How To Style is BACK and I couldn’t be more excited to partner with my dear friend Emily to share 8 ways to style one of our serious summer wardrobe staples: a neutral knit sweater tank. I’m sharing my four looks here, and she’s sharing hers over on her blog and then we’re both doing a virtual style session over on Instagram! You can find me here and her here.
A little backstory – I actually started following Emily before Purely Nora was even a thing! Elsa sent me one of her posts and I was immediately drawn to her effortless and sophisticated style, her love for all things green and monochromatic, her easy vegetarian recipes and, of course, her similar sense of humor! I always turn to Emily for style inspo so it’s especially fun to collaborate and share a piece we both own and love aka this neutral sweater tank.
Emily and I both bought this sweater earlier this season and it has since become a staple in both of our wardrobes! If you’re thinking – Nora, that sounds silly – a sweater and a tank? Why not just pick one? I hear you. But here’s your answer: because when you combine them you get the best of both worlds. You get the coziness of a sweater but the breathability of a tank! This one is a cotton blend knit in a heavier weave, so it’s structured but soft, put together but comfortable. When I wear it I’m not too hot or too cold but just right. It’s basically a Goldilocks solution to summer! A few other fun features: the square neckline adds a lovely sophistication and the thick straps mean you can wear a regular bra! Praise. Be.
For reference, I’m a 2-4 in tops and am wearing a small, which is my normal size at J.Crew. Also, even if you don’t have this exact piece in your closet, as always my hope with this series is that these looks give you some tips, inspiration and encouragement to approach your own wardrobe with a fresh eye!
And now, the looks!
CASUAL SUMMER STAPLES
I love that this sweater tank is structured but not clingy or super fitted so it can easily be dressed up or down – a great quality for a summer top! This is my easy, casual look that – let’s be honest – has been on REPEAT this season while we’ve been home bound. That being said, by pairing it with easy separates (aka these linen paper bag shorts) in a similar color palette, I look put together but still feel like I’m wearing pajamas (my ultimate goal). I added my favorite shorts and slides to complete the look.
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FEMININE FRONT TUCK
This is another one of my favorite combos this summer! When I have a more structured top, I like to add some contrast with the bottom, like with this flowy, floral and feminine linen skirt. It’s fairly fitted and has a super fun front slit (similar here). Typically when I wear a skirt, I’ll tuck my top in. Buuuut what’s a girl to do when she’s wearing a heavier knit sweater tank? Utilize the front tuck, of course! Here’s what to do: while the sweater is untucked, I pinch the front center with my thumb on top and pull just that section under the front of my waistband. Then I fluff it out a bit on the sides and…voila! I instantly feel more polished. I paired this look with espadrilles (less expensive here) and a denim jacket (more style options here) for a fun going out look. Here’s hoping we have more opportunities for that soon!
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UNEXPECTED LAYERS
Speaking of layers – I think there’s a misconception that when layering you have to put the heavier layer on top. This tank is a heavier knit but because it’s sleeveless and not bulky at all, I can easily throw a button down tunic over it! Adding a blue striped tunic (similar here) gives the look more dimension, texture and elongates my torso! Plus, because the button down is so lightweight, I’m able to stay cool when the temps are decidedly not 😉 I could even tie the tunic in front! I added my fave white denim mini and white sneaks. I love that this look is a bit borrowed from the boys and a bit unexpected!
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BOSS BABE
This look is basically Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give and The First Wives Club – which I know Emily will appreciate! You cannot go wrong with white denim in the summer, but I figured I’d spice things up a bit with my version of a summer “suit”. IMO actual suits can be kind of stuffy and remind me of Law and Order SVU, so this denim + blazer combo is a chic but comfortable option that works whether you’re out and about or back at the office. This pair of denim is so good – I love a classic straight leg with a proper high rise and a touch of stretch (they run large, I sized down 1-2 sizes). My blazer is old, but I love the cut of this one too. I added my go-to neutral cork slides (on sale!) to keep the focus on the sweater.
FUN FACT: I am dying to wear a monochromatic suit sans shirt for my next big event, but that’s a story for another time
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BONUS LOOK: SPORTY SPICE
Did you really think I could not include biker shorts!? I wasn’t going to post this here, but I’ve been living in everything pictured and figured this would be the easiest place to share links! Because the tank is so comfortable it easily works with an athleisure vibe – I utilized the front tuck again to pair it with my fave biker shorts (they are actually high rise) a baseball cap, a fanny pack and comfy sneaks in a similar color palette.
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Okay now tell me, which one is your fave? And don’t forget to head over to Instagram to get the full scoop, fun commentary and Emily’s looks!
ICYMI
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