The One Summer Basic That Will Go With Everything You Own

Isn't it nice when the fashion crowd decides to champion a style that's practical, versatile and budget-friendly? Well, our prayers have been answered this season with the return of a '90s fave: the tank top. I know—the last time you wore a tank, you were either at the gym or 15, but this throwback look has seriously upped the ante for 2019 and is looking pretty damn good for its age.

Forget the saggy, ill-fitting iterations of the past—the new styles are sleek, sophisticated, and nothing but grown-up. In all honesty, it took us a while to get on board with the idea of revisiting this teen staple, but the more we saw our favourite influencers adopting the look, the more convinced we became on the tank top's versatility and fashion kudos.

The key uniting factor in tank top styling seems to be balancing out the slim-fit silhouette with high-waisted, looser fit bottoms. Think tailored trousers, straight-leg jeans, flowy midi skirts and even cargo trousers (yes, really). If nothing else, this trend will be a godsend during a heatwave—you'll thank yourself when you're stuck on a sweaty tube this weekend. Scroll down to see and shop our favourite tank top outfits.

Tank Top + Tailored Trousers + Colour-Pop Heels

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(Image credit: @tamumcpherson)

Style Notes: Tamu is giving us smart summer workwear vibes with this elegant getup. We like the mix of khaki and beige alongside a pop of lime green. Perfect for a sweat-free commute.

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Tank Top + Straight-Leg Jeans + Printed Mules

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: Trust a Parisian to wear such a simple outfit pairing and make it look so chic. A pair of high-waisted jeans combined with a white tank top will make your legs look longer and your waist smaller. Make like Camille and finish with printed mules and a gold chain.

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Tank Top + Matching Shorts

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(Image credit: @katherine_ormerod)

Style Notes: If you're off on your hols, take your day dressing cues from Katherine Ormerod who looks the picture of sophistication in a tonal tank top and shorts pairing. Accessorise with a waist-cinching belt and sunnies.

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Tank Top + Printed Midi + Heeled Sandals

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Ellie from Slip Into Style is officially our summer in the city muse, and our latest outfit crush has to be this printed-midi–and–white-vest look. Keep it cool with gold hoops and this season's heeled flip-flops. 

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Tank Top + Cargo Trousers

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(Image credit: @ropesofholland)

Style Notes: Who knew cargo trousers would become such a stylish staple for the fashion elite? Lindsey makes her stone-coloured pair look super polished with a black racer tank, gold hoops and luxe sandals.

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Up Next: Here's How I Turned My 3 Favourite Pairs of Jeans Into 9 Perfect Summer Outfits