June 14, 2021
No, you do NOT have to show your bare arms! But I often find that the most useful garment in my suitcase might be a simple tank top – it can replace a sweaty pajama top, or serve as a layer under something that has too much “show through,” or it can bring a sliver of color to an outfit – I’ve even worn one over a button-front shirt as a vest!
In all modesty, my arms are still pretty glossy, but that doesn’t mean that I want to share them with the world…
And sleeveless does not necessarily equal tank top!
Sleeveless no-iron shirt – Lands’ End; earrings – Rivka Friedman; denim shirt – L.L.Bean; heritage olive green Tencel pants – Banana Republic; sandals – Bueno
I have 2 sleeveless button-front tops that I’ve had for years – black and white dotted, and black and white striped… I wear them under a light black cardigan and they’re just right…
If you want to break up the long line of color in a dress, and wear it with more than a few buttons open, a neutral top can be the answer:
Linen shirtdress – J.Crew; necklace – Chico’s; tank top – L.L.Bean; tote – Poppy & Sage; espadrilles – Castaner
A sleeveless top and shorts can be perfect when the weather is hot, and then when evening approaches, it’s not too bulky to wear under a pretty print shirt:
Cream tank – L.L.Bean; cotton voile shirt – J.Crew; shorts – L.L.Bean; freshwater pearl bracelet – J.Crew; sneakers – Vince
Maybe you have a neutral “suit” like this – a matching shirt and pants or skirt. You can, of course, wear any color jacket or sweater OVER these pieces, but don’t forget the potential of different tops UNDER your shirt. Imagine black, white, light blue, lime green?
Pink tank top – L.L.Bean; earrings – Talbots; linen shirt – J.Crew; linen pants – J.Crew; sandals – Nine West; tote – Chico’s
Maybe you want to wear black accessories with your checked dress, but you feel that they look too heavy? A black top peeking out of your neckline can balance everything:
Cotton poplin gingham shirtdress – J.Crew; earrings – Affinity Diamond Jewelry; black tank top – L.L.Bean; bag – Eleanor Ofori London; espadrilles – Missguided
Here’s a linen “suit” that would be madly useful for all of those dressy-ish things that might come up this summer. Layer over pink, white, or another soft pastel, or wear with a lacy cardigan over…
Pink quartz earrings – Mystigold; pink cloud tank – J.Crew; icy orchid linen shirt – J.Crew; icy orchid linen skirt – J.Crew; bracelet – Talbots; sandals – Vince Camuto
For reference, and for new readers (welcome!), here’s the master list…
This subject might come from out of the blue, but I’m really eager to know what you all think of platform shoes. When I was looking at espadrilles for this post, many of them I saw had 5 inch heels and 3 inch platforms in the front. I really do NOT like being unable to sense the pavement under my feet, so I’m not a fan. But what do you think?
love,
Janice
p.s. Six years ago, we looked at the possibility of a Whatever’s Clean 13 wardrobe in navy, beige and GREEN!!!
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Great post Janice, I often wear a camisole under a dress for a pop of colour and to cover my modesty.
I’m with you on the platform soles, I much prefer feeling some contact with the floor – especially negotiating steps/ stairs – or pedals when driving.
My days of heels are long gone and I’ve tried thicker soles with little success.
I think platform shoes give you the height if you need/want it without the negative issues (bad for your feet & posture) that high heels give. I cannot wear them, but have seen some that I would have liked to wear. I do love wedges.
I often layer as my work environment tends to be on the cool side. I wear sleeveless tops under other tops, and sometimes over tops – mixing prints even. I find platforms difficult to drive in. I can’t “feel” the pedals. Also, I have a tendency – depending on the shoe – to step “off” of them, and don’t need the the aggravation of a twisted ankle!
I like the idea of wearing a tank under a dress, but sometimes they “bunch” or ride up at the waist. Any solutions to that issue? And, I don’t mind a small platform, but 3 inches is overkill!
