I am a proud, year-round proponent of tank tops. This is for several reasons: mainly given the fact that I run quite warm, but also because I like the sleek silhouette of a body-hugging shirt. I have, however, found myself frustrated with white tank tops—to the point where I avoided the staple piece for years. That was, until I finally figured out how to wear them.
My biggest gripe with white tanks is their sheerness. While I’m all for going braless, showing off my entire areola is just a bridge too far for me, personally. I also find wearing a nude bra under a white tank top so awkward; they almost never match, and in an attempt to be discreet, it only draws more attention to the fact that you tried—and failed—to foster some sense of modesty.
Before the naked dressing revolution that we’re experiencing now, breasts—and especially bras—felt like a big secret. Nobody was supposed to know you’re wearing one. What Victoria’s Secret Bombshell bra? My boobs naturally sit atop my sternum like two perfectly round, buoyant balloons!
My aha moment apropos of white tanks finally came when I realized that, instead of dancing around the fact that I’m wearing a bra, I had to lean all the way into it. So I went down to my nearest Target, bought a pack of Hanes boy’s XL undershirts, and threw one on over a black bralette I bought from Urban Outfitters in 2015. There’s an argument to be made that this combo encourages objectification. But I didn’t feel like I was objectifying myself, rather, defiant in my refusal to camouflage my body.
What I loved so much about the Carrie Bradshaw-esque look is the inherent contrast—not only between the colors, but the many ways to style it. I paired it with flowing boho maxi skirts, and jeans and leather jackets. I appreciated how something deemed a little bit trashy could look just as chic with something like my beautifully pleated Dries Van Noten midi skirt. I liked how it allowed me to still feel feminine and sexy even while wearing Dickie’s carpenter pants.
If you’re considering trying out the white tank over black bra, let this be your sign. Why bother wondering if people can see your nude bra that doesn’t even match your skin tone, when you can say eff it and wear something glaringly obvious. And no need to stop at black—A whole wheel of obnoxiously loud colors is at your fingertips.
