7 Things That Make a Basic Tank Look Exceptionally Cool

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

No matter how many buzzy new trends summer 2020 may be giving us, there are plenty of reliable seasonal staples we haven't given up on (nor do we plan to). Despite this summer looking different than last year (or maybe because of it), a renewed emphasis is being given to these forever style staples and if you ask us, there's one that stands apart from the rest. Basic tank tops like the ribbed and racer neck iterations that are currently trending are arguably the most important staples to own, and since we've already done a number of stories on how and where to shop for them, today's focus is all about styling ideas.

You're probably thinking that, yes, obviously you already have one (or several) in rotation, so here's how to wear a tank top in the most summer 2020 way. Fashion girls are all about a few trendier pieces to pair with their tanks that give them a fresh feel, from accessories like chain necklaces to styling tricks like draping a sweater over your shoulders. Ahead, discover the seven things they're wearing to make even the most basic of tanks look exceptionally cool.

All the Necklaces

Plain tank tops may be plain on their own, but they also make a great canvas for all your accessories. One of the easiest ways to add style to yours is by adding on a few stacked chains or one bold necklace.

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Wide-Leg Pants

Pro tip: You don't have to spend much on a tank top for it to look like you did. Tuck it into a pair of high-rise, wide-leg jeans or trousers (opt for a bodysuit to get that perfect tuck) and finish it off with sandals or sneakers, depending on your mood.

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Drape a Sweater Over Your Shoulders

The "sweater drape" styling trick is a quick and easy way to make your basics look more current, whether you throw on a chunky knit over your shoulder or tie one diagonally over one shoulder.

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'90s Accessories

Strappy sandals! Shoulder bags! Slip skirts! So many of the hallmark trends from the '90s work flawlessly with a basic white tank.

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Briefs

Fashion girls have recently invented a new kind of outfit trend that's ideal for lounging around in, and it involves a simple tank and briefs, one of the summer's most unexpected trends to emerge.

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Bucket Hats

While summer 2020 is seeing brand new trends, there's a handful that have stuck around from years past, bucket hats being one of them. This summer, though, punchy colors and eye-catching prints are updating the hat and—you guessed it—basic tank tops easily complete the look with shorts and sandals.

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Sweatshorts

This one may be the last, but it's a personal favorite. Sweatshorts and sporty drawstring shorts are trending hard this summer. When thrown on with a tank and sneakers, it's the casual outfit I find myself wearing on repeat these days.

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Next up, eight trendy new basic that are just *chef's kiss.*

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.