharing easy examples of how to style a tank top below—to help you keep the spark alive. Keep scrolling to unlock a whole host of vest-top outfit inspiration.
How to Style a Tank Top: 7 Easy Outfits to Try This Summer
1. Tailored Trousers + Gold Jewellery
Style Notes: Take the simple approach by pairing a white vest top with 2025's another key buy: a pair of wide-leg tailored trousers.
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A solid racer-back vest option.
A great entry point if you're yet to invest in a pair of wide-leg trousers.
The perfect finishing touch to any minimalist outfit.
2. Denim Shorts + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: For a low-key summer outfit, wear your trusty denim cut-off shorts with a tank. Then, match the colour of said tank top to that of your shoes to seamlessly pull it all together.
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I always stock up on Arket jersey basics.
Influencers can't get enough of Agolde denim.
In my opinion, these are the perfect flats.
3. Maxi Skirt + Basket Bag
Style Notes: Is there anything as elegant as a maxi skirt? Styling yours with a basic white vest will instantly give it a downtime spin, as will the addition of a raffia basket bag.
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As the model proves, cropped vests look great with high-waisted bottoms.
So versatile.
It's never too late to invest in a good basket bag.
4. Tailored Shorts + White Shirt
Style Notes: Tailored shorts keep cropping up this season, so consider this your sign to invest in a pair now if you haven't already done so. As Coco shows, they look chic worn with a vest top and a partly unbuttoned overshirt.
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The white is classic.
Elevate your basics with this premium white vest.
I have these and cannot recommend them enough.
5. Blazer + Polka Dot Skirt Jeans
Style Notes: What could be more 2025 than a vest top, a polka dot skirt and flip-flops? I'll wait…
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I'll throw this over everything from floral dresses to, well, tank tops.
New Look has so many vest tops to choose from.
I love the knee-length skirt trend.
6. Linen Shirt + Sweater Shorts
Style Notes: Lean into the sporty aesthetic of your vest top with a pair of sweatershorts—grey marl will always feel classic—and a breezy linen shirt in a bold colour.
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A lightweight staple that'll work just as hard on the beach.
An easy add to your next COS order.
A frugal way to re-create the look.
7. Minidress + Square-Toe Boots
Style Notes: This is perhaps one of the more directional vest-top outfits on my list. Camille gives this glamorous minidress an offbeat overhaul by layering it over a white vest top and finishing with black heeled boots.
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A dress you can style in a multitude of ways.
This neckline will look great under a strappy minidress.
Vagabond is my go-to for expensive-looking boots.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