Might be too much information, but I will tuck a tee shirt into my Skimmies to keep it in place!
hugs,
Janice
Hi Ladies, I highly recommend the No-Yank tanks from Duluth Trading. They are available in thin strap or wider strap – available with built in shelf bra (I use those for sleeping) and they are longer and don’t ride up!
I enjoy wearing sleeveless tops in summer, although it’s usually at home wear. Being retired, I have plenty of that. I have those llbean tanks, but I wear them under shirts in winter for warmth. For some strange reason I thought we started fall WTW today. I must pay attention. As to platforms or wedges…. I loved them 30 years ago but I don’t know about now. I have seen some low wedges that I have been tempted to try. I would be interested in seeing how they would work in a casual wardrobe.
I’m not crazy about showing my upper arms either, but sleeveless tops and tanks are a staple here in steamy Arkansas. I often wear a tank with a short sleeved button shirt open over it, or a light, 3/4 sleeve jersey cardigan. When I go into stores the topper goes on. I take it off in car until the AC kicks in or even the parking lot if the day is hot enough. I also wear sleeveless button tops open over a t-shirt that might be too clingy to wear on its own. That also comes off in the hot car.
I wear camisoles as an extra layer in changeable weather and when its too warm for thermals. have a whole array of different colours. However, I was so confident that summer had finally arrived, I didn’t pack one last weekend. The temperature plummeted overnight on Thursday and it was cold and wet on Friday. I could have done with a camisole as a warm layer. However, the temperature soared on Saturday and Sunday. So out came my sleeveless maxi dresses.
Lesson learnt: always pack a camisole. I might have been cooler at night too. I like the pink and beige outfit best with the all pink a close second.
I’m not a platform or flatform fan either. I sprained my ankle several times wearing them.
Beth T
Happy belated Birthday! Hope you enjoyed it.
Thank you. We visited several beautiful gardens and coastal villages in Wales. We also did some style spotting, just for fun.
I was quite content with everything I packed though a camisole would have been a better choice than the t-shirt I packed but didn’t wear!
Classic British weather! Although I’ve been enjoying the rain the last few days (and feeling bad for wishing Summer gone so soon). Sounds like a lovely trip :)
I love my sleeveless button front tops and have tanks in more colours than any other item in my closet. They are the most versatile items I own, thanks to your blog.
As to the platforms. Wore them extensively in my younger years but, like many of my peers, twisted ankles were a common problem. I like the low wedges in summer sandals though.
Tucking the T into skimmers/bike shorts/etc. is actually a brilliant tip! One of my favorite use cases of a tank top is wearing under a fitted cardigan. I started doing this when I discovered that my Target cardigans were tight enough in the arms that wearing a sleeved top under them resulted in bunching and a feeling of constriction (Target’s skinny cardigan arms is legendary). I loved that combination and now will wear a tank top under a cardigan in the transition seasons.
In the summer, I like to wear a tank top under an open weave cardigan, short-sleeved cardigan, or button up shirt worn as a jacket. I am not a fan of the sleeveless button up shirt, though; for me, it doesn’t layer under things very happily and it’s very hard to get a good fit (especially around the armhole).
Maybe I’m just tall enough (5′ 8″) that I’m not attracted to the height-boosting quality of platforms, and like others have mentioned, I dislike the instability of them. Also aesthetically, I’m not a fan of bulky-looking shoes in general.
Well, this is interesting! I’ve been following you for years and have really enjoyed and learned from your work. The one exception has been your general choice in shoes, which usually seem so impractical, because they are SO LOW TO THE GROUND! Very often uppers are practically touching the ground because the soles are so low (ballet flats would be the extreme example) ; mine would be ruined in a couple of wearings, and they give me no protection from the heat of the asphalt.
My other issue— and this is personal to me— is that my Achilles tendon has been torn and I’m now just more comfortable with at least a bit of a heel.
So for me, the perfect shoe has a sole that puts the upper an inch off the ground in the front, and three inches off the ground at the heel. Clogs and mules are often made this way, and I can find sturdy Mary Janes like like this, too.
