I consider my routine dashes to the men’s section to be thrilling excursions. Rummaging through the graphic t-shirts and cotton and linen button ups is a pleasurable, dopamine boosting adventure for me. The main attraction for me in the men's section is plainly two of my favorite shopping adjectives; inexpensive and versatile. They are the boyfriend jean of tank tops. My guilty pleasure is a pack of men’s basic ribbed tanks, especially at a discounted price. They quickly became a staple in my closet because of the ease.
If I'm in a rush and need a no-brainer, cute outfit I will throw on a men’s tank first and the rest will fall into place. Incorporating a tank top into your outfit formula has an effortless allure. Tank tops bring a sort of poetic justice to the "KISS" method when getting dressed. They seamlessly offer a blank canvas for the imagination to run wild. I feel like men's tanks add a care-free point of view to your closet repertoire. There is an undeniable appeal in adding this unassuming piece to your ensemble. The spirit of "I'm rocking my man's shirt and still look snatched," is playfully amusing.
I have reclaimed and renamed this closet staple simply because the infamous term for it has never been my cup of tea. So how does a plain men’s tank evolve into a “husband keeper”? It really doesn't take much. That's the magic. It's as easy and simplistic as wearing it backwards for a mock neck look. But why stop there? Here are a few ways to elevate your tanks.
1. A Statement Necklace
We are heavily emphasizing "keeping it simple, sweetie". A “no effort”, quick tank top elevation hack is popping on a statement necklace. You get extra brownie points for wearing a monochrome ensemble for a sleek look. And even extra cool points for the level of chunkiness of the necklace. Chunky necklaces help to eliminate negative space and compliment a plain tank flawlessly. Think of chunky necklaces furnished with colorful beads, oversized pendants, or intricate designs that instantly draw attention. I love how chunky necklaces can encapsulate the essence of different aesthetics. The necklace above is really my mom’s vintage belt that I love to wear around my neck. Paired with a white tank, I feel that it captures a perfect collaboration between 90s runway shows and your favorite 2000s rapper.
2. Embellishments
This is where the fun begins. I love taking earrings or brooches and acting like I’m on an episode of “Pimp My Tank”. I opt for gold embellishments; especially vintage because candidly they make me feel ritzy. I tend to take a minimalistic approach when embellishing but I am an advocate for going all the way in. What I love about this approach is it doesn’t take much but the possibilities are endless. The above earring that I used is from Home By Areeayl. It is quite heavy for my ears so I am glad that I found a way to repurpose them. You can change out the pictures in them; how cool is that? Wouldn't you love to wear a picture of your loved ones or your dog on your tank? The customization opportunities in tank tops are unparalleled.
3. Strap Placement
Another thing I love about “husband keepers” is that you can have many top silhouettes in one. The long straps leave you with a lot of room to play. My favorite silhouette to create is pulling both straps to one side or crossing the straps at the center-front. It brings a feminine touch to your not-so-basic men’s tank. You can jazz it up by joining the straps with a brooch and voila; you have a statement top.
4. A Maxi/Mini Skirt
A maxi or mini skirt + a tank top = an outfit formula that can never go wrong. A skirt is a great tool to use to feminize a men's tank. A mini skirt is so flirty and fun; it takes the tank top from demure to delectable. In my opinion, I feel that a maxi denim skirt can elevate any outfit. It adds a retro flare that I just can't get enough of. This is another easy option that will have you dressed in no time.
5. Monochrome It
You can never go wrong with a monochromatic outfit. Pulling on a pair of pants that match yo.ur tank top gives off a nice sleek look. A monochrome pairing sets the perfect tone for color play, layering and accessorizing. If you’re looking for a cohesive, pulled together look, monochrome is the way to go. Monochrome outfits are the epitome of chic simplicity. By sticking to one color palette, you create a seamless and elongated silhouette. A white “husband keeper” with white slacks would be perfect for an all white party. Don’t forget to embellish for added zing and enjoyment
6. Size up and Dress it up
One of my favorite things to do is buy extra-large men’s tanks and wear them as dresses. Wearing a men's tank as a dress to me screams Mya in her jersey dress or Carrie Bradshaw in her mini dress. Don't we all love to be the main character? I mostly like to wear them around the house because I like to look cute while lounging. You can wear a slip underneath for security. My dream is to have a sundress length “ husband keeper” because I live for a long dress.
7. Wear It Inside-Out
This might be controversial but I love for the label of my tank top to show, especially if it brings the outfit together. I am #TeamEclectic and truly enjoy having fun with my clothes. I like to match the color of the label with the accents of my outfit. It enhances the continuity of the outfit. Embrace the inside-out trend by showcasing the tank's seams and labels as part of your outfit. This adds an unexpected twist and highlights the craftsmanship of the piece.
Are you feeling the inside-out look?
Yes, #TeamEclectic
Nah
There are so many ways to elevate simple, inexpensive items. We at TRAPATES are balling on a budget and have a blast doing it. To bring it all together, all of these tips can be combined to construct a masterpiece on your cotton canvas. Don't sleep on a "husband keeper's" ability to have you dressed in a New York minute. With a bit of creativity and a few key accessories, your wardrobe staples can transform into standout pieces.
Check out the "Husband Keeper" Playlist above for some tune's that remind me of the infamous closet staple. Ciao!
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