Give It A Little Muscle...Tank

The t-shirt alternative that will make all your pants better come 75 degrees

My t-shirt drawer is going unopened. Actually, scratch that. It’s getting opened, every one in the stack tried on, thrown on the chair and then drawer slammed closed while I head for the tanks that live one drawer above.

I used to be the queen of the t-shirt + fun pant. What is happening!? It took me a minute, to sit with this feeling of non-stellar-outfit-dom, but I figured it out. And it turns out, my cooling on t-shirts is actually about pants. Always comes back to the pants!!

Bottoms are getting bigger! Culottes. Horseshoe jeans. Slouchy mens chinos. Bermuda shorts. Column skirts. And with that, we need some skin to not feel swallowed and shlumpy. The simple, classic tee feels a bit too heavy (or uninspired?) with these more dramatic bottoms at the moment. Not a match. I need more dynamism! And since I’m not about to break out spaghetti straps to accomplish what feels more like a complete outfit…I still have s*@# to do after all and I need to wear a bra!… I have found the answer to be nothing more than ditching sleeves alltogether.

So this week, five fantastic muscle tanks and some ideas of how to pair them. And by muscle tank, I am referring to those sleeveless tees that come all the way out to the shoulder that leave ample room for underthings. Thank god. Can we please be done with those tanks that nip in at the shoulder socket making bras impossible!? Who are these for!? Ok, let me collect myself.

The Banana Republic Vintage Cotton Muscle Tank

The tank that I’ve been wearing the most these days is not vintage, as its name would suggest, but this new style from Banana Republic. I got it at the same time I ordered my White Lotus jacket, which I’m still laughing about…but loving?

It is a little bit boxy, cut just right to tuck or not tuck as I please. And obviously, I can beat the crap out of it and feel not one twinge of guilt. aka it’s on SALEEEEE.

The Banana Republic tank (size small) tucked into black flared pants (old Chloe TRR find) but Callas and Argent are competing for the best flares at the moment. Something about seeing full arm is so lengthening with a full pant. Good balance for seeing not a sliver of leg.

It’s boxiness also helps with a teensy weensy skirt making me not feel too bare. The tank with an Alaia mini which still has limited sizing sprinkled around the web but how great is this little Theory version!? Souer sandals and a Proenza bag

Kule Tank in Poppy/Cream

Not a new style but a color combo that is calling me right now. I really am enjoying this one mismatched. I have an urge to make these stripes feel haphazard. It certainly aligns with my 2025 vacation mood: “throw it all on!”

The Kule tank in a size small with Me+Em engineer pants (size 6, more on these next week!), Souer sandals (oh and these too!) and Alex Mill tote (available May 7, Ill come back and link when I see it.)

The tank with a Prada silk wrap in pink/red floral. Extremely unmatched with the white/orange stripes, but just so great!!!! Some other great looking silk floral column skirts here and here.

OMG Literary Sport AGAIN!? 🫣

I’m a broken record at this point. But its not everyday you wear everything you order straight out of the box for weeks on end. They are really onto something there. This icy blue tank is a soft stretchy cotton that will hopefully keep us moisture-wicked all summer. And the color is just so pretty. (*As of Sunday morning it mostly sold out, but it is being restocked within two weeks, I am assured.)

The Literary Sport tank (size small) with Studio Nicholson pants and Giuliva Heritage sandals that I bought at a trunk show and cannot find online. How about these? I’m wearing an Araks bra underneath because I wanted to show a frilly bra outline underneath, the idea being that I don’t want it to look too smooth…think of it as a much more tame version of Miu Miu FW25.

Is it giving Bonjour Tristesse?? Prepping for a mediterranean summer in body and spirit. The Literary Sport tank with a Susamusa skirt, Spanx boyshorts and a single strand of beads.

Auralee Sheer Tank

Of course Auralee thought of every detail. This high neck, perfect shade of sports car red tank is just opaque enough to not need an under layer but incredibly sexy in it’s finishings: raw/unfinished edges, incredibly soft (100%) cotton and a double layer to make it cling just so.

Auralee tank (size 1) with the most vintage-passing levi I have ever tried from the brand. They look nothing like they do online, its insane. Highly recommend. I’m wearing a 26 x 30 here, but also bought a 27…more on the whole figuring out your jean size thing in two (maybe three) weeks, its going to be a fun one. Margaux sandals which I believe will be restocked. These are also cool. (This one has the Negative Sieve bra in mesh underneath for a cleaner look).

And not as a tank at all! With my favorite summer suit by Lafayette 148 and the Khaite sandals of dreams.

Proenza Schouler White Label’s Bradley Top

Felt like we really got the point after four straightforward tanks, so giving us a little wild card for our fifth and final. This papery thin cotton (with a hint of stretch) sleeveless knit tank is so fab. The fit is blousy but not bulky. The neck and shoulders have a nice little gathered element that makes it not feel flat and the hem looks good both worn over or tucked. She’s simply easy to wear, and feels fully dressed without needing to think at all about layering.

Proenza’s Bradley top (size small) with a mismatched skirt. Jimmy Choo slingbacks from last summer (but the Khaites would also be fun here!) and layered necklaces: Dorsey cord and Irene Neuwirth opals (but also love JiaJia beads!)

This to me is the spring mood. Done up, just a little. Vintage (inspired) jeans some necklaces and a perfectly city-acceptable sandal. Finito!

And a Runner Up

Flore Flore must be mentioned in this mix. Their tops are fitted as can be (size up if you don’t want skin tight) and their weight slightly heavier to make up for it. Recently I’ve been paying attention to their deep V version with a strong curiosity. The V-neck is back after all. :)

Flore Flore V-neck tank

Happy skin season everyone. Until next week.

Yours TRULY,

Becky

And outdoor tennis season to those who celebrate! <3 In my fresh kit that you will see me in twice weekly, scarfing down a granola bar running to make it before the bell. Skirt is Spence. First new court kicks in seven years (my feet are soooooo happy!) Danish Endurance socks and Revo polarized forever!!!!!!