SHOPPING FOR SUMMER: Part 1 The Basics
Hello and happy MAY! Summer is so close I can taste it. We are almost there! In the summer, I rotate outfits quite a bit to cut down on “getting ready” time. Nothing ruins a beautiful summer Saturday like looking at your closet and hating everything you have. This week, we are focused on basics. Pieces that are easy to build an outfit around. Think: tank tops, tube tops, etc.
Tube Tops -
Best Supportive - Susana Monaco’s tube top has been my favorite for years. It’s super thick, stays put and is supportive. I have it in black. A nice crisp basic that I throw on with trousers, midi skirts, etc.
Best Material - I wanted a thin material tube top, for when it gets really hot, so I ordered the ‘Carter Strapless Top’ from One Mile in the color white. The material on this is SO soft — 80% modal — and it’s more breathable than the Susana Monaco (this one is also cheaper but looks pretty expensive). It’s double lined so the white is not sheer at all on me. This one falls down a little more than the Susana Monaco one and offers less support. I like having both the One Mile and Susan Monaco as options!
Tank Tops - Apologies in advance I live in white tanks, so this list is quite comprehensive.
Best Spaghetti Strap - The Tank Air is the best of the best and cannot be duped - believe me I’ve tried! The material is thick, stretchy and gives you a little shaping and lift. The length is good for my short torso. You can see it in action here. This is the only one on the list that is not ribbed.
Best Budget - I really love the A New Day tanks from Target because they are short torso friendly without being a crop top. They’re also a modal blend which means they are nice and soft. These have a higher neck and thicker straps. I always grab a few on a Target run. Unpopular opinion: I don’t love the little boy’s Hanes tank as a budget option because the arm holes are uncomfortable to me!
Best of Brandy - Brandy Melville obviously has a great selection of tanks. I used to love the Sheena but the Beyonca Crop is now my favorite.
Best Scoop Neck - I’ve been ranting and raving about the Coco Scoop Bodysuit by Girlfriend Collective since last summer. It’s a tie between this guy and the Tank Air for the best cleavage and most flattering neckline. Seriously, the built in bra makes your boobs look amazing. Just throw this on with denim and a belt and it’s a solid summer outfit.
Best Unique Tank - Karla Deras can do no wrong. Open back, double lined, and soft; the Ximeno Tank by The Line by K is a sexy lil twist on the basic tank.
Best Splurge Tank - I have fully fallen victim to ÉTERNE’s targeted marketing. It helps that their founder Chloe Bartoli is one of my all time favorite instagram follows. If you are inclined to splurge a bit on a white tank, this one has everything I desire: cropped length, raw edge hem, scoop neck and a racer back.
Easy Dresses and Skirts - to be continued…
Best For Feeling Put Together - Is it any surprise I’m recommending the Vivian dress again? It’s really that good! The bodice/neckline make your boobs look nice, the full skirt is breezy and it’s the easiest outfit you’ll put on all summer.
Best Linen - I love linen in theory but hate it in reality because you’re always two seconds away from looking like a wrinkled slob; but, the Layla linen midi skirt from Reformation is double lined with a thicker fabric underneath. That means, you have another layer of protection against inevitable wrinkles. It’s also a flattering shape; easy to throw on and feel cute! I took the XS Petite size.
Best Black Skirt - My favorite black maxi skirt from The Line By K is sadly discontinued! So I ordered a few different ones to test out. The perfect maxi skirt is mid-to-low waisted, a column shape and has to have stretch; the closest I could find is the Emma Skirt by ÈTERNE. It’s just perfect and I might even like it better than the original. The Emma skirt is a bit of splurge (!) so I am trying to find a budget option, but I am so particular about the fit that I haven’t had any luck. YET. I will continue to look!
As always, thank you for reading. See you next week with more summer finds!