Anyway, espadrilles have their own problems (the sole of the shoe is so fragile), and of course the ones you described are pretty extreme, but it did help me understand that not everyone agrees on what makes a shoe practical.
I should note that it’s never really bothered me. I figured we just had different tastes in shoes and it’s easy enough to just translate my own shoes into the amazing little wardrobes you treat us to three times a week
The balance and white gingham shirt dress is a wonderful piece. I see a wardrobe workhorse there for those of you who wear black. I hoped I might find it in another color. (I always check!)
As for the platforms..been there, done that, hated it. Unless you really need that style and love it, platforms might end up in the back of your closet after summer ends, if they last that long. And my orthopedic surgeon friends would recommend burning them. ;-)
I wear my tank tops year round as base layers and pops of color under sweaters and shirts. They are by far – the item that I have the most of.
I don’t platform heels at all. I bought one pair a few years ago and discovered I walk awkwardly in them. It’s difficult to step heel-toe and I sort of “clomped” when wearing them – so that was a No.
Kudos to all of you ladies that can walk gracefully in platform shoes!
I’m on my second sleeveless, button-up white blouse from Talbots, after finally wearing a hole in my first. I’ve found it very versatile in most seasons, wearing under cotton or wool cardigans and v necks to the office or just “out and about.” I like a little platform and a smallish heel on my summer sandals, but would not take traveling. I’m such a klutz that I can step on a pebble and fall over!
Living in a hot climate, I am a fan of sleeveless tops, but collared ones just don’t seem to work for me. I tend to layer with a button down shirt more often so a tank works better. My favorite pair of sandals are by Spring Step and are a 3 inch heel with a one inch platform. So much more comfortable for me than flat ones. But . . . In 8th grade, I had two toned purple saddle style shoes that were platform. Hey, it was the 70s! They literally ruined my feet and I have been extremely particular about shoe comfort ever since. BTW, I bought the Bzees shoes from a few posts back and they are very comfortable.
My orthopedic surgeon told me I need a 2″ (not higher) heel to compensate for a congenital birth defect in my foot, however, I am not terribly stable and have been known to twist my ankle in sneakers. The idea, therefore, of being 3″ above the ground, where your foot is destabilized, is terrifying since I’ve broken many bones through the years (adding to the instability). I know my situation is pretty extreme, but any shoe that destabilizes you is an accident waiting to happen, although most people can balance much better than I.
No platforms for me! If Chuck Taylor’s (Converse sneakers) had support and comfort, they would be my signature shoe. But alas, such is not the case. I am always drawn to the olive wardrobes because of the shoes. I do not know why designers believe people who live in blue would not like shoes that are of a certain style.
Great post with terrific ideas for variety in the heat. Platforms…wore them in high school in the 70’s and thought they were great. These days they are a fall risk and off the menu. I once saw a lovely young lady wearing a pair of VERY expensive designer platforms clomping across a parking lot looking for all the world like a crippled horse. And thought “if someone showed you a video of the way you walk in those shoes, you’d burn them, cost be d*%#med.”
I’m not a fan of platforms. I’m already nearly 6 feet tall and a platform is the last thing I need. It can be insanely frustrating. I don’t remember the last time I had espadrilles because of that.
Regarding tank tops, this is something I’m trying to remind myself to buy. I seem to have a mental block against buying them but I always wish I had them.
I’m late to the comment party but love to catch up with all the info. I wear a camisole 365 days a year so I have quite a few. I just think they kind of help smooth. The only time I don’t have one on is when wearing a full slip and with skimmies now that is rare. I have some summer sandels that have a thick sole not what I call a platform. Wear them a ton. Lift weights so I can wear sleeveless! I also do shorts. It’s just too hot here to not do that! Today’s high 95 plus humidity.
I find that a bit of a platform (about .5 inch) helps me feel more comfortable in shoes… I need the extra padding because extra weight makes the pavement unkind to my feet. And yes, love the sleeveless shirts under a light sweater or top… just have to make sure it covers enough so I can remove the sweater when the A/C goes down!