Welcome to the second post of the series: Basics…Anything But! I’m finding that this is challenging me even more than usual to think outside the typical fashion “norms”…and that’s just fun! I mean, who really needs to be bored with their clothes?! Today I present to you a simple grey tank top. Pretty standard. Nothing super exciting about it. However, it’s a piece that can transform into many different things…if you just give it a try! Now obviously, you’re going to make these looks your own and you may use a different top with a different fit to make these looks different. But let me tell you about the top that I used just so you have an idea of what to look for if this is something you need to add to your wardrobe!
THE TANK TOP: This is a Rag and Bone tank top. I know what you’re thinking…did you actually spend THAT MUCH MONEY on a TANK TOP? Oh heck no! I went to Off Fifth (which is my total go-to for basics now…it’s similar to a Nordstrom Rack, but the Off Fifth is closer to where I live than one of those!)
FIT: For these specific looks, choose a top that is shorter (not like one of those long tanks that covers your booty)…one that hits just below where your normal jeans waistband starts. Also, you want to choose one that is a bit loose, so that it will layer nicely and do what you want to do with it instead of showing all the lumps and bumps of the fabric folds underneath!
FABRIC: I chose to buy a nicer top because I wanted a good layering piece to add to all my weird stuff! Look for a thicker fabric with a good amount of stretch in it. A good quality stretchy fabric will hang just right and won’t cling in all the wrong places when you’re playing around with layering.
Let’s get started! Obviously, the color of the tank top isn’t important…I just picked grey because it’s a good neutral. You could use black, white, tan, or even a bolder color if you want to get crazy!
KIMONO KRAZY
This is kind of one of those “wait…what are you wearing?” looks, but in a totally chillaxed way. It’s not SO weird that people will stare…it’s interesting without being bizarre.





Now CLEARLY, you could wear the tank top underneath the kimono/robe like a NORMAL person, but who needs normal right? :) The nice thing about this look is that you can use any kimono (as long as it has the right sleeves and isn’t a dolman shape), and the tank top will cover everything that needs to be covered if it’s a sheer or lace style! I added the bolo and the skinny jeans/boots combo to keep it basic, but still interesting!
THRIFTY TIP: Kimonos can be pricey! The BEST places to find them is in the thrift stores in the lingerie section OR if you don’t seem to be finding what you’re looking for, try HERE…you will find a definite variety of prices, but plenty of good beautiful options for in the $20 range. Three Bird Nest has one that is gorgeous and under $50…multiple color options so take a look!
SWAP IT OUT: Change the skinny jeans or leggings for bell bottoms! Make it even more interesting! Also, the lace/crochet kimono swapped out for a solid will change the look and be a beautiful layering piece.
CRAFTY DIY: If you don’t have a bolo, you can easily go to the craft store and buy some leather laces and make a wrap style necklace. A large bead can tie it together kind of like a bolo. Here’s an idea of a wrap necklace so you get the picture. They’re also not that expensive on that site so if you’re not in a crafty mood, you’ll be covered :)
GOOD GIRL GONE ROGUE
This look is a little bit preppy, a little bit western, and a little bit bad girl…all wrapped up into one! The combination of the pearls, plaid, destroyed denim, and clogs, makes for quite an interesting ensemble!


So in this look, the tank top basically becomes a vest, much like in the kimono look. It just keeps it interesting, and hey, why not??
THRIFTY TIP: Plaid tops are plentiful! The BEST places to find them are in the men’s section of wherever you are! Target, Old Navy, Cotton On…these are all very inexpensive places to find things similar to what you’d see at J Crew, but at a better price point. If you’re small enough, the boy’s section will also suffice! Pearls are a GREAT thrifting/yard saling item. All you really need to do is find a few strands and layer them up to get a more rock and roll look…as opposed to a single strand which is much more preppy and girly.
SWAP IT OUT: Switch out the plaid for a striped, floral, or paisley button down. OR find something kind of kitschy and cute, like a button down with pineapples or cats on it. Also, clogs are not a necessity for this look, I just liked how they added a little bit of interest. Wedges, booties, or even heels would be very cute.
CRAFTY DIY: Don’t have destroyed jeans? There are TONS of tutorials on YouTube on how to distress your own denim. Mostly what’s required are scissors, a washing machine, and a dryer. You’ll be good to go!
FLIP IT AND REVERSE IT
OBVIOUSLY this tank top works well as an “under” piece! I LOVE wearing flannels and button downs like light jackets, so this is a great way to “cowgirl” it up!





All I did was reverse the tank top and plaid, add a choker and cowboy boots! TOTALLY different look!
THRIFTY TIP: Cowboy boots are a good item to thrift, OR keep an eye on Poshmark for really great deals! Sign up for an account and it will save your size so all you’ll see when you look is the size you want! You can also make lower offers on Poshmark, so don’t hesitate to try it out!
SWAP IT OUT: Again, switch the plaid out for something more preppy like stripes or floral and swap the boots for wedges or heels! Instantly a different look!
CRAFTY DIY: Make your own choker! Mine is made by a FABULOUS woman and I love it, so if you want to buy one, definitely support this lady (it comes in white too!). If you want to make your own, all you need is a piece of ribbon, tie it on…get some leather laces, braid them into a single braid, tie it on. EASY!
VINTAGE MASH UP
I’m a major fan of the vintage slip. I think it’s one of the most versatile pieces you can own, so all you really need for this look is one of those and a belt for the most part!


All I did was put the vintage slip underneath the tank top and belt it. I made sure the lace was sticking out the top because I like how that looks and I added a denim vest because I’m a sucker for a good vest!!
THRIFTY TIP: GO THRIFT A VINTAGE SLIP! Or heck, Poshmark is loaded with them, and a lot of them right around $10! Denim vests/jackets/shirts are also plentiful on the vintage/second hand circuit…I have never needed to buy one of them new! Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll find them! Belts are also a good thing to keep your eye out for at your local thrift stores. The great ones are a little more rare, but you will most likely get lucky if you keep looking!
SWAP IT OUT: If you don’t have a vintage slip (but you ARE going to go get one right?? :)) you can totally put any dress under this tank to change the look up. You can EVEN layer one with sleeves under it and get more of the vest look out of your tank! Try a floral summer dress or even a fancier lace gown could become more of an everyday piece if you layer it like this!
CRAFTY DIY: Make yourself a cool choker…this one is handmade by PrickliePear. If you don’t have a decent belt, get a great strip of fabric or thick ribbon at a craft store and tie a cute little bow instead of using a leather belt. That’ll add a sweet and creative little aspect to your outfit!
Now go TRY IT OUT! I think there are probably a million and one more ways to layer a basic tank top…so if you got more ideas, please share them!!
HAPPY WEDNESDAY!
Katy