15 best tank tops to shop, plus ways to wear them

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The humble vest top is summer's MVP

If there's a summer style staple that you can swear by it's a tank top. Often referred to as a 'basic' in our wardrobes, we're not convinced that term does this humble top justice.

I recently watched the film Emily the Criminal, mostly because it stars Aubrey Plaza - who I've been fangirling since Parks & Rec and of course, the latest series of The White Lotus - and found myself obsessed by Aubrey's character's uniform of a simple tank top and jeans combo.

A film about a lost millennial with bucketloads of student debt who goes on to commit credit card fraud, I was a little surprised to be so inspired by her wardrobe, but with an array of slick, arm-bearing vests in muted colours, including a grey marl tank and pale blue strappy vest, not only did she have the kick-ass vibe of a modern day Lara Croft but also that enviable laidback cool-girl look; effortlessly thrown together without the air of trying too hard.

That's the beauty of the tank top - also known as a vest top to us Brits - it's extremely versatile. Whether you opt for spaghetti straps or thicker straps, or the crewneck camisole iteration, you are guaranteed endless wears out of this sleeveless top.

A good place to start is the timeless white tank top, because hey, you can't beat a classic, right? Just look to style muse Hailey Bieber at this year's Coachella festival. A plain white vest paired with baggy blue denim and this minimalist look has been topping the Cosmo office's festival outfit inspo since (here we come Glasto). Or, revert your minds back to Prada's AW22 show last year that had Kaia Gerber and Euphoria's Hunter Schafer open and close the runway show in simple white tanks and textured midi-skirts.

But equally, we've noticed a whole host of colourful styles hitting the high street too, as well as structured shapes and alternative fabrics. When you find the one, you'll be stocking up in every colourway.

Now, you can rock a tank a la Hailes and Hunter, letting the top take centre stage, or if you're looking to inject a new lease of life into your summer workwear wardrobe a tank top can be the perfect base layer to build an outfit. Play down a silky slip dress by wearing a contrasting vest with thicker straps underneath, or pair with a lightweight blazer; a great choice for sweltering days at the office. Both make for great day-to-evening outfits, too, adding a bold lip for a 'high low' look.

To channel a more casual daytime vibe wear with a button down shirt and shorts for sunny Saturdays in the park or use a tank top to dial down a loud trou or statement skirt. They can also be an ideal solution to combat a see through top situation.

If you're as convinced as we are on the affordable top that'll, literally, go with everything in your wardrobe, here are our top picks of tank tops and vests to shop on the high street. Plus, with forecasts looking promising and we're finally heading into summer what better time to free the arms and get some rays on those limbs.

